Here is a list of frequently asked questions from parents and pupils, I have arranged them into policy questions and practice and motivation questions. Please scroll down to the relevant question number for answers.
Policy Questions
1. When do lessons take place?
2. How are lessons managed for younger pupils (Year 4 and below)?
3. What is the policy for older pupils (Year 5 and above) regarding lesson attendance?
4. What happens if my child is late or misses a lesson?
5. Are makeup lessons or refunds offered for missed lessons?
6. Can I reschedule a missed lesson?
7. What is the cancellation notice period for a lesson?
8. What happens if the teacher is absent?
9. How are lesson fees calculated and paid?
10. What are the consequences of late payments?
11. Can lesson fees change?
12. How do I cancel lessons if we no longer wish to continue?
13. What should I expect in the final termination payment?
14. What if I have concerns or find these terms inconvenient?
General Piano, Practice and Motivation Questions
15. How much should students practise at home?
16. How can I help my child stay motivated to practise?
17. What should students do if they feel frustrated or stuck with a piece?
18. How can students make their practice sessions more effective?
19. How does the ABRSM practice notebook help students?
20. How can students use their ABRSM practice notebook effectively?
21. What are some fun ways to practise piano at home?
22. How do I know if my child is progressing well in their piano lessons?
23. Can students choose their own music pieces to learn?
24. What should students do if they want to learn more about music theory or composition?
25. How can parents support their child’s musical development at home?
26. What if a student is nervous about performing in front of others?
27. How can students make piano practice a habit?
28. How can students explore creativity in their piano playing?
29. What should a student do if they are losing interest in piano?
30. How can I encourage my child to develop a love for music beyond just practising?
31. What are some good ways for students to prepare for a piano exam or competition?
32. What should I consider when purchasing a piano or keyboard?
33. Why is a full-size piano or keyboard preferable, and is it required for graded exams?
34. What are the age-related guidelines for choosing between a piano and a keyboard?
35. What price brackets should I consider for purchasing a piano or keyboard?
36. How important is it to have a proper stool and correct sitting height when playing the piano?
1. When do lessons take place?
Lessons are scheduled during term time, and there are a fixed number of lessons per year. Regular lessons do not occur during half terms or holidays, but special courses and masterclasses may be offered separately. The lesson schedule may not cover every teaching week of the school term.
2. How are lessons managed for younger pupils (Year 4 and below)?
For pupils in Year 4 and below, assistance is provided to ensure they attend their lessons on time. The piano teacher or the previous pupil will help fetch the child. However, it's preferable for students to be sent by their class tutor to maximize lesson time.
3. What is the policy for older pupils (Year 5 and above) regarding lesson attendance?
For pupils in Year 5 and above, it's the responsibility of both the parents and the students to ensure timely attendance. The teacher will help collect students for their first two lessons only. After that, it’s up to the pupil to attend on time unless other arrangements are made.
4. What happens if my child is late or misses a lesson?
If a student arrives late, they may not receive their full lesson time if another lesson follows. If a student is more than 15 minutes late or does not attend, the lesson is considered missed and will be charged. Parents will be informed of absences outside of lesson times.
5. Are makeup lessons or refunds offered for missed lessons?
No, makeup lessons or refunds are not provided for lessons missed by pupils, except in cases of long-term illness or hospitalization, and written notice is required. Missed lessons due to extracurricular activities, holidays, school trips, exams, and short-term illness are still charged.
6. Can I reschedule a missed lesson?
Missed lessons cannot be rescheduled outside of the teacher’s existing timetable. However, they can be swapped with another pupil’s lesson time that week, if possible and at the teacher’s discretion.
7. What is the cancellation notice period for a lesson?
If you need to cancel a lesson, please notify me as early as possible. Cancelled lessons may be swapped with another pupil’s lesson that week, given enough notice, or made up if a future cancellation occurs. Cancelled lessons are classed as missed lessons.
8. What happens if the teacher is absent?
If the teacher is unable to attend a lesson, it will either be made up within the school year or discounted from the final invoice of the term (August).
