PARENT: "Keyboard Adventures has such a web presence and seems like a large company. Does Keyboard Adventures employ multiple teachers and employees?"
MRS. BAKER: No. Keyboard Adventures is a sole propretorship and I am the owner and the only teacher. I also do my own website design and maintenance. Although Keyboard Adventures keeps an active wait-list and clearly has the potential to grow, I like to keep things small and simple so that I can know all of my families and students on a personal level. Keeping things small also allows me to have more control over the quality of instruction."
PARENT: "Is Keyboard Adventures a franchise, or method of instruction?"
MRS. BAKER: "No. Keyboard Adventures is a privately owned, independent piano studio. There is only one location in Purcellville, VA. Keyboard Adventures is simply the name of the studio, and does not refer to a particular piano method."
PARENT: "I don't want my child to be pushed too much. You know, we don't want him to be a concert pianist or anything."
MRS. BAKER: Don't worry! My goal, first and foremost, is to help your child discover the fun of making music. This means getting down on his level, communicating in his language, and including kid-friendly activities in his lesson. Secondly, I want to unlock your child's musical potential. I see what makes him tick, what musical styles he's into, and how he operates. Then I craft a plan, and get books and music specific to his inclinations. On our musical journey, my mission is to take him as far as he is WILLING to go with that potential. If a child takes piano through high school (and many of my students do), I never push, but always encourage when competition, volunteer, and performance opportunities present themselves.
PARENT: "It seems like many of your students are intermediate and advanced. Do you take beginners?"
MRS. BAKER: Of course! Many parents call and are surprised when I say "Sure, I love beginners!" Of course, many of my students are in high-school, but that's often because they have been with me since they were seven or eight! I have developed a completely different approach to young beginners that includes many of my own original songs and games. The kids really have fun while learning, and that makes all parties happy!"
PARENT: "Do you only teach electronic keyboard? What about piano?"
MRS. BAKER: The name "Keyboard Adventures" seems to imply to some that I just teach electronic keyboard, and not piano. Quite the contrary, I teach lessons on an acoustic Kawai piano. But I supplement with effects, drum sequences, and accompaniments from my digital piano. So yes, I am a piano teacher, but my students get the best of both worlds, traditional and modern! The word "keyboard" in my studio's name refers to the entire class of keyboard instruments, including piano, digital piano, keyboard, harpsichord, and organ (although I do not teach organ). In this technological age, I thought the word "piano" would be too limiting, especially in consideration of the vast array of wonderful electronic instruments out there. The fact is, kids love keyboards and all the sounds and effects that are possible, and these bells and whistles can really enhance lessons in the first year or two.
PARENT: "Recitals seem kind of scary. I'm not so sure my daughter is up to recitals. I mean, she's only a beginner."
MRS. BAKER: Don't worry! I hear this comment from a lot of parents. Maybe I should just call them "sharing days," because that's what they really are. By no means is this a results-oriented studio. I care far more about students' development than their performance, but music is a performing art, and music is meant to be shared and heard. No one is there to judge your child or see if they meet the impossible standard of perfection. Recitals are simply a gathering of family and friends where we share our talents and progress, and above all, have fun! What a delight to see your child progress through the years, from one recital to the next. Recitals really encapsulate the past few months of learning and allow parents to see the skill development that their money is paying for. Keyboard Adventure's recitals include students of all levels, from the tiniest beginner to adults. I believe that the sooner kids get performing, the better. Getting on stage early on gets the jitters out of kids right way. Performing should be like breathing; it's a painless, natural process.
PARENT: "All of the other piano teachers I've met are very disorganized. Is Mrs. Baker/ Keyboard Adventures going to be any different?"
MRS. BAKER: Many parents are surprised at how organized I am. I suppose a lot of brilliant musicians try to teach simply out of a need to supplement their income. These individuals have not taken into consideration the organizational skills necessary to teach many students on individual curriculums. Not only does the private music teacher need to be organized, but she must be able to communicate very basic musical concepts and build on them in a logical sequence.
I don't see how I could possibly manage a large number of students and track their individual progress without a system! Fortunately, I have a lot of experience in business administration, so that experience pours over into my teaching. It is important for students to have structure in their lessons. My students leave their lesson with a precise gameplan for the week's practice. They do so because I have clearly communicated the gameplan to them, on paper, and they know exactly what is expected of them. There's no mystery about what the assignments are, and there is plenty of variety and balance in the student's weekly assignments. My approach also allows for periodic review of important concepts.
PARENT: "I'm a little worried about the practice requirements. The word 'practice' just has a negative vibe. I remember being forced to practice as a kid, and I don't want my child to go through that."
MRS. BAKER: The word "practice" should be replaced with the word "play." I believe that, if kids enjoy their lessons and like the music they are learning, they will play the piano willingly at home. This is the goal. If your child doesn't embrace home play right away, then a gentle reminder may be needed. My incentive program also helps. Being able to tell Mom and Dad that "I earned four stickers today" or "I got a prize" is a great motivator.
