Frequently Asked Questions

How can parents contribute to a student's learning?

Parental involvement is necessary at all ages. Until the age of 12, parental involvement in each lesson is necessary. Even if the parent does not have any musical knowledge, they can still assist in several ways:

  • Ensure understanding and completion of assignment.

  • Take quick videos of hand posture, new music, or tricky rhythms.

  • Guide problem solving thought process.

  • Nurture healthy learning attitudes.

It is the parent’s responsibility to learn alongside the student so that they are able to take the role of the teacher in practice sessions. Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to play, participate, ask/answer questions at the right time in the lesson to ensure to their understanding.

When parents participate in lessons, it is important to remember to take to role of an observer - abstain from answering questions for the child, rushing/scolding them, or trying to teach the student themselves. It is important for the student to understand that the teacher is the authority figure in the piano lesson. Also, to ensure that the student’s attention is focused on the teacher, and not divided between two voices.

Should my child be more independent in learning? 

Independence is taught and learned over time. Just as a child learning to swim would not simply be put in the water, a child learning piano should not be simply put in front of the piano. Independence needs to be learned but is a process which takes several years. Independence should not be expected to be present immediately when beginning lessons.

How early can I begin learning piano?

The minimum age for private lessons with Kim is 7 years old. One on one instruction is more effective once students have experience in school listening to and following instructions. It is also much easier to play when children are more physically developed.

 

What is good practice?

Practice is a process of travelling from problem to solution. Several repetitions are necessary, and the ratio of “correct” to incorrect repetitions is vital. Depending on the level of the student, these key points defining a “correct” repetition can vary drastically - from playing correct note to achieving the desired tone/shape of a phrase.

Good practice requires clear intention before each attempt, followed by careful execution, self analysis/reflection, and much repetition. While the amount of repetition may seem monotonous on the surface, good practice should be always engaging. In its highest form, it is a deeply intriguing process - a search for mastery in every sense. We must learn to execute fine motor movements, using our body effeciently, listening with sharp ears, and creative minds.

The process of learning music is a lifelong and never ending. Practice is a multi-faceted journey of self discovery which offers lessons far beyond the instrument. A healthy mindset must be learned. An unhappy relationship with music will be an unproductive one. We must learn to love the process of solving the problems and searching for beauty and deeper mastery.

Highly RecKIMmended articles regarding practice:

 

How much should I practice?

Measuring the practice based on length of time is a dire mistake. Especially for beginners, as neither the student, nor the parent, are  skilled enough to know how to fill a given time frame. Focusing on length of time will quickly lead to inefficient time management and boredom.

So, then, how do we measure practice? The easiest measurement is the number of “correct” repetitions. The components of a “correct” way of playing varies drastically based on level. As a result, length of practice is a byproduct of effective practice.

With that being said, a few general rules for length of practice - at least as long as your lesson time, daily. For beginners, 30 minutes will be suitable. Advanced levels will easily need at least 2 hours or more.

Consistency of daily practice is necessary to build momentum. Students build on top of what they learn and create a compounding effect. Practice must become a part of daily routine. A helpful tip to make practice a part of your daily routine by attaching it to an already existing habit. Do you always have a snack after school? Practice immediately after. Perhaps it can be a short session before school each morning or before dinner each night. Making practice a daily habit is necessary but creating new habits can be challenging - try building new habits by attaching it to a pre-existing habit.

What piano should I get?

An acoustic piano is necessary.  The touch and the tone of a real instrument allows students to develop not only the physicality but also an awareness to sound. The instrument used can either greatly limit a student or allow them to grow.. Upright pianos are suitable for most but grand pianos are always better at all levels. For advanced repertoire, upright pianos simply become limiting. a grand piano certainly becomes the recommended instrument.

Keyboards/digital pianos do not have real piano actions and function entirely differently from acoustic pianos.  The only aspect in a keyboard succeeds in mimicking an actual piano is the visual aspect. Students practicing on keyboards suffer with sound control, and posture. Used upright pianos are often available for equal or lesser cost than keyboards, and often, even free, with only the cost of moving/tuning necessary. Even this will often surpass a high end keyboard worth several thousands.

Upright or Grand? As a general rule, grand pianos are superior to upright pianos, which are superior to digital pianos/keyboards. Grand pianos have heavier keys due to the action, which is more responsive, offering a higher degree of control. The sound world offered expands enormously - longer strings allow greater dynamic range, enhanced tone quality, and range of expression. The physical connection to the instrument/sound created becomes much closer and the musical possibilities expand.

Every opportunity to play on a grand piano (in a lesson) will teach the students the possibilities of what can be done. Even if they return to practicing on an upright.

Having a good instrument to practice on opens up a world of possibilities musically and technically. Due to the favourable sound & experience of a good instrument along with the tactile qualities, students often find practice more enjoyable on a quality instrument and in return, are also more motivated.

 

How can I get inspired or stay motivated?

Listen to others. Go to concerts. Dedicate yourself to consistency and ride the wave of momentum in your learning. Participate in performances with your peers.

Experience the raw power acrobatics of human capability and acoustic instruments in a real life, which is impossible to be reproduced by any technology. See the pianist’s flying hands painting a blur in front of you. Feel the vibration of the music through your feet. See each instrument and performer come to life from each area of the orchestra.  There is nothing like riding the rollercoaster of a live performance, magic created within arm's reach, in real time.

Participate - performances, recitals, masterclasses. Witness your peers, whether more or less advanced, growing and learning. Be recognized for doign so yourself. Palpable progression and musical magic is capable at every step of the way - not only from professionals. Oftentimes, the journey is more astonishing than the destination. Stay updated on student events through the events calendar on the current students page, also keeping an eye out for any RecKIMmended Events.

Discover Classical Music in Calgary here and visit the RecKIMmended page here.  

More coming soon . . . 

 

 

Have any questions not answered?

Feel free to contact Kim here.