Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the top questions I am asked on a regular basis – and my answers…
1. How long is each piano lesson, and how often?
Younger student usually have half an hour to fourty five minutes each week. Adults normally an hour to hour and a half each week. It depends on the grade and also if additional time is necessary towards preparing for an upcoming exam. When you’ve practiced and enjoying what you’re doing, the time really flys by!
2. How can I help my child to progress more quickly on the piano?
Supporting your child’s musical development can seem difficult, especially if you’ve not played the piano or an instrument before yourself.
But children have a natural desire to please, and the best way to help them progress quickly is simply to take an interest!
I encourage parents to take an active interest in what we’re doing in the piano lessons and to read my notes in the students piano books that summarizes their weekly progression and what to be working on for the coming week.
Practice can be a lonely occupation, and children thrive on company.
So sit with your child while they practice, listen, comment and encourage.
3. How long will it be before I can play the piano well?
That all depends on you! Everyone has musical ability, but learning to play the piano well requires commitment and practice!
It’s important to practice regularly if you want to learn quickly and feel confident.
Like any excercise, it’s much better to do fifteen-thirty minutes every day than two-four hours on the weekend!
Here are my top tips for pain-free, effective practice:
Know what needs to be done, and work to a plan;
Sometimes play straight through your pieces, returning to the hard bits later;
Sometimes begin with the hard bits, practicing small sections thoroughly;
What you can’t play slowly, you can’t play quickly;
If you get stuck, stop! Come back later, and try again;
Don’t practice your mistakes: always establish ‘finger memory’ before moving on;
Enjoy what you play, and vary your work by having other, easier pieces to hand.
4. Are you an RCM Examiner?
Yes! I have been an RCM Examiner for over 25 years. Because of that I am able to provide insights into the examination process, which gives my students an extra level of skill and confidence in preparing for their exams – enabling them to get higher exam marks.
5. Do you do ‘mock exams’?
Yes! This is one of the most often asked questions I get so today I wanted to speak about it & why I
offer mock examinations.
As an RCM Examinar with many years of professional examination experience I wholeheartedly believe
in the value of mock exams for piano students to get higher examination marks.
Because they do!
Unfortunately, there are those parents are unsure about a mock exam and skip this step with their children as they do not feel it is necessary. (Of course, it is usually the parents who have never taken a piano lesson in their life!)
Skipping the mock exam misses out on a vital part of preparation, which is putting yourself in the frame of mind that you will experience on exam day.
Why You Should Do a Mock Exam:
Mock exams can help you find gaps in your understanding & identify your weaknesses.
Mock exams provide a really good opportunity for you to get some feedback from an examiner in the same style as you will receive on the actual exam day.
Mocks highlight any problems that you might have with exams, and give you the chance to overcome them in time for the real thing.
As much as you might dread the thought of mock exams, they are the best thing you can do to help you get ready for the real thing!
A mock exam will help you feel more relaxed on the day (yes, really!) & it will help you look forward to exam day.
It’s always a good feeling when our piano students come out of the exam smiling because they know they have done their best and they have been well prepared for the exam!
6. What ages do you teach piano?
I teach piano lessons to all ages. I truly enjoy instilling a lifelong love of music by nurturing and inspiring musical growth in all ages. That said, the Ildiko Skeldon Piano Studio has a focus on intermediate and senior students.
7. As a parent, what important things should I know before inquiring about piano lessons availability and enrolling in Ildiko Skeldon Piano Studio?
Great question & one that I’m asked all the time!
Learning how to play the piano requires commitment. Not only from the student, but also from the parents.
Are you committed to equipping your child with the skill sets to help them succeed in life?
Are you ready to commit not only resources, but also time for the betterment of your child?
Mozart, Lang Lang, Michael Jordan & Lady Gaga didn’t get to where they are without the guidance and support of their parents; a self-motivated child is exceedingly rare.
If you’ve seriously considered and answered “yes” to any of these questions, let’s connect to set up an interview or a mock exam.
Here’s how…
Phone: 604-880-1972
Or
Email: Click Here to Email the Ildiko Skeldon Piano Studio
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