20Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

1. How can piano lessons help my child?

Learning to play the piano has many benefits for a young child—or learner of any age!

The values of piano study have a wide range: improving fine and large motor skills as well as improving attention, concentration, and memory. Piano study builds confidence in learning and inspires creativity. It teaches not only notes and rhythm, it also teaches patience and self-discipline. It offers a form of artistic expression that comes from the heart while also engaging the intellect. It is a wholistic endeavor!

The piano helps create a music-rich environment in the home for listening, singing, and learning. And it builds the individuality of the self with the broad outcome of bringing people together.

2. What is unique about the Piano Adventures method for children?

Piano Adventures is unique for its “triangle of learning” called ACE. The three component parts stand for Analysis, Creativity, and Expression.

Using the ACE triangle, Piano Adventures offers methods that recognize four different age levels. Each method caters to attributes of that age group for pacing, repertoire, theory, technique, and creative activities.

Here is a brief overview:

• My First Piano Adventure (ages 5-6)
  Written for the young beginner, this course captures the child’s playful spirit with five “friends at the piano,” charming songs, and rhythm and technique games.

• Basic Piano Adventures (ages 6-11)
  Piano Adventures Basic offers an exciting exploration. Its varied 8-level curriculum has appealing repertoire, theory, improvisation, composition, and a systematic technique program right from the start.

• Accelerated Piano Adventures for the Older Beginner (ages 11-17)
  Accelerated Piano Adventures offers an individualized, student-centered path to learn. Its wide and varied curriculum gives teachers a highly personalized approach with unique rewards for the accelerated student.

• Adult Piano Adventures (ages 17-100!)
  Ideal for the beginning adult or as a refresher course for the returning adult, the All-in-One Books teach skills to play hundreds of familiar songs. Enjoy online support with 3-Minute Theory and Technique pages.

One of the most notable features that sets Piano Adventures apart is the teacher and student support for all levels. Explore more at Resources.

3. How can I find the best teacher for my 6-year-old? How much will lessons cost?

There are several ways to locate a teacher using the Piano Adventures curriculum. Your local music store or piano teacher organization may be of help. In addition, check out the Piano Adventures Teacher Locator which is a communication hub connecting Piano Adventures teachers throughout the United States to interested persons desiring lessons.

Piano teacher fees for lessons can vary by geographical location, education of the teacher, and the years of teaching experience. Some teachers specialize in teaching the very young, while others focus on adult learners. Other teachers thrive teaching all ages!

Parents can be comfortable knowing that music teachers are indeed trained professionals, many certified, and many active members of professional organizations—just like school teachers, accountants, lawyers, etc. Most lessons are focused, one-on-one instruction. This is an invaluable opportunity for a student to have the full attention of the teacher. Most instruction takes place in the teacher’s home or studio—on their own treasured instrument!

Lastly, some teachers not only arrange recitals, but make it possible for students to participate in achievement testing through national and international organizations. Teachers may also participate in piano competitions for those students interested. Other successful teachers offer a “wholistic,” warm-hearted experience of learning to play the piano in an informal, child-centered setting that brings fun and learning together.

4. How long should a lesson be?

Typically, a lesson is 30 or 45 minutes long. A class lesson might be an hour in length. If possible, a 45-minute lesson is highly recommended for a private lesson. Teachers have time to integrate important concepts spanning the core books, as well as foster the student-teacher relationship so important for the beginning student.

5. How long should my child practice?

The length of practice depends on how much is assigned. Beginners should aim for 15 minutes minimum. If practice is focused, a lot can be accomplished in 15 minutes! Some students may be able to practice 20 minutes in a sitting or divide the time into two 10-minute sessions.

Entering Level 1 and beyond, the 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week is always a good basic goal. Parents and students should recognize that progress is completely based on regular practice. By Level 3B, 45-minutes a day is excellent as many students are also studying piano literature. At level 5 and beyond, an hour a day will yield great results with the student expressing self-confidence and focus as a dedicated player.

The goal, from 15-minute practice sessions to hour-long practice sessions (or beyond), is to develop the student’s ability at the piano and enjoy a gift for life.

6. Why does the method have four books per level?

The four core books—Lesson, Theory, Technique & Artistry, Performance— integrate learning based on the ACE triangle—analysis, creativity, and expression.

The four core books address things easy to miss in lessons: ear-training, sightreading, improvisation, and, importantly, its unique system of technique for all 8 levels. Taking the time for deeper learning with the core books also prepares the student for success at the next level.

7. Is taking piano lessons equivalent to another school subject?

Yes, piano study is the equivalent of another school subject. One might consider that a student’s math or geography class is essentially 5 days a week, with homework assignments each day. Using a model such as this represents the need for practice 6 days a week (ideally) with one weekly lesson that directs new learning for the next week.

