Piano Lessons
In-person Private music instruction is for students age 6+, including adults, if you live in Mammoth Lakes , Crowley Lake, Bishop or June Lake. Online lessons are available if you do not live in the Eastern Sierra.
- Piano Lessons with Jackie focus on reading and playing music as well as learning music theory. A strong foundation in music theory will provide individuals with the tools and confidence to play music for enjoyment, performance or to progress to another instrument.
- Piano lessons are a year around commitment. The piano year starts on September 1st, 2024 and ends on August 31st, 2025. Tuition is paid in 12 equal payments on the first of each month and based on the total number of lessons & recitals available that piano year. That means whether there are 5 lessons or 2 lessons in a month, the monthly tuition fee will remain the same. Tuition covers scheduled lesson times, teacher planning, administrative time, studio and the Spring & Fall Recitals. All fees are nonexchangeable and/or nonrefundable.
- Please reference the Piano Calendar for the list of scheduled lesson days and holidays.
- All lessons are 30 minutes of private instruction where students are engaged in learning and playing music. Students that are enrolled year around will have opportunities to perform at the Fall and Spring Recitals.
Piano FAQs
Do I need a piano at home?
Yes. Students must have acoustic piano or electric piano for home practice. The quality of your student’s home instrument plays a significant role in their potential for success. Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once a year. If you prefer a digital piano, I recommend investing in a full-size keyboard (88 keys) with weighted, touch-sensitive keys and pedals. The piano should be accompanied with proper lighting and a bench of appropriate height. I highly encourage students to have a real acoustic piano after 1-2 year of lessons.
Do you accept beginners & what ages do you teach?
Yes, most of my students begin piano with me with no previous experience. Students must be 6 or older; I teach adults too! Research has shown that playing an instrument is a key component to better brain health.
How often will I or my child need to attend lessons?
All lesson 30 minute. Lessons are held weekly on the same day and time, year-around to promote consistency and progress. Piano lessons occur each week except for the holidays listed on the Piano Calendar.
If you are interested in longer lessons, 60 minute weekly lessons are offered and are dependent on availability at time of enrollment.
How much is tuition & what does it include?
Enrollment in Greenleaf Studios provides each student with consistent, weekly private music instruction and opportunities to perform at the Fall & Spring Recitals.
Tuition includes:
- Weekly scheduled lesson time.
- Lesson planning / teacher prep time.
- Business Administration / communication.
- Teacher training & ongoing education.
- Studio operating costs & supplies.
- Government taxes, licenses and insurance.
- Spring & Fall Recitals
These costs are calculated and spread over the course of the piano year. Tuition is paid in 12 prorated, equal payments of $150 on the 1st of each month. The number of lessons per month will be different each month due to scheduled holidays in the calendar, but the monthly tuition will remain the same. For example, December has 2 scheduled lessons and January has 4 scheduled lessons, the monthly tuition will be the same for both December & January.
Please reference the Piano Calendar for the full schedule.
Are there any additional costs?
Students/parents are responsible for purchasing their own music books according to their level and can be ordered online.
What happens if I or my child misses a lesson?
Please make it a priority to attend your lesson. A specific day and time is reserved for each student and the calendar was made to align with most major holidays and school breaks. Make-up lessons are not guaranteed and based upon availability. Parents may use a missed lesson time to call and discuss their child’s progress with the teacher.
How much practice is necessary?
Regular at home practice is essential for student success. Parental involvement in home practice is crucial for student success. Please help your child to establish and stick to a practice routine that is free of distractions. If you are the parent of an elementary age student, please plan to sit with your child for at least a portion of their daily practice time. The following recommendations serve as a guide to achieve satisfactory results based on your child’s age:
- 6-8 years old: 10-15 minutes / at least 4 days a week
- 9-11 years old: 15-20 minutes / at least 4 days a week
- 12-14 years old: 25-30 minutes / at least 4 days a week
- 15 and older: 30-45 minutes / at least 4 days a week
Do you hold piano recitals?
Yes! Greenleaf Studios holds two recitals per year, one in the Spring and the other in the Fall. All piano students will prepare and perform one song for each recital. Students that are enrolled in piano lessons must be willing to attend the Spring and Fall Recitals in Crowley.
Will you come to my home to teach?
No, I do not travel to students' homes to teach. I keep a very full Piano & Pilates Studio schedule.
Do you offer group lessons?
Greenleaf Studios only offers private piano lessons in order to promote growth of each student at his/her own pace.
What are the benefits of one-on-one instruction?
There is no “one size fits all” approach to teaching piano. One-on-one lessons foster the understanding of each student's particular strengths and weaknesses, their musical tastes and character. Doing so allows me to provide the proper support and instruction for each student. As a result, students feel motivated and show more consistent progress.
Key ideas that are central to my teaching style:
- To be fluent in reading music and playing an instrument involves focus, countless hours of practice, proper guidance and consistent effort. The relationship between student, teacher and parent helps young musicians develop good habits that include but are not limited to: time management, responsibility, accountability and communication.
- I believe in a patient approach to learning to play the piano by assisting students to develop their skills in a gradual, scaffolded, professional manner. Students progress best when they attend scheduled lessons and have a regular at home practice routine with parental support.
- Playing & listening to music is a way to explore and express emotions. The mutual trust and respect that is developed between student and teacher helps facilitate conversations about music and attempts at playing music with expression.
- Music is meant to be enjoyed. Enjoying music happens when you play to share it with others or when you play for personal enjoyment. The Studio Recitals provide opportunities for students to share their hard work with others. Weekly practice time is where students can implement different practice strategies to learn new skills and songs. It is also my hope that students feel a sense of accomplishment when they master new skills and songs. Lastly, I encourage students to find the flow state while playing songs they connect with and enjoy.
How do I sign up?
Please CONTACT Jackie if you have interest in becoming a student. Submitting the email inquiry form will automatically put you on her wait list. Please indicate your preferred day and time for lesson and you will be contacted when that time slot becomes available.
What are the benefits of musical education?
- Enhanced language capabilities.
- Improved memory
- Strengthened hand-eye coordination.
- Powerful study habits
- Heightened mental processing & problem solving abilities.
- Improved listening skills.
- Stress relief
- Nurtures creativity.
- Student/Teacher relationship promotes communication, teamwork & accountability.
“The benefit of music education for me is about being musical. It gives you have a better understanding of yourself. The horizons are higher when you are involved in music,” he adds. “Your understanding of art and the world, and how you can think and express yourself, are enhanced.” - Dr. Eric Rasmussen
Health & Wellness Policies
Greenleaf Studios prioritizes and respects the health it's clients, students and teacher.
- Please wash your hands prior to class. A bathroom is located downstairs when you first enter the building.
- If you or someone in your household is sick with a communicable illness (fever, rash, cold/flu, covid etc.) , please contact Jackie as soon as possible.