9. How are lesson fees calculated and paid?
Lesson fees are provided individually. The total annual fee is calculated by multiplying the lesson fee by the agreed teaching weeks for the year and then dividing this by the months remaining in the academic year, including August. Fees are payable at a fixed monthly rate, due by the 21st of each month.
10. What are the consequences of late payments?
A 10% late fee is applied if payment is not received by the due date. You will receive one warning regarding late payment in which the fee will be suspended. Future late payments will automatically receive a 10% charge. Failure to pay or regular late payments may result in tuition being suspended, with suspended lessons counted as missed and charged accordingly.
11. Can lesson fees change?
Yes, fees are reviewed periodically and may increase in line with rising costs and Musicians' Union guidelines. Invoices are issued automatically by email each month.
12. How do I cancel lessons if we no longer wish to continue?
To cancel lessons, you must give notice before the end of the previous half term. For example, to cancel in January, notice must be given before the Christmas holidays. Lessons cancelled during term time will still be charged until the end of that half term. The teacher can cancel lessons at any time with immediate effect.
13. What should I expect in the final termination payment?
The final invoice will calculate your payment based on the number of lessons billed versus the number of lessons paid. This fee may be higher than regular monthly payments due to payments being spread across the year. The agreement remains in effect until the termination payment is made.
14. What if I have concerns or find these terms inconvenient?
These conditions are designed to ensure high-quality instruction. If you have any concerns or find these conditions inconvenient, please feel free to discuss them with me before accepting a place.
General Piano, Practice and Motivation Questions
15. How much should students practise at home?
Regular practice is crucial for progress. Beginners should aim for 15-20 minutes of focused practice per day, while more advanced students should practice for 30-60 minutes daily. Consistency is more important than duration, so encourage frequent, shorter practice sessions.
16. How can I help my child stay motivated to practise?
Motivation can be enhanced by setting achievable goals, celebrating progress, and making practice enjoyable. Encourage your child to play their favourite pieces and incorporate games or challenges into practice. Regular performances and attending lessons can also help maintain enthusiasm.
17. What should students do if they feel frustrated or stuck with a piece?
If a piece feels challenging, break it into smaller sections and practise slowly. Focus on one hand at a time and gradually increase the tempo. Tackling a few bars at a time can make it more manageable. Taking short breaks and returning with fresh energy can also be helpful. If difficulties persist, discuss them with me during lessons.
18. How can students make their practice sessions more effective?
Effective practice involves setting specific goals for each session, such as mastering a particular bar or improving technique. Use warm-up exercises and scales to build skill. The ABRSM practice notebook is a useful tool for tracking progress and setting goals.
19. How does the ABRSM practice notebook help students?
The ABRSM practice notebook helps students track their practice routines, set weekly goals, and reflect on their progress. It provides space for the teacher to write notes, practice tips, and reminders of what to focus on for the next lesson. There is also space for parents feedback each week. Bringing the notebook to each lesson helps in providing personalized guidance.
20. How can students use their ABRSM practice notebook effectively?
Students should bring their ABRSM practice notebook to every lesson. After each lesson, I will note down specific tasks and goals for the week. At home, parents should look at the practice notebook after our lesson and discuss what was set with their child. Students & Parents should record what they’ve practised and any difficulties they encountered. This helps us maximize lesson time and ensure steady progress.
21. What are some fun ways to practise piano at home?
Incorporate music games, play along with recordings, or compose simple melodies to make practice enjoyable. Exploring different genres and styles can also keep things interesting. Encourage students to play familiar tunes they enjoy or create their own versions of songs.
22. How do I know if my child is progressing well in their piano lessons?
Progress is evident in the ability to play more complex pieces, improved technique, and increased confidence during performances. I will provide regular feedback, and the practice notebook is also a good indicator of their achievements and areas needing attention.
23. Can students choose their own music pieces to learn?
Yes, I encourage students to select pieces they are interested in. Learning music that they enjoy can enhance motivation and engagement. I will ensure that the chosen pieces are appropriate for their skill level and fit into the overall learning plan.
