Is there an enrollment or application fee?

No. Call 650-592-9299 to schedule a free interview and trial lesson.

Do you require students to participate in recitals and competitions?

There are two studio recitals a year, one in November and the other in late spring. Students are strongly encouraged to participate.

Can I use an electric keyboard instead of a piano for practicing?

Only at first. Students who are beginners may use an electric keyboard with at least 66 full sized keys for the first four months of lessons. After this time the student must obtain either an acoustic piano or a digital piano.

Can I learn to play on a keyboard or do I need a real/acoustic piano?

Long-term students purchase or rent pianos. Keyboards are less expensive, don’t require tuning and have adjustable volume (an advantage if you live in an apt.) but they have far less sensitive keyboard action than real pianos. Some late-model, high-end keyboards have weighted-keys and are getting closer and closer to the feel of a piano but they still have long way to go. I strongly recommend purchasing and learning to play on a real piano as soon as possible since daily practicing on a keyboard CAN possibly damage your technique and make you develop bad habits when it comes to tone-productivity. There are great deals on used upright and spinet pianos out there. You can purchase one for around $1000. Rental pianos can be found at about $45/month.

I am an adult and haven’t played piano since I was a teenager. I have forgotten almost everything and am almost afraid to touch a piano… Will I be able to regain my knowledge and skills?

Absolutely! I have had many students just like you and after a few short months they not only gained back what they had learned as kids but even reached beyond and tackled big virtuosic pieces they never thought they would be able to play.

Would you come to our home to give lessons?

All lessons are given from my studio/home in San Carlos.

As a voice student, must I provide my own accompanist at lessons?

Only if you wish. One of the benefits of working in my studio is that I will accompany you at lessons as needed.

Do I choose my own songs?

Unless you have a song you wish to do, I will choose appropriate pieces for you. I have an extensive music library.

Will I become a rich and famous piano player or singer?

Only if you practice, practice, practice!