Notes to students

On equipment, while real pianos are better than electric ones, a reasonable digital piano can do if a real one is not available. If not sure which model to buy, I can give advice on buying a piano too. I teach at home with an upright piano (regularly tuned) so students can have a experience on playing real keys as well. An adjustable stool is ideal as well(please ensure that children can rest their foot on something if it doesn’t reach the ground)

I use the Faber Piano Adventures: Basic series to help beginners start learning the piano. There is no need to buy all of the books from the series. It is likely that only the Lesson book and Theory book is useful, and I will not use books from all of the levels as well. As long as the student has gained some basic piano understanding, we can start working on actual music scores. If you not sure, please ask me before buying the books.

Students must be old enough to read, and most importantly that they love music and the piano. Practice is key for the piano, and parents can help encouraging and reminding children to practice. More importantly, listen and appreciate their playing. This can help the child to be more comfortable performing in front of an audience, which would be immensely helpful for their future performances.

The importance of practice goes for adult learners as well. One can never start music too late. The key is to practice often, to continue improve your skill and to truly enjoy music. Listen to the recordings of the pieces you are learning but listen wide too, to absorb a variety of music. Parents can bring their children to different concerts and musical events too. (The Cambridge Concert Calendar is a valuable resource for checking upcoming concerts around your area)