Trial Lesson

Introduction

Here is a glimpse into what I typically cover in a trial lesson. I offer a trial lesson as a way for you to find out, without future obligation, if I’m the right teacher for you. I do an assessment that targets different things depending on the student’s age in level. You should only schedule a trial lesson with me when you’re ready to pursue lessons since I require my normal lesson fee for it.

What to Expect

Even though each trial lesson is structured based on the age and experience of the student, there are two different types of lessons: Ones that assess prior reading ability, and those that don’t. If you have never studied piano before, and additionally haven’t learned how to read music through a different instrument or singing, I don’t test reading ability. If you do read treble and/or bass clef, I include that as a part of the assessment.

What to Bring

Your sheet music or method books, if you have any. I am always happy to hear what you have to play, since that helps me to assess your level. It doesn’t matter how you learned the music, whether by note reading, rote, or by ear. If you don’t have any thing to play, we’ll skip that part of the assessment.

Introduction to the Piano

If you have never seen how a grand piano works, I like to do a quick tour of the instrument. I don’t get too technical, but it’s pretty simple to show how the keys, hammers, dampers, and strings work together. If you’re a little kid, I will ask you about the animals that make high and low sounds, and associate that with the size of the animals themselves.

Rote Playing and Improvisation

I’ve covered note reading above, and I don’t really focus on technique at a trial lesson. We have plenty of time to learn and practice scales, arpeggios, and chords. However, I try to share a bit of rote playing and even some improvisation if we have time. That way, you have somewhat of an idea about how I cover the four building blocks of modern piano playing.

In Conclusion

I try to do my best to show a bit of my teaching style as well as to assess the current level of a student. I share this information regardless of whether the student wishes to enroll with me. Thirty minutes isn’t a very long time, so I often have to adjust along the way. However, I try to do my best to offer a plan and give you an idea of what lessons would look like in my studio.