Frequently Asked Questions
(Click on the question to see the answer)
+ Do I need a piano at home to take piano lessons?
Yes, you do need a piano at home. Most of our students buy new or secondhand keyboards or digital pianos to practice at home. There are many good digital pianos and keyboards that you can find on Amazon, Costco and other places. Nextdoor and Facebook Market Place are both good sources of secondhand instruments. We rent a couple of electronic keyboards at Inspire, so please stop by and inquire about them. Please read our blog post "What Kind of Piano Should I buy?" for more information.
+ How long does it take to learn an instrument?
It’s hard to answer this question. A beginner will need a few months to reach a basic level with regular practice. The majority of our students take classes on a long-term basis. Growing musical skills is a life long journey.
+ I don't have any musical background or ability. Can I still help my child practice?
Yes! Just ask our teachers for advice and they will be happy to guide you. Simply monitoring your student’s practice time and frequency will help him/her to progress.
+ What is the make-up policy if my child takes group classes?
Your child is eligible for a 30 minute one-on-one make-up class with his/her teacher.
+ What happens if I forget to bring my child for his/her make-up class?
The make-up class is forfeited.
+ Can I request a refund instead of doing a make-up class?
Unfortunately, we do not refund tuition for missed lessons. You are eligible for a make-up lesson if you have not already used your two make-up classes per session. Read more about our policies on our Tuition and Policies page.
+ How much do music lessons cost?
Please read about tuition on our Tuition and Policies page.
+ Do you offer lessons for adults?
Absolutely, we do! We are happy to teach adult students of any level any of the instruments we offer.
+ What if my student starts lessons and doesn’t like them?
Your student is welcome to try another instrument. Here, at Inspire, it’s our goal to place students in a program they enjoy and benefit from.
+ Is participation in the recitals mandatory?
Participation is definitely optional but highly recommended. Our Director, Tamriko Siprashvili, insists that recitals are part of the educational process and encourages everyone to participate. Please read her blog article The Importance of Performance to learn more.
+ May I sit in on my child’s lesson?
Yes, you may, if your child takes a private class and his/her teacher considers your presence beneficial for your child. We do not recommend group students’ parents sit in on classes as it is distracting to other students. You are welcome to observe the class through the window of the classroom door.
+ Do I have to reenroll my child every session?
No, once you start classes with us you do not have to reenroll for new sessions.
+ What kind of piano do we need at home?
Although it is great to have an acoustic piano at home, it can easily be substituted by a keyboard or a digital piano. There are many good digital pianos and keyboards that you can find on Amazon, Costco and other places. We do not recommend any particular brand or specific model keyboard. The keyboard/digital piano should have 88 full-sized keys (like a regular acoustic piano) and pedals, but really doesn’t need a lot of extras (such as recording ability, sound effects, etc.). Please give preference to weighted and touch sensitive keys so that your student can practice on an instrument that closely resembles the feel of piano. Please read our blog post "What Kind of Piano Should I buy?" for more information.
+ Why do you recommend 88 keys for beginners?
At Inspire, we believe starting on a full 88-key piano provides the best foundation for success. While portable 66-key keyboards may seem appealing, there are several benefits to beginning on a larger instrument.
Avoid Disorientation The switch between a smaller home keyboard and our pianos at Inspire can perplex students. Keeping the keyboard size consistent prevents confusion and frustration.
More Room to Grow An 88-key keyboard gives students space to progress through more advanced repertoire. Children learn quickly and can pick up songs by ear that require notes a 66-key board lacks.
Proper Technique Development Learning proper hand position and fingering is easier on a full-size keyboard. The wider spacing reinforces good habits from the start. Bad habits are hard to correct later! Realistic Sound Many 66-key instruments lack the nuanced tone and touch of an acoustic piano. Weighted 88 keys help build technique and train the ear with realistic piano sound.
Enjoy Duets A full 88 keys allows student and a parent or an older student to comfortably play duets side-by-side. Developing ensemble skills together is rewarding.
Embrace Motivation More keys equal more possibilities! An 88-key piano inspires kids to practice more and progress faster by giving them a bigger musical canvas to explore.
While acoustic pianos are the gold standard, we suggest prioritizing a weighted 88-key digital over acoustic specifically if budget is a major factor. Pre-owned instruments from reputable dealers are often a great option. We want every student to have the right tools to instill a lifelong love of music.
+ Do I have to pay registration fee every year?
No, you pay the registration fee only when you start taking classes with us. Even if you withdraw from the Academy and return after some time, you do not have to pay a second registration fee.
+ Do you offer preparation for any certification programs?
Yes, we do offer preparation courses for the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams for students who want to pursue a more focused approach to their musical studies. Learn more about these programs in our blog article The Importance of Performance. We do not offer an Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exam preparation program.