Question 1

What qualifications do your Toronto piano teachers have?

Accepted Answer

In addition to their post-secondary music education, our Toronto piano teachers have many years of teaching, performing and recording experience.  Drawing on their education and experience as professional musicians, teachers will devise lesson plans specifically for each student, taking into consideration their skill levels, musical interests and learning styles.  Our goal is to make piano lessons in Toronto fun and engaging, while maintaining a strong focus on learning core fundamental skills like technique, reading, theory, ear training and more.

Question 2

Do I need to have an instrument at home?

Accepted Answer

Many people who are considering enrolling in piano lessons in Toronto ask us if having an instrument at home is necessary. Initially, you can begin without an instrument but after the first few lessons, having access to a piano or keyboard is important.  In order to properly learn and develop skills as a pianist, consistent practice is essential.  Some of our students rent an instrument, some own and some will practice on instruments in other locations, such as grandparents’ houses, friends’ houses or churches.

Question 3

Is a keyboard ok or do I need a real piano?

Accepted Answer

While there is nothing quite like an acoustic piano, a keyboard is ok and in fact, many students are opting for them while beginning Toronto piano lessons!  They are a lower cost option, they’re lightweight, portable and compact which all make them ideal for individuals looking to begin piano lessons in Toronto.  If you are considering a digital piano, we recommend looking for one with 88 weighted, touch sensitive keys.  These instruments replicate the feeling of playing on an acoustic piano which will help the player to develop the same touch as a student who is learning on an acoustic instrument.  For beginners on a budget, we recommend checking out the Casio CDPS100 which is sold at Costco and offers great value and all of the features you need to get started.

Question 4

Can I rent a piano or keyboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can rent a digital piano.  You can rent an acoustic piano as well, but this is not advised as it will be quite expensive!  Renting is an extremely popular option especially for those who are trying to determine whether the piano is right for them or their child.  Rentals are available for approximately $50 per month from Long & McQuade and this is a great budget-friendly option for anyone looking to get started with piano lessons in Toronto.  Our top Toronto piano teachers always recommend renting an instrument equipped with weighted & touch sensitive keys.

Question 5

What are weighted keys and why are they important?

Accepted Answer

On an acoustic piano when the player presses a key, it triggers a tiny hammer on the inside of the instrument which in turn strikes a string.  The string resonates on the inside of the piano, producing the sound.  Pianists will feel a little bit of weight behind the key when the hammer strikes the string and as the pitch gets higher on the instrument,  the strings get thinner on the inside.  This causes the key to feel a little bit lighter.

Certain keyboards, referred to as digital pianos, feature weighted keys to imitate playing on an acoustic piano.  This will help students who are learning and practicing on a digital piano develop proper touch.  These keys also tend to be velocity sensitive, which allows students to control volume with their fingers and touch instead of relying solely on the volume knob.  Developing a nice touch and sense of dynamics (volume) is an integral skill for any student taking piano lessons in Toronto.

Question 6

What is the best age to begin piano lessons in Toronto?

Accepted Answer

There is not a set age that is best suited for all students to start with Toronto piano lessons.  In our experience, there are children as young as two years old exhibiting excellence and an extraordinary ability to focus on playing and learning the piano, however, we generally recommend starting as young as 4 years old.  Students who begin playing while they are young often have an easier time grasping more complex patterns and develop very strong muscle memory.  This does not mean that starting later will negatively impact a child’s progress - the single most important factor in determining if your child is ready to begin piano lessons in Toronto is whether or not they have the ability to focus for 30 minutes without getting very distracted.

Question 7

Am I too old for Toronto piano lessons?

Accepted Answer

Many adults wonder if they are too old to begin with piano lessons in Toronto despite a deep love for music and a strong desire to learn to play.  Our answer: You are never too old to begin playing or to work more on your craft. We have had many students in their 70s and 80s and are amazed by how music can keep an aging mind extremely sharp and provides a great outlet for creativity as well!

Question 8

How much practice is required and what is the best way to practice?

Accepted Answer

Ideally students should practice daily but we know that life can get busy.  Set a realistic goal for your practice, such as 4 sessions per week, and do your best to achieve it.  The length of each session will vary depending on the age and level of the student.  A 4 year old who is just starting might try to spend 10-15 minutes per session, a 10 year old novice player might spend 30 minutes per day while an adult who is playing at a high level and has been enrolled in Toronto piano lessons for years might spend over one hour.  The most dedicated pianists will likely spend even more time, practicing up to 8 hours per day!

