FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE RATE FOR LYRIKOS MUSIC LESSONS?

Lessons are billed in 10 equal monthly installments from August of 2024 through May of 2025. Students that start later in the year will be prorated. The rate per lesson is as follows:

Beginner/intermediate students: $34 for 30-minute lessons and $51 for 45-minute lessons
Advanced students: $68 for 60-minute lessons
Four group lessons per year (in October, December, March, and May): $68 per lesson

Enrollment fees are $20 per year, and this includes fees for music materials, educational program subscriptions, and recital space bookings.

WHAT IS THE TEACHING CURRICULUM FOR PIANO LESSONS?

Ms. Holly tailors the curriculum to each student and their learning style, goals, and interests. At all levels, the focus is on musical literacy, technique, performance, and theory. Beginner students usually start with a method book like Piano Adventures, The Music Tree, or Piano Safari as well as other supplementary songs and exercises by contemporary composers and Ms. Holly herself. Students also study familiar classical, pop, and jazz tunes, and spend time honing their improvisation and composition skills. Students on the Honors Track can participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music program, which has specific pieces required for study.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR ENROLLMENT IN THE STUDIO?

Parents and students must first meet for an interview with Ms. Holly (free of charge) either at the Lyrikos studio or online through Skype or Zoom. Especially if this is the start of your child's musical journey, it's important to make sure that we are a good fit for you! In the interview, we address parent, student, and teacher expectations for taking piano lessons, talk about your child’s learning style and any special needs they may have, and go through the Lyrikos studio policies. Ms. Holly will then send the Enrollment Form to the parents to fill out and sign off on (this form is also accessible through the drop-down menu on the website, under the section New Students). Parents must also submit an enrollment fee payment of $20.

WHAT IS FACTORED INTO THE LESSON RATE?

Lyrikos bases the lesson rate on the following considerations: teaching experience and credentials (Ms. Holly has a master's degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy and is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association), the average lesson rate for the area, and time spent in preparation for each lesson.

HOW OLD SHOULD MY CHILD BE TO START PIANO LESSONS?

Ms. Holly recommends that your child is at least old enough to focus in 20-minute increments (don’t worry, our 45-minute lessons will include a break and sometimes even an "off-the-bench" game to keep their attention!). Students should also be starting to learn how to read and know the letters of the alphabet. With that in mind, students can usually start as early as five years of age.

DO PARENTS NEED TO SIT WITH THEIR CHILD AND MS. HOLLY DURING THE LESSON?

Parents of young beginners (around ages 5-7) must attend lessons with their child for the first three months to get an idea of what they will be learning and so that they can help their child practice at home. Ms. Holly requests that parents observe silently to not to disrupt the flow of the lesson and reserve questions and comments for the end of the lesson (or call or e-mail me if there are any serious concerns). Some young students may work better when the parent is not present for the entire lesson. If this is the case, she may have you sit outside on the bench by the front door and observe for the last 10 or so minutes of the lesson so you can still stay informed. The app that the Lyrikos studio uses for tracking practice, Tonara, also makes it easy for the parents of older students to follow up about weekly assignments, and she also tries to talk to parents after each lesson to share how their child is progressing.

I WANT MY CHILD TO START PIANO LESSONS, BUT I’M NOT SURE HOW COMMITTED WE CAN BE TO PRACTICING SINCE WE HAVE A BUSY SCHEDULE. IS THAT OKAY?

At the Lyrikos studio, one of the most essential part of the music lesson is practice... and it's more than just about sounding great at your recital. Practicing an instrument instills a sense of work ethic and drive towards a musical goal, and good practicers can become lifelong learners who are able to apply those skills from practicing to other areas of their academic, professional, and personal lives. We do not recommend students begin piano lessons specifically unless they are able to practice at least 15-20 minutes a day, 3-4 days a week in the beginning. Ms. Holly will guide you through the process of making piano practice a routine at home, just like the routine of doing homework after school.

IS IT FINE IF I HOLD OFF ON RENTING OR BUYING AN INSTRUMENT FOR MY CHILD AT HOME UNTIL I'M SURE THAT THEY LIKE THEIR LESSONS?

No, students must have a working instrument at home before starting lessons, as they will need to practice between lessons to retain their skills. Think of it like purchasing equipment for your child to use at baseball practice, or a textbook so they're able to do their homework. If you want tips on where to buy a piano or keyboard and what makes/models are recommended, check out the Purchasing an Instrument page under the New Students section.

WHAT KIND OF PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES DO STUDENTS GET AT THE STUDIO?

Students get to play or showcase their compositions at Ms. Holly's group performance classes, which are held in mid-October and May of each year. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to perform at retirement centers and local cafes in the area when it is safe to do so.

DO STUDENTS EVER GET TO PLAY IN ADJUDICATED EVENTS OR SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT LYRIKOS?

Yes! Students may participate in adjudicated events through the local Music Teachers National Association. Students may also opt to take tests as part of the Royal Conservatory of Music program, in either the fall or spring. You can read more about the Royal Conservatory of Music here.

WHAT ARE YOUR POLICIES ON MAKE-UP LESSONS?

Students are given two make-up lessons each year for any circumstances, but more than two are not permitted with the exception of a family or weather-related emergency. Make-ups are always given if Ms. Holly must miss a lesson for any reason. These make-ups are taught during the second week of December (before winter break) and the last week of May (before the start of the summer term).