Frequently Asked Questions
What age group do you teach?
We teach all age groups. At present, we have students from ages 5 to 72! We subscribe to the idea that it is never too late to start learning and enjoying the piano.
For young pianists, it is recommended that a child start one to one piano lessons around the age of 5 or 6. The main requirement is that the child knows their alphabet and can concentrate for 30 minutes. Trial lessons can be booked in these cases to see if the child is ready.
What about online piano lessons?
Online lessons suit older children and adults who can concentrate for at least 30 minutes while learning through a live video with their teacher.
What are the advantages of online piano lessons?
Online piano lessons work very well as a more flexible option for those with busy schedules. Our online lessons nurture & encourage the independence & self sufficiency of students, which are important tools that can be used in all aspects of life. For Zoom lessons you simply need a computer and a headset with a good Internet connection. Most laptops have built-in microphones, so you probably do not even need a headset.
It is really easy to learn via Zoom, and it works amazingly well. As long as the student has a desire to learn and grow, online piano lessons will work wonderfully!
How much lesson time do I need?
Young beginners need only 30 minute lessons each week to suit their attention span.
45 minute lessons suit those who are keen to progress & want to learn a few pieces at a time. Regular practise and a commitment to your progress as a pianist is essential for longer lesson times.
60 minute lessons suit those who are committed to their piano practise routine & who may be preparing for advanced exams for RIAM & ABRSM.
Do I need a Piano/Keyboard at home for the lessons?
Yes, you definitely need some kind of a practice instrument. Acoustic pianos/ high quality digital pianos are always best, but a keyboard can suffice for the beginning stages. If you opt for at-home lessons, a home piano is a requirement. Also, it's very difficult to make progress if you don't have an instrument to practice on. If you have a piano, make sure it is tuned regularly. We can also recommend a piano tuner if needed.
Do I need to purchase music books?
You may have to purchase some books for our lessons; these can be ordered online and delivered to your door-step. Our teacher will send notes, worksheets & sheet music digitally to those who are able to view them at the piano from a device such as an iPad and/or print them out. We are more than happy to help you with sourcing the right material.
I already know a little bit about piano and music theory, do I have to start at the beginning?
No. Lessons are tailor-made to the individual needs of the student. Your teacher will assess your level after the first lesson, discuss your goals, and determine the best course of action based on your current level of understanding.
What can I expect during my first month of piano lessons as a beginner?
As you will be learning to play music first and foremost, the beginning stages will be dedicated to helping you understand the language of music. You will need to learn how to read music properly.
In addition to this, the basics of piano technique will be taught. You will learn how to play major scales and get initiated into the basics of piano playing.
Learning to play the piano is a journey and we do not cut corners. We make absolutely sure that you receive a solid foundation when learning to play the piano with us.
So to sum it up, the beginning stages will be spent on building a solid foundation.
How much time should I dedicate a day as a beginner learning the piano?
This all depends on the individual student and how busy their day to day life is. The minimum time required would be 15 minutes per day. We have however noted that students practising for 30 minutes a day have a much better result. The more effort you put into your piano practise, the quicker your result will be. Should you want to make exceptional progress, we would recommend at least 60 minutes a day.
How long will it take for me to learn how to play the piano?
That depends on what you call ‘playing the piano’. Playing simple but beautiful compositions can usually be achieved within six months. Within two years you can play more complicated pieces and within three, you can achieve a whole lot more. I do know that this may not be very encouraging, as a lot of online courses promise learning the piano overnight. The truth is that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! You need quality input and a solid pianistic foundation. Having realistic (but positive) expectations is therefore very important! You really need to immerse yourself into the learning of the instrument in order to become a pianist.
The biggest secret here is consistency and persistence. If you are consistently persistent you will play the piano well in time!
Do you cater for graded examinations?
We most certainly cater for graded examinations. All of our exams are done through RIAM or ABRSM. It is however not a requirement, but only for those wanting to do the grades.
Exam details can be found here: www.riam.ie/
How can I contact the teacher?
Please contact Lauren via email at laurenmcclean6@gmail.com
You can expect a reply within one business day, sometimes within a few minutes if Lauren is available.
Alternatively you can also contact us via our contact form which can be found on the following page – www.pianolessonsbylauren.com/contact
You can also reach us telephonically at +353 86 3693530