During practice time, it is always better to take pieces section by section, focusing on the difficult parts.  Often, students will practice the entire song, repeating the same mistake over and over every time that section comes up. This is ineffective and practice time should be spent correcting these mistakes instead of repeating them!  Students who have graduated past the initial stages of their piano lessons in Toronto will be playing pieces with both hands.  Remember to learn the parts separately before trying to put them together.  It is always better to practice (almost) daily for less time per session than it is to practice for 2 hours the day before your lesson.  Always remember that learning piano is a skill that requires lots of time, dedication and patience.  If you feel tired or are experiencing physical pain, take a break and come back to it when you’re feeling ready.

Question 9

Are Toronto piano lessons available in different styles?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Our Toronto piano teachers are extremely versatile and can help you learn to play the piano, organ, synthesizer or clavinet.  Whether you’re looking to learn Classical music, Jazz, Funk, Rock & Roll we’ve got you covered!  Just let us know your goals and interests and we will make sure that your piano lessons in Toronto are helping you achieve them.

Question 10

Which curriculum do you use for piano lessons in Toronto?

Accepted Answer

Our Toronto piano lessons aim to build a strong musical foundation and love for the music students are learning.  We understand that each person has unique interests, learning styles and goals and taking these things into consideration, build lesson plans tailored to each student.  Often students will come to us wanting to learn a song that they heard in a movie, tv show or on the radio.  We do our best to incorporate these requests into lessons since most people find joy in playing music that they love.  We do teach many tried-and-true methods such as RCM, Suzuki, Bastien, Piano Adventures, and Alfred’s as well, and will often balance one of these methods with supplemental material to find a nice balance.  We recommend having a discussion with your instructor to clarify your goals and interests.

Question 11

Can I take piano lessons in my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Our roster of Toronto piano teachers are available to travel to your home.  This is an extremely popular option for those with a busy schedule who enjoy the convenience of staying home but prefer in person piano lessons in Toronto.  Contact us for scheduling availability in your area.

Question 12

Can I take online piano lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We have many great Toronto piano teachers available for online lessons.  Many students prefer online piano lessons because they offer greater flexibility and convenience.

Question 13

Where is your location for piano lessons in Toronto?

Accepted Answer

We have several locations all across the GTA.  Locations are located in our Toronto piano teachers’ home studios and not retail locations.  Please contact us if you would like to come to one of our locations for piano lessons in Toronto and we can let you know the nearest location to you.

Question 14

Do you host student recitals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we host two recitals each year.  One is in June, coinciding with the end of school, and one is in December, coinciding with the holiday season.  We also offer open mic nights for our adult students.  Recitals are great for several reasons.  They give students something to work towards, they’re a great opportunity to build confidence as musicians and as individuals and they are always fun and filled with great music.  Students work so hard during their music lessons in Toronto all year and it’s always inspiring to be able to hear their progress.

Question 15

What are the cognitive benefits of Toronto piano lessons?

Accepted Answer

Toronto piano lessons offer many cognitive benefits outside of the world of music.  Children who study music display increased math, reading and memory skills.  Learning music opens up new social circles, be it from group piano lessons in Toronto or from sharing an interest with so many like minded people.  Music is also an amazing outlet for creativity, which is extremely important for developing minds! Read more about the cognitive benefits of music lessons in Toronto here.

Question 16

Can piano lessons help children with Autism, ADHD and other learning disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Music can significantly impact our moods, thoughts and behaviors.  Listening to music, playing instruments or singing can help us feel more relaxed, manage negative emotions, reduce stress and so much more.  Piano lessons in Toronto can be a fantastic way to help children with autism, ADHD and other special needs manage their emotions and feel more relaxed, calm and focused. Learn more about how Toronto piano lessons can help children with special needs here.

Question 17

How long does it take to learn the piano?

Accepted Answer

This question entirely depends on your goals.  After one or two piano lessons in Toronto, you or your child should be able to play at least a basic song (Mary Had A Little Lamb, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, etc.), however, the best pianists dedicate their lives to their craft and feel that the learning will never end.  Aspiring professional pianists will be looking at 10-15 years of dedicated study with a top Toronto piano teacher and at least one hour per day of focused practice. Most casual players can achieve satisfactory results in around 3 years with regular practice.

Question 18

What else do I need to know before starting Toronto piano lessons?

Accepted Answer

Learning any skill will take time and dedication and if you’re considering piano lessons in Toronto, this is no different!  Remember to carve out time in your busy schedule for practice and lessons.  If you’re the parent of a young child, be active in their learning and help them practice the material given to them by their Toronto piano teacher.  Get to know your instructor and set realistic goals.  Remember to be patient and go at your own pace.  Learning piano should be a labor of love!

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