8. I have children close in age. Should they study in the same method books?

Families can certainly share books. It saves the family from purchasing new books, and often a younger sibling has heard pieces being practiced by the older brother or sister. There is a certain joy in playing the piece the older sibling learned. Often, progress is faster for the younger child as a result.

If two siblings are beginning at the same time, and one is, for instance, 6 and the other sibling is 8, the teacher may:

• Have both students study in the Primer Lesson Book, letting both children and you as the parent know the older child usually progresses faster and that is natural.
• Theory Books would need to be purchased for each child.
• The Technique & Artistry Book can be shared.
• The teacher could choose different solo books instead of using the Performance Book for both siblings. Or, one child might enjoy the Sightreading Book while the other uses the Performance Book.

If there is a wider age gap, the teacher might begin the younger student in the Primer and the older student (10-11) in the Book 1 Accelerated Course.

9. Should I attend the lessons?

Most teachers welcome the attendance of the parent/caregiver at the lesson. Especially for My First Piano Adventures Book A, the parent can give a sense of security and offer some fun participation. Some parents, particularly in China and Korea, video the lesson or parts of the lesson on their phones to refer to during the week.

Other parents for slightly older students may participate for the first month and taper off when the child understands “how lessons work” and feels comfortable with the teacher.

Still other students may actually be able to focus better and listen more attentively without the parent present. In this case, parents may attend a few special lessons now and then to be involved and show support.

10. Should I practice with my child?

For parents of 5 and 6 year-olds, it can be very helpful to practice with the child, especially if the child welcomes it. The parent should take the role of calm ally, friend, and supporter. A gentle voice and good humor is valuable. At the end of the practice, consider asking the child to play one piece as a “musical gift.” Sit away from the piano and show great appreciation.

For slightly older 7 and 8-year-old students, the parent might be a practice partner for one or two days to help with notes, rhythms, etc. Then the student can “fly solo” as an independent “practicer” for the rest of the week.

Students 10 and up usually prefer to practice on their own. If not, make the most of it! Help with practice for the first several days.

11. What are the Adventure Learning Videos?

Led by the musical mascot, “Trophy,” the Adventure Learning Videos help Primer students “go forward faster with fun.” The videos feature animation with close-ups of the hands and simple text. Created to tap the student’s “musical mind” with theory analysis, technique tips, and beginning composition, the videos can be used in a variety of ways.

• The teacher may ask your child to watch a video at home for a piece presented at the lesson. Since the video offers unique practice support, it will remind your child of key musical points for a successful next lesson.
• The teacher may assign your child a new piece not presented at the lesson. Your child (or you and your child) can “adventure” on your own with independent learning and grow in self-confidence.
• The teacher shares an Adventure Learning Video at a Zoom lesson as a presentation aid.

Currently, the Adventure Learning Videos are available for the Primer Lesson Book with QR codes in the book and on the website here. (More Adventure Learning Videos are planned for the next levels.)

12. What if my child wants to learn an “outside song” not on the assignment?

A child may become motivated to play a piece after hearing a friend play a song, seeing a movie that has some fun music, or singing a song at school. It is laudable to want to learn to play it.

Ask your child’s teacher who may be able to find an arrangement of that song online or in other publications. Note that arrangements vary in difficulty and the correct level for the student may not be readily available. If so, the teacher may be able to write out the theme or create an arrangement. Also, a more difficult arrangement may be able to be simplified. Lastly, playing some of the piece by ear may also be a great solution that involves the student’s ear, memory, and fingers “finding their way.”

13. Is it okay to call the teacher and discuss progress?

Yes! Teachers appreciate the parent who is interested in understanding more about the learning process. Parents can also be extremely helpful to teachers in giving feedback regarding the student’s personality, energy to learn, family schedule, etc.

Though as a parent you may not usually sit in on lessons, it can be valuable to attend a lesson once every 8-10 weeks. The parent usually sits quietly in the room and simply observes. The teacher may enjoy discussing a few things: the theory approach, the student’s strengths, and goals going forward.

All in all, this sends a message to the student that music is important, and this usually translates into good progress.

14. Can Zoom lessons work for a piano lesson?

Yes, it is completely possible to take piano lessons via Zoom. If your child is young (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) it can be very helpful to have the parent present to assist— from the teacher screen to the student screen.

In a Zoom lesson, there will usually be more dialogue between teacher and student. This keeps the connection and communication vibrant and alive. The music will likely be analyzed through screen sharing with questions and answers. This prepares the student to play by noticing melody patterns, rhythms, and other musical elements. Often the teacher will demonstrate the piece as a “sound picture” for the student to absorb.

Make sure your child is set up well for the Zoom lesson: charged computer, good lighting, a snack beforehand if needed, pencil ready, books in place … and a smile for the teacher.

