Things parents ask
If your question is not here, email hello@sallyspiano.com and Sally will answer it directly.
Do we need a piano at home?
Yes, you need something to practise on. A real piano is ideal, and a digital piano with weighted, touch-sensitive keys is a very good alternative. A keyboard without weighted keys is fine for the first few weeks to see whether your child takes to it, but it will hold them back once they progress, so if you are buying, it is worth getting that right from the start.
What age can a child start?
Most children are ready somewhere between five and seven. It depends less on age than on being able to sit and concentrate for a lesson, and on being able to follow simple instructions. If your child is younger and keen, the first meeting is the best way to find out.
Do you prepare students for exams?
Yes. Students are prepared for graded examinations and for eisteddfods and competitions, and many go down that path. It is never compulsory, and plenty of students never sit an exam at all.
How long are lessons?
Thirty minutes for beginners and younger children, which is about as long as concentration reliably holds. Forty-five minutes for intermediate students once pieces get longer. Sixty minutes for senior grades, exam preparation and adult students. Sally will recommend what suits your child at the first meeting rather than locking it in now.
How often are lessons?
Weekly, at a regular time. Weekly is what makes progress happen, so Sally does not generally take students on a fortnightly basis unless there is a good reason.
What happens if we have to miss a lesson?
Give at least 24 hours’ notice and the lesson will be rescheduled at no cost, subject to a suitable slot being free. Less than 24 hours’ notice means the lesson is charged as taken, because that time was held for your child and cannot be filled at short notice.
For genuine illness or an emergency, tell Sally as soon as you can and she will do her best to fit a make-up lesson in within the following four weeks. That is at her discretion, and there is no obligation on her to offer it.
Do you offer make-up lessons?
Where notice was given in time, yes — within the following four weeks, and subject to availability. Missed lessons are not carried over indefinitely and are not refunded, which is the same arrangement most private music teachers work to.
What if Sally has to cancel?
Your lesson will be rescheduled, or not charged for that week. You will never be out of pocket for a lesson Sally has cancelled.
Do we have to commit for a term?
No. There are no term-based enrolments and no fixed commitment. Students continue for as long as lessons are working for their family, and stop when they are not.
How much notice do we need to give to stop lessons?
Two weeks is all Sally asks, so she can plan her week and offer the slot to someone on the waiting list. There is no penalty, and no awkward conversation required — a short email is fine.
Can adults learn?
Absolutely, and they make up a good share of students. Adults returning after years away, and adults starting from nothing, are both very common.
What language are lessons in?
Lessons can be given in English or in Mandarin Chinese. Tell Sally which you would prefer when you get in touch, and if you would like the grandparents to be able to help with practice at home, say so — it is a common request.
My child has additional needs. Can they learn piano?
Almost always, yes. Sally has taught students with autism, ADHD and anxiety, and adjusts pace, lesson length and structure accordingly without making it a big deal. Mention anything relevant on the form and she will plan around it from the first lesson.
What do lessons cost?
Fees are discussed at the initial meeting and confirmed in writing before lessons begin. There is nothing to pay for that meeting, and no obligation to continue afterwards.
How do I start?
Fill in the short form so Sally knows a little about your child, and she will arrange a time to meet.
Still not sure?
Email Sally directly and ask. She answers questions about piano, ages, exams and practice at home all day long, and she would rather answer one now than have you wondering.