Sona Gevorgyan :: Professional Piano Teacher :: Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village
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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When should my child begin piano lessons?
    I think any child who is able to recognize numbers 1 through 5, recognize the letters A through G and is able to sit still for about 10-15 minutes is ready to learn the core foundation of piano.
  2. How much should my child practice per week?
    Practice time varies depending on the child’s age and level. However, daily and consistent practice is required. For example, a beginner student at the age of five or six should practice repeating passages and examples that the teacher taught for 5 to 10 minutes every day. Again, it’s quality and consistency, not always quantity.
  3. What is the role as a parent in my child’s music education?
    It is very important for parents to be involved by listening to their child practice and encouraging them with nice comments.
    • Always avoid negative criticism. Children will be more cooperative when they get positive feedback.
    • Introduce them to great masters of classical music such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms and Mozart by taking them to live concerts, playing classical CDs, and renting concerts on DVD.
    • Allow your child to come up with their own daily practice schedule. If the child is allowed to choose their schedule, they are more inclined to stick to it.
  4. Is it okay to use a digital piano (keyboard) for a beginner?
    Yes. However, an acoustic piano is better because its feel and sound are different than a digital piano. Even a used acoustic piano is better than a new digital piano.
  5. Are there any tests for piano?
    Yes. There is the Certificate of Merit (CM) examination that is run by the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC). This is not a difficult exam, but it does require a well-rounded music education consisting of technique, sight-reading, ear training and repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary. I highly recommend this exam for those students who are more serious about learning the piano. It is also a great form of accomplishment to put on a student’s resume for future academic endeavors.

 
Piano lessons by Sona Gevorgyan, professional piano teacher, serving music students in
Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and other areas in Ventura County.