Yes, it is completely possible to take piano lessons via Zoom. If your child is young (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) it can be very helpful to have the parent present to assist— from the teacher screen to the student screen.

In a Zoom lesson, there will usually be more dialogue between teacher and student. This keeps the connection and communication vibrant and alive. The music will likely be analyzed through screen sharing with questions and answers. This prepares the student to play by noticing melody patterns, rhythms, and other musical elements. Often the teacher will demonstrate the piece as a “sound picture” for the student to absorb.

Make sure your child is set up well for the Zoom lesson: charged computer, good lighting, a snack beforehand if needed, pencil ready, books in place … and a smile for the teacher.

Yes, it is completely possible to take piano lessons via Zoom. If your child is young (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) it can be very helpful to have the parent present to assist— from the teacher screen to the student screen.

In a Zoom lesson, there will usually be more dialogue between teacher and student. This keeps the connection and communication vibrant and alive. The music will likely be analyzed through screen sharing with questions and answers. This prepares the student to play by noticing melody patterns, rhythms, and other musical elements. Often the teacher will demonstrate the piece as a “sound picture” for the student to absorb.

Make sure your child is set up well for the Zoom lesson: charged computer, good lighting, a snack beforehand if needed, pencil ready, books in place … and a smile for the teacher.

15. ­Should my child always have a piece “ready to play” for grandparents, other relatives, friends, etc.?

It’s a very good idea to have one or two pieces that can be played for any occasion. Some children may naturally be eager to show off their pieces. Others may be a bit shy.

If you are interested in this, ask the teacher to recommend a piece or two, yet letting the student be fully involved for the final selection. The student, knowing the purpose of this “special piece” can then be ready to play “at the drop of a hat.”

Hear the piece(s) at regular intervals so the music remains in good shape. The student may even commit them to memory. And, of course, the pieces may change as the student progresses to higher levels.

16. Is it okay if my child sings or doodles around on the piano during practice time?

Mozart was a doodler. So was Beethoven. Sometimes we think of improvisation as largely in the jazz domain. Yet the classical composers were incredible improvisers.

So if your child is doodling away, more power to the doodler! This kind of free expression, hearing something in the mind that wants to come out on the keys, is exactly the adventurous spirit we are seeking.

Keep calm and doodle on!

17. If my child gets busy with sports or other activities, should we keep taking piano if practice is unsteady?

This busy student is not uncommon. The key ingredient is if your child likes the piano. If so, consider a “let’s see how it goes period” for 6 months or so. The child (and family) may have to curtail an activity or two to make time for practice. Once this is done, the way for success is much enhanced; a commitment has been made, and time allotted.

For this busy student, the teacher is in a unique position to teach lessons in a slightly different way. One of the great roles of piano teachers is to create the future music lovers of society: the young adults who will support the arts in the future, attend concerts, sing in a choir, etc.

The teacher and parent might consider the following paths for this busy student:

• The teacher can give fewer pieces, even just two that the student really likes, along with some scales. Use lesson time to analyze the harmony of these pieces, practice memorizing, and discuss interesting facts about the composer, if applicable.
• Consider using a PreTime to BigTime Book at the appropriate level. Choose songs that have particular motivation to the student.
• Engage personally with the student to be an ally for their activities, plans, and general love of music.

18. Where can I purchase Piano Adventures Books and other Faber materials?

Books can be purchased at your local music dealer, if there is one in your area. Books can also be purchased on the QUICK SHOP on this website as well as many online retail sellers.

19. Questions about specific series and books? See below.

Some of this information may be more than the parent is seeking! Feel free to scan lightly. For those interested, delve deeper for a wealth of information.

Basic Piano Adventures

Primer Q&As       Level 1 Q&As       Level 2A Q&As       Level 2B Q&As

Level 3A Q&As    Level 3B Q&As      Level 4 Q&As         Level 5 Q&As

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My First Piano Adventure

A Book Q&As         B Book Q&As         C Book Q&As

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Accelerated Piano Adventures

Accel. Level 1 Q&As     Accel. Level 2 Q&As

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The PreTime to BigTime Piano Library

PreTime Q&As         PlayTime Q&As   ShowTime Q&As

ChordTime Q&As   FunTime Q&As     BigTime Q&As

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The Developing Artist Piano Library

Preparatory Literature Book Q&As    Piano Literature Book 1    Piano Literature Book 2

20. What if the parent would like to take lessons for fun? Can this help my child as well?

When the parent and child begin to take lessons, the benefits become magnified. The child sees the parent practicing! The child sees the parent going to the lesson. And the child hears the parent playing pieces, learning step by step. A powerful role model.

The parent and child share the experience of learning an instrument together, offering opportunities to have interesting and varied conversations. And maybe even play a duet or two together at the recital.