Question 1

Do I need any experience at all to begin?

Accepted Answer

The only thing you need is a piano or keyboard, curiosity to learn, and excitement to play. I regularly work with complete beginners of all ages.

Question 2

What ages do you teach? Do you teach adults?

Accepted Answer

I teach students as young as 4 through adulthood and retirement.

The right time to start is whenever the student is excited to sit and learn at the piano. For some kids that’s age 4; for others, it’s when they’re a little older. It’s also never too late to learn: I’ve taught college students, busy parents, and senior students, including one in her 70s who was eager to learn her favorite dance tunes. In my studio, it’s about attitude, not age.

Question 3

Is piano a good idea if my child already has a lot of activities?

Accepted Answer

Kids are incredibly busy these days. If a student is genuinely excited about piano and willing to commit time and effort, lessons can be a great fit.

Learning piano builds skills that extend far beyond music: discipline, goal-setting, time management, and creative self-expression. Expectations are always tailored to the student’s schedule and energy.

Question 4

What styles of music do you teach?

Accepted Answer

We learn whatever you’re most interested in. That could be classical, pop, rock, jazz, video game music, or composing and playing your own music.

We also work on reading lead sheets, playing chords, and understanding how music works. The real driver is your curiosity and commitment to learning.

Question 5

How do I know which lesson length is right for me or my child?

Accepted Answer

Different lesson lengths support different goals, ages, and experience levels:

30-minute lessons
Best for younger students and adult beginners to early-intermediate players who are building foundations. These lessons focus on consistency and gradual progress.

45-minute lessons
A great fit for teens and adult beginners who want faster progress, as well as serious intermediate students. This length allows time to reinforce technique, deepen musical understanding, and make steady, noticeable progress.

60-minute lessons
Recommended for motivated teens and adults at the intermediate to advanced level. Longer lessons allow for thorough review, deeper work on interpretation and technique, and time to introduce more advanced skills and repertoire.

If you’re unsure, I’m happy to help you decide based on your goals and schedule.

Question 6

Can we change lesson times or lengths later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can always start with one plan and adjust based on scheduling needs and goals.

Question 7

Where do lessons take place?

Accepted Answer

Lessons take place in your home.

I currently teach on the Upper East Side, Midtown Manhattan, Long Island City, and Astoria. There may be a studio option in Manhattan in the future, but for now lessons are in-home only.

Question 8

What makes your teaching approach different?

Accepted Answer

At Spark of Discovery Piano, lessons focus heavily on listening, a skill that’s often overlooked in piano study.

From day one, students learn to hear their playing from the listener’s perspective. This allows them to think critically about what they’re playing and make real, independent progress. If a student can hear where they want to go musically, they gain the tools to adapt and improve.

Question 9

What does “progress” look like in your studio?

Accepted Answer

Progress means being able to play something today that you couldn’t yesterday.

That might mean finally reading a note that kept tripping you up, nailing a difficult measure, or shaping a phrase more expressively after a week of practice. All of these improvements—no matter how small—are wins and worth celebrating.

Question 10

Do you follow a specific method book?

Accepted Answer

I use method books as part of a student’s foundation, but no single book drives the entire curriculum.

I move between different books depending on a student’s goals, whether that’s reading fluently, focusing on a certain style, or building technique. From the first few lessons, I also bring in additional materials based on the student’s interests, since no one book covers everything.

Question 11

What if I don’t practice much one week?

Accepted Answer

Consistency is key for progress, but I understand that life happens.

I would much rather you practice 5 focused minutes a day and really improve one difficult measure than hold yourself to an unrealistic standard and feel discouraged. I’ll help you prioritize what’s most important when things get busy, but the goal is steady, thoughtful involvement on the piano.

Question 12

Do I need a piano or keyboard to take lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A keyboard or piano is required for the lessons since they take place in your home. Additionally, the best way to make progress on the piano is having your own instrument for you to play on consistently throughout the week.

Question 13

What piano or keyboard do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

Acoustic pianos are always the best, and in NYC you can often find rentals for around $50/month—or even free pianos through online marketplaces.

That said, there are many good digital options. The most important feature is weighted keys, which simulate the hammer action of an acoustic piano and allow for expressive playing (soft and loud).

Some good options include the Yamaha P-series, Kawai ES120, and Casio PX-series. There are also more affordable weighted keyboards available online. I’m always happy to help you choose.

If all you have right now is a starter keyboard without weighted keys or fewer than 88 keys, that’s okay to begin—just know that as you advance, upgrading will be more rewarding.

Question 14

What is your cancellation or makeup policy?

Accepted Answer

At least 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a lesson, otherwise the lesson fee is forfeited.

In the case of sudden illness, please inform me by 10am on the day of your scheduled lesson.

Question 15

If I purchase a package of 5 lessons and need to stop, can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Lesson packages are non-refundable. When you book a package, you’re reserving dedicated time with your teacher, and lessons are planned thoughtfully around your goals weeks in advance.

That said, there’s no obligation beyond the package itself. You’re always free to complete your 5 lessons and decide whether or not to continue, with no additional commitment or penalty.

My goal is for students to continue because lessons feel valuable, not because they feel locked in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience at all to begin?

What ages do you teach? Do you teach adults?

Is piano a good idea if my child already has a lot of activities?

What styles of music do you teach?

How do I know which lesson length is right for me or my child?

Can we change lesson times or lengths later?

Where do lessons take place?

What makes your teaching approach different?

What does “progress” look like in your studio?

Do you follow a specific method book?

What if I don’t practice much one week?

Do I need a piano or keyboard to take lessons?

What piano or keyboard do you recommend?

What is your cancellation or makeup policy?

If I purchase a package of 5 lessons and need to stop, can I get a refund?

Still have questions?
If you’re unsure whether lessons are a good fit, I’m always happy to talk through your goals and answer any questions before getting started.

Contact Me

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience at all to begin?

What ages do you teach? Do you teach adults?

Is piano a good idea if my child already has a lot of activities?

What styles of music do you teach?

How do I know which lesson length is right for me or my child?

Can we change lesson times or lengths later?

Where do lessons take place?

What makes your teaching approach different?

What does “progress” look like in your studio?

Do you follow a specific method book?

What if I don’t practice much one week?

Do I need a piano or keyboard to take lessons?

What piano or keyboard do you recommend?

What is your cancellation or makeup policy?

If I purchase a package of 5 lessons and need to stop, can I get a refund?

Still have questions? If you’re unsure whether lessons are a good fit, I’m always happy to talk through your goals and answer any questions before getting started.

Contact Me

Still have questions?
If you’re unsure whether lessons are a good fit, I’m always happy to talk through your goals and answer any questions before getting started.