FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you wish to proceed with lessons after reading these FAQs, go to the Application Form link.
- How often are piano lessons?
- What days and times are available for lessons?
- How long is a lesson?
- Where does a lesson take place?
- What happens during a lesson?
- How do I remember what I’ve been taught?
- How do I find out about Dulais Rhys as a piano teacher?
- How safe will my child be?
- How will I know how I or my child is doing?
- How much do lessons cost?
- Am I getting value for money?
- How do I pay for lessons?
- Who pays for the music?
How often are piano lessons?
Typically, one lesson a week. No lesson during school vacation except by prior arrangement.
What days and times are available for lessons?
Monday through Friday, school students usually after school hours, adult students anytime. Saturday or Sunday lessons possible but weekend instruction tends to be inconsistent due to family commitments.
How long is a lesson?
Lessons are usually 20, 30, 40, 45 or 60 minutes (depending on your budget).
See Fees.
Where does a lesson take place?
Preferably at my studio. If lessons are given at your home or another location, travel expenses are additional to the lesson fee.
What happens during a lesson?
A typical lesson consists of:
- A short music reading test - playing unseen music is an important skill.
- Pieces – repertoire will be decided jointly by me and the student.
- Technical work (scales, arpeggios etc.) – most traditional music is based on these important patterns.
- Piano technique, Aural (Ear) training, Music theory etc.
- Lesson comments and practice advice are added to the student's Practice Information Folder.
How do I remember what I’ve been taught?
Students are provided with a personal Practice Information Folder. I also have an extensive bank of teaching material which I distribute as needed, such as handouts, memory aids, info sheets etc.
How do I find out about Dulais Rhys as a piano teacher?
The References link is a list of people who have given their permission to be contacted for information on my character, experience and teaching ability.
In addition to contacting my reference providers, as a potential student or parent of a student, it may facilitate your decision-making to meet in person. This would be a beneficial opportunity to discuss any aspect of my music services. Children or young adults would also be welcome to attend, accompanied by a responsible adult. There is no charge for this consultation. Please email me to arrange a mutually convenient time and location: dulaisrhys (at) ymail (dot) com.
How safe will my child be?
For students under 18 years of age, I provide parents/guardians with a copy of my Child and Young Adult Protection Policy. Establishing a mutual bond of educator-student trust is the basis of a healthy teaching environment; this important document outlines my professional code of conduct.
How will I know how I or my child is doing?
Twice a year (June and December) I issue a two-part ‘Progress Report’. Part 1 is a record of all aspects of student progress and includes a section for student/parent feedback. Part 2 is a journal of lessons and payments for the preceding six months.
How much do lessons cost?
This can vary to suit your budget (at $1 per minute), for example: a 30 minute lesson costs $30, a 45 minute lesson costs $45 and a one hour lesson costs $60. See Fees.
Am I getting value for money?
As with all professional services, there is a wide selection. In deciding on a piano teacher, take into consideration the services offered for the fee charged. Please see The Value of a Piano Lesson.
How do I pay for lessons?
Lessons must be paid for in advance, typically for a block of six lessons. I issue a receipt for every payment and credit your account accordingly. The ‘journal of piano lessons’ (see above) will give you a record of the educator-student financial situation. See Fees.
Tuition may be paid for in cash or check (made payable to ‘Dulais Rhys’) or directly into my bank account.
Who pays for the music?
Buying piano music is an investment. Like a book, printed music should be used, enjoyed, treasured and used again. Building your own library of music can be fun and compliments listening to music.
All music must be paid for by the student/parent either by purchasing his/her own or reimbursing Dulais Rhys via Invoice.