[vc_row][vc_column][trx_section animation=”fadeInUp”][trx_title top=”tiny-“]Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)[/trx_title][trx_accordion initial=”1″ top=”small” style=”1″][trx_accordion_item title=”1. Why should my child study music at such young age?” icon_global=”icon-home-2″][vc_column_text]According to Jean Piaget, Swiss psychologist, believed that during “pre-operational” learning stage (ages 2-7) years begin to think and react things through symbols. These physical and intellectual cognitive development are optimum period for starting the process of learning and making music.
Most Children can begin private piano lessons as four or five. Some exceptional cases have been noted from as early as 3 years old, however it depends on their aptitude and attention span. Research is showing that the natural sense of pitch and rhythm is at its peak between ages of 4-6. So it is always better to start them young to get an early foundation in piano
study or musically skills and it is never too soon to start music lessons.
[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”Do I have to have a piano or digital piano for my child to take piano lessons? Can my child learn begin on a keyboard?” icon_global=”icon-megaphone”][vc_column_text]Ideally having an acoustic piano and should be tuned at least once in a year. Although having an acoustic piano is desirable, it is not necessary for beginners. They may begin learning keyboard skills on a small electronic keyboard for a while.
Ideally to have 4 octaves of full sized keyboard with touch sensitivity for temporary, but it is not satisfactory for the continued study at the later stage.
By the time your child progress musically, play dynamically (shaping the phrase of the music), and use a pedal while playing, it is recommended that they move to a more sophisticated keyboard or digital piano which has the three features as below. This will ensure that they develop to use the correct key range, finger strength and control technique while playing:
- 88 full-sized keys
- Velocity/touch sensitivity or hammer graduation action (sound louder & brighter when the keys are struck harder)
- A damper pedal
[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”How should parents support their child’s music education?” icon_global=”icon-megaphone”][vc_column_text]Parental/guardian’s support plays an extremely important factor in their child’s musical training and education. A child tends to be a more motivated and enthusiastic leaner as well as having a more productive progress while parents take an active role in their learning process.
- Consistently agree to attend music lessons each week to help from maintaining motivation and progress. Even having not had a good practice week or lack of preparation, a pupil will really benefit from having a lesson.
- Pupils are expected to be well-prepared and bring all their music books and a notebook to every lesson.
- Attend each lesson punctually. Arrive a few minutes before the lesson to remove shoes or any outwear, to get ready to begin lessons on time.
- Please let the teacher know in advance, if something is happening at home or school that may affect your child.
- Children under 9 are usually expected to help with home practice.
- .Clipping finger nails if needed before lesson time.
- Pupil’s notebook will outline what was worked on during lesson time and what should focus on for that week each week. Check it weekly to be aware of any assigned homework & other written communication.
- During a child’s lesson, parental involvement and supervision can often negatively affect students’ learning and concentration. However on the other occasions, it has proven be very beneficial to support a child’s home practice.
[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”What are the expectations of home practice?” icon_global=”icon-graduation-cap”][vc_column_text]Create a quiet space or learning environment where the learners can concentrate on their practice without much distraction
- Schedule a time for practice each day. Work best if practicing at the same time daily.
- To make a good progress in music, ideally pupils are expected to dedicatedly practice at least 20- 60 minutes, 4-5 days a week as a guide OR Pupils should practice long enough to complete their previous lesson requirement or assignments.
- Quality of practice time is more important than the quantity of practice.
- If there is a lack of progress, there is probably a lack of practice!
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- Tuition fees doesn’t include the cost of music & theory books, exam books, or any other music related materials, a metronome etc. when required. Books can be provided, billed, and purchased through the teacher
- Occasionally additional music event fees will be required, such as concerts, music festival, competition, examinations, and other performance opportunities.
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- School holiday and summer holiday lessons are typically encouraged for all students to upkeep their learning, having extra preparations for the music audition, competition and examinations.
- Holiday lessons are depending on the availability of the tutor can be flexible on lesson arrangement at a mutually convenient time.
- Holiday lesson fees are paid weekly in advance or before the booked lesson commence. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.
[/vc_column_text][trx_line color=”#59c6bc” css=”margin-top: 0.45em; margin-bottom: 1.15em;”][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”What is piano assessment and what is invloved ?” icon_global=”icon-graduation-cap”][vc_column_text]A piano assessment involves evaluating a music student’s skill level and progress in playing the piano, music abilities including assessing technical proficiency, musical interpretation and expression, sight-reading and listening skills, music theory and overall musicianship.
For example: a student will be asked to perform the piece that has been working on, scales and arpeggios, and including musical terminology.
We provide feedback on the student’s strengths and areas for improvement, as well as setting goals for continued music growth or a plan further study and practice.
A piano assessment is a valuable and powerful tool for evaluating a student’s progress and identifying areas for further improvement.
Assessment Key Criteria
– Posture
– musical and notation
– Rhythm & pulse
– tempo, dynamic, phrasing, articulation
– tone colour
– Slip recovery
– pedal technique
– musical awareness of intonation
– flexibility and projection of sound
– tonal variety
– musical personality
– effectiveness and stylistic and technical balance of the pieces
– Demonstrate a wide range of abilities
– individual interpretation / insight
– personal engagement with audience’s appreciation and understanding
– physiology of performance
– understanding of practice techniques, preparation
– self-management and reliability[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”Are Graded Music Exams important for my music study? Why ?” icon_global=”icon-graduation-cap”][vc_column_text]
- Music Examinations are completely optional but highly recommended as the aim of a graded music exam is to nurture and develop the all-round musicians.
- Regardless a student’s performing abilities, a fully well-prepared student are expected to feel secure, comfortable and confident in all areas of the exam criteria, apart from playing the pieces & technical works steadily and fluently.
- A pupil will not be entered for any music examinations without the prior consent of both the tutor & the pupil (& the pupil’s parent or carer, where applicable)
- Music Graded Practical & Theory Examinations are held, at the nearest respective exam centre if you prefer, 3 times per school academic year. Exam entry fees must be made in full before the closing date of exam entry and are non-refundable.
[/vc_column_text][/trx_accordion_item][trx_accordion_item title=”Are competition & public performance opportunity always beneficial for music learners?” icon_global=”icon-graduation-cap”][vc_column_text]All music students are encouraged to play at concerts, music festivals, competition, audition & exams or any performing opportunity comes.
- Participation is optional but highly encouraged as performance opportunities develop self-esteem and confidence to achieve a great sense of accomplishment and take pride for their hard work towards their music goal settings.
- Student who are not performing are also very welcome to attend.
- Students will not be entered for any music competition or public performance without the prior consent of both the tutor & the pupil (or the pupil’s parent or carer, where applicable)
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