FAQ
HOW DO I PAY FOR LESSONS?
Lessons are paid for in cash or by bank transfer. For current prices, please do get in touch with us. Importantly, any lesson that is cancelled requires 24 hours notice or the full charge applies.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
All you need to do is contact us by using the Contact Us page. We can then chat and sort out an initial meeting or lesson.
IS THERE A REGISTRATION FEE?
No, there isn't. The consultation is free, however if you start lessons, then a Music Bundle has to be purchased. This includes, a practice diary, a selection of starter music books and theory, a music bag as well as other goodies... This is particularly popular with children, but is also tailor made for adults too.
DO I NEED TO LEARN MUSIC THEORY?
This depends on your motive for learning music. Obviously, some learning needs to take place, simply to remember the names of notes etc. However, more formally we can purchase theory books and do a little work each week. That way, the practical side of the lessons works hand in hand with the theory. Furthermore, if you progress up to Grade 6, then you have to have a certain level of musical theory knowledge anyway.
DO I NEED A PIANO?
A piano or a keyboard of some sort is a pre requisite for being taken on by the studio.
ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS BEFORE I START?
Simply that you come to the lessons with enthusiasm and a desire to learn. You also need a keyboard and we have to discuss your aims and desired outcomes. The Studio will sort out a schedule for lessons.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL LESSON INVOLVE?
Depending on the students' wishes, we work on a variety of pieces of music, or a few bars that the student finds difficult. We will also look on exercises to help the student become dextrous and nimble. If the student is working towards an exam, then we will study the exam pieces and work systematically through them until they are of a very high standard. If students have particular pieces they want to learn, then we will also help on them too.
WHERE DO LESSONS TAKE PLACE?
All in-person lessons take place at the Birmingham Piano and Music Studio, 103 Eachelhurst Road, Walmley, B24 0NX
Online lessons are also available for both practical and music theory.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR LESSONS?
Once a month or so, we sit with parents and/or students and we "Do Diaries" booking the subsequent 4 lessons to suit both my schedule and yours. I am flexible with times and dates. For younger students we usually teach after school, from 3:30PM onwards up until about 8:00PM. We can also accommodate adults who wish to have lessons during the day.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE WEEKLY LESSONS?
Not necessarily, flexibility is the key on both parts, however if you want to progress we do suggest regular weekly lessons.
I'M UNABLEÂ TO ATTEND, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
As long as you cancel 24 hours before the scheduled lesson, then there is no loss of fee and we will do our best to arrange an alternative - of course this is dependent upon work schedules. We do ask that you telephone or text letting us know you can't attend since on several occasions students have not attended lessons without a reason, thus using up the available time for another student.
CAN I CHANGE THE LESSON TIME AND DATE?
Yes you can. Once again, at least 24 hours notice is required. Parents/Guardians may need to rearrange lessons for a variety of reasons - school trips, illness weekends away. Equally, personal work commitments may mean that teachers at the Birmingham Piano and Music studio will have to change a planned lesson. We will endeavour to do this at least 24 hours before a lesson, unless due to illness.
CAN I PAY FOR LESSONS AS A GIFT?
Yes you can. On several occasions people have bought a block of lessons for children at Christmas and/or Birthdays. These lessons may be given as a gift and the lesson voucher has a 1 year validity from the date of issue.
I DON'T HAVE A PIANO, BUT I DO HAVE A KEYBOARD, IS THAT OK?
Yes, that's fine. Ideally a piano is the best instrument to start on, however, many younger students commence with a keyboard, see how they progress and then their parents/guardians buy them a piano. Cheap second hand ones are easily available and we have a list of reputable piano dealers and indeed piano tuners who will give advice and help if required.
HOW MUCH PRACTICE DO I NEED TO DO?
That's a tricky one and is all dependent on your motives and reasons for taking up the piano and/or other instrument. More importantly, is that you DO practice and we always suggest little but often. Students are given tasks they can practice to improve dexterity as well as progress. A daily 20 minutes is a good starter. Obviously, the more the better...
WHERE CAN I BUY MUSIC FROM?
There are several music sellers online and we can give advice as to what might be appropriate for your level. We source all ABRSM books and can usually obtain music for any instrument in a short period of time.
I WANT TO DO ABRSM EXAMS, HOW DO I ENTER FOR THEM?
After discussion with your teacher and when we think you're ready, we will happily enter you for ABRSM examinations. With 100% success rate in ABRSM examinations, we know what is required and will advise accordingly.
DO I HAVE TO DO EXAMS?
Not at all. Some people get very stressed and nervous, particularly adults about examinations. That said, we have also had many adults gain exam success. The decision as to whether you study for exams is entirely yours and we will give you our opinion, support and help if you decide that's the path you would like to follow. There are actually examination assessments that provide objective feedback too, as opposed to "pass/fail" levels.
I AM AN ADULT, IS IT TOO LATE TO START PIANO?
It is never too late to start, all you need is enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, some practice and a keyboard/piano. Our eldest student is in their late 70's and is doing rather well!
How does the Birmingham Piano & Music Studio contact members?
As a condition of being a student, a parent/guardian must give a telephone number. We will then add you to our Birmingham Piano & Music Studio WhatsApp group. This is the community of students, and we share practice tips and encourage one another. This is also handy if the Studio is closed due to inclement weather, etc; one blanket text can be sent to all. Finally, it's all about consultation and an open two way line of communication.