Piano Lessons

About Piano Lessons

Although I specialize in teaching children, I have enjoyed teaching many people of all ages to play the piano. I think the Suzuki Method is the best way to learn to play like a professional, while still allowing time to pursue other interests. My students, including those who supposedly had absolutely no talent, have all learned within 2 years to play better than I could after 17 years of study. Integral to this approach is listening to good pianists on recordings, and in person.

In the beginning listening is more important than practicing and this can begin before birth. Fortunately, listening to the Suzuki repertoire has been shown to enhance joy, promote relaxation and healing, help people learn more in less time, and accomplish other beneficial things.

Arranging Piano Lessons

Call me, Nancy Barnes, at 310/377-9544, to arrange a time when we can meet. This will help us mutually determine whether we can make arrangements that will help you meet your goals. I do not teach children unless they are accompanied by a parent (or guardian). This person will encourage proper practice, play the recommended recordings as often as possible and also learn at least a little piano.

I have never had a student whose parent played the Suzuki recordings regularly, and who spent a few minutes a day seeing that their child practiced correctly, who wanted to quit. Most parents have enjoyed their part in their child’s success.

What about a piano?

I know of an excellent concert pianist who, as a child, didn't have a piano at all, not even a keyboard. She practiced on a table, imagining the sound, and her teacher never knew she didn't have a piano. The internationally acclaimed pianist, Lang Lang, broke very many of the strings on his piano when he was a child and his family couldn't afford to replace them, so he sang the missing sounds.

These are exceptional cases however, and generally the better the piano, the better the student progresses. If you don't have a real piano, your lessons will likely need to be longer and your practice less enjoyable. You will be better off to buy or rent one. I would be glad to consult with you about the purchase of a suitable instrument.

What does it cost?

Lessons are $1.00 a minute, with a 15 minute minimum. Since children sometimes have a short attention span, additional time can be spent observing lessons of other students, or of the child's parent or guardian. If you are a pianist yourself and enjoy teaching your own child, weekly lessons may not be necessary and I am happy to arrange less frequent lessons.

Reading Music

You can learn to read music in minutes instead of months!

About Piano Lessons

Arranging Piano Lessons

What about a piano?

What does it cost?