Piano with Troy S.

To improve information retention, I try to build lessons around one particular idea at a time. For example, the very first thing I like to teach is how to find 'C' on the piano. If that is the only takeaway from our first lesson, then that will set you up for an -outstanding- second lesson. My philosophy is to take things slow and to make them as fun as possible - I like to throw in fun quips and relate my lessons to the students' own interests to make each lesson stick. I like to keep this pace even with more advanced students, mostly just to ensure that the fun of what they're learning isn't lost in the nervous rush to get a piece of music completed by a certain date. In my experience, all of music is about delayed gratification, and if it takes several months or even years to master a song, then that makes it all the more worth it when you get to show off what you've learned! Also - you may notice that I actually charge disproportionally more for longer lessons; this is because I want to discourage anyone from spending too much time at once just focusing on a single theme or subject. I have personally found that the 'sweet spot' for keeping a student's attention and making sure they sign-off with new, valuable information about their musical journey is somewhere around the 30 minute to 45 minute mark. I am more than happy to schedule shorter lessons with a student multiple times a week, but I predict you will see diminishing returns from anything lasting an hour or longer. If you find that you (or your child) has the discipline for longer lessons, I am also willing to negotiate a much more reasonable price with you on a client-by-client basis.