Piano lessons • Michael Hegarty
Frequently Asked Questions
Your most common piano lesson related questions answered.
What kind of piano or keyboard do I need for lessons?
While a full size acoustic piano may be the ideal instrument for anyone to learn on, space and tuning costs can be prohibitive. For a beginner, any keyboard with 88 piano style keys would be suitable, ideally weighted.
How much piano practice do I need to do per day?
How much practice you require depends on your level and age. Child beginners can make excellent progress initially with just 10-15 minutes a day. For adult beginners, 20 minutes would be ideal. In the case of intermediate to advanced students, a minimum of 30 minutes to 1-hours' practice is needed.
Do you teach music theory?
Yes, I teach music theory both as part of standard piano lessons and as a stand-alone option. Music theory forms an important and integral part of learning to play a musical instrument.
I also offer group lessons in music theory, which is a more affordable option in addition to standard piano tuition.
Do I need musical experience to begin piano lessons?
When you begin lessons, we will cover all the fundamental skills and knowledge required. There is no need to have studied any musical instrument or music theory before starting to learn piano. Previous study may be of benefit, but it is not essential.
My child has been offered school lessons. Why are private piano lessons better?
Many school lessons are carried out in groups, limiting the time and attention the teacher can give to individual pupils. There is also less opportunity for parents to interact with and receive feedback from the teacher. In my experience, many burgeoning problems can be headed off by a conversation with parents after a lesson.
School lessons can also be disruptive to other classes a child has, since they take place during school hours.
Will you travel to my home to teach me?
I do not normally travel to students' homes. I teach from my home studio in Dundee. There is on-street parking available, and, for adult and home educated students, I can offer convenient morning and early afternoon slots rather than evening.
How many lessons do I need to make progress?
The number and length of lessons required varies depending on your level of skill and experience. For beginners, one 30-minute lesson each week should be sufficient to make good progress; for intermediate or advanced students, I would recommend a 1-hour lesson each week to ensure all technical skills and repertoire can be covered.
Are online lessons available and can I make as much progress as I could in person?
Yes, I offer online lessons for those unable to attend face-to-face. While in-person piano lessons may be ideal, I have had many students who made excellent progress with online lessons. The key to success is, as always, regular practice, and listening during the lesson.
Many of my online students have achieved merits and distinctions in their graded examinations.
What kind of music will I learn?
The kind of music we study as part of piano lessons depends on your tastes, interests, and level. All students begin with very basic repertoire and exercises, but as we progress there is more choice in the genres that we play. So, whether your interests are in Classical music, Jazz, Blues, pop, or others, there will be something to interest you.