24. What should students do if they want to learn more about music theory or composition?
If students are interested in music theory or composition, we can incorporate these aspects into our lessons. Learning theory can deepen their understanding of the music they play, and composing can be a creative way to apply their knowledge.
25. How can parents support their child’s musical development at home?
Parents can support their child's development by showing interest in their practice, listening to them play, and encouraging performances for family and friends. Establishing a regular practice routine and providing a quiet practice space are also beneficial. Reviewing the practice notebook together can help reinforce their learning.
26. What if a student is nervous about performing in front of others?
Nervousness is normal. To build confidence, start by playing for family and gradually move to larger audiences. Encouraging a positive mindset and reminding them that making mistakes is part of learning can help. I also offer performance opportunities to help students gain experience.
27. How can students make piano practice a habit?
Establish a consistent practice routine by setting a regular time each day for practice. Creating a comfortable and distraction-free environment can also help. Positive reinforcement and setting small rewards for achieving practice goals can make it easier to form a habit.
28. How can students explore creativity in their piano playing?
Students can explore creativity by improvising, composing their own music, or experimenting with different styles and dynamics in their pieces. Encouraging them to express their emotions and try new things can help develop their unique musical voice.
29. What should a student do if they are losing interest in piano?
If a student is losing interest, explore different genres or styles of music, introduce new pieces that align with their interests, or set new goals. Open communication between the student, parents, and teacher is essential for finding ways to re-engage and keep lessons interesting.
30. How can I encourage my child to develop a love for music beyond just practising?
Encourage your child to listen to various music styles, attend live performances, or watch music-related documentaries. Creating a positive environment around their musical journey and fostering a genuine interest in music can help develop a lifelong love for it.
31. What are some good ways for students to prepare for a piano exam or competition?
Preparing involves regular practice with a focus on technical skills and musical expression. Conduct mock performances at home to build confidence. Ensure students understand the exam requirements and practise under conditions similar to the actual exam.
32. What should I consider when purchasing a piano or keyboard?
When purchasing a piano or keyboard, consider the quality of sound, touch response, and the space available in your home. A full-size keyboard or piano is generally preferable, particularly for graded exams, as it provides a better playing experience and ensures familiarity with a standard instrument. Make sure they keyboard has touch response (notes can be played loud and quiet).
33. Why is a full-size piano or keyboard preferable, and is it required for graded exams?
A full-size piano or keyboard (88 keys) is preferable because it offers a complete range of notes and a more authentic playing experience. It is required for graded exams, as exam boards typically expect students to be familiar with a full-sized instrument.
34. What are the age-related guidelines for choosing between a piano and a keyboard?
For younger children, a smaller, portable keyboard can be a good start. As they grow and progress, transitioning to a full-size piano or keyboard is beneficial for grade 1 standard. For older beginners or more serious students, a full-size piano or digital keyboard is recommended to accommodate their learning needs.
35. What price brackets should I consider for purchasing a piano or keyboard?
For keyboards, small keyboards with touch response start around £80-£200. Mid-range models with 88 keys range from £200-£700, offering better touch and sound quality, makes the the Rowland FX/FP series, the Yamaha P series and Casio's could be considered. High-end digital pianos can cost £700-£1,500 or more, providing advanced features and a more authentic feel. New Acoustic pianos start at approximately £1,000 and can go much higher, depending on quality and brand. You can pick up a decent full size acoustic piano second hand for a few hundred. Look for Iron Frame models.
36. How important is it to have a proper stool and correct sitting height when playing the piano?
Having a proper stool and correct sitting height is crucial for comfort and technique. The stool should be adjustable so that the student's elbows are level with the keyboard, and their feet can rest comfortably on the floor or a footstool. Proper posture helps prevent strain and allows for better control and technique.
---
This FAQ aims to address the most common questions parents might have regarding piano/theory/composition lessons with Joseph John Wiggins. If you have further questions or need clarification on any points, please don't hesitate to reach out.