Studio Info > FAQ
FAQ
What is unique about Joy Morin Piano Studio?
Under my teaching, students experience firsthand that music is also a creative art as well as an interpretive art. They learn not only learn how to express themselves through artistic performances of various styles of music, but they also learn how to make their own music through improvisation and composition. In addition to their weekly private lessons, students have the benefit of an "open channel of communication" via the practice app Tonara. I encourage students to send recordings of the pieces they are practicing to get extra feedback through the week. I've had students make INCREDIBLE progress by doing this regularly!
How much am I required to practice?
I believe that consistency and quality - not quantity - is most crucial when it comes to practicing. I do not require certain amounts of minutes of practice from my students, nor do I generally require them to track how many minutes they are practicing. Instead, I simply encourage students to practice daily in order to ensure progress and be prepared for every lesson. Because of this approach, my students are often very self-motivated and do not feel as if practice is a chore or requirement. During lessons, I notate weekly goals and practice suggestions in the student's assignment notebook or Tonara app. We also spend time discussing ways to efficiently practice specific areas of their music. In the event that a student is not adequately prepared for a few consecutive lessons, we will discuss what can be done about the issue and, upon being asked, I will suggest a required amount of minutes per day for practicing.
What kind of piano do you recommend?
Either an acoustic piano, or at least a full-sized (all 88 keys) digital piano. Despite technological advancements in recent years, even the best of digital pianos fail to accurately replicate the wonderful feel and sound of the real thing! The good news is that acoustic pianos hold their value better than digital pianos do, so they are usually a worthwhile investment even when buying used. Acoustic pianos should be tuned twice a year by a piano technician (find one at ptg.org). Regular tuning is crucial to the development of the student's aural ear so that the student is hearing the proper pitches of each note on the piano. Skipping tunings is a bit like skipping oil changes for your car - not good! Over time, a well-maintained piano will begin to hold pitch better and better between tunings. Getting regular tunings is worth it.
Do I need to pay for books and materials?
Nope, I try to keep things simple. Books and materials are already included in the cost of tuition.
What events and opportunities does the studio provide for students?
The studio schedules a number of exciting events for private students and their parents each year! All of these events are provided at no extra cost, with the exception of the optional theory examinations / performance evaluations.
Why is the annual tuition divided into 12 equal monthly payments? Why can't I just pay per lesson?
Piano teaching is my career and livelihood (although it hardly feels like a job sometimes because I enjoy it so much). Setting an annual tuition rate allows me to have a regular income all year long. It also makes it easier for students/parents to budget since they know exactly what to expect each month. The annual tuition rate covers much more than just "x" number of private lessons each year - it also includes sheet music books, group events, piano maintenance, recital hall expenses, professional development for the teacher, and more. All these things allow me to provide the student with the best musical education I can offer.
Under my teaching, students experience firsthand that music is also a creative art as well as an interpretive art. They learn not only learn how to express themselves through artistic performances of various styles of music, but they also learn how to make their own music through improvisation and composition. In addition to their weekly private lessons, students have the benefit of an "open channel of communication" via the practice app Tonara. I encourage students to send recordings of the pieces they are practicing to get extra feedback through the week. I've had students make INCREDIBLE progress by doing this regularly!
How much am I required to practice?
I believe that consistency and quality - not quantity - is most crucial when it comes to practicing. I do not require certain amounts of minutes of practice from my students, nor do I generally require them to track how many minutes they are practicing. Instead, I simply encourage students to practice daily in order to ensure progress and be prepared for every lesson. Because of this approach, my students are often very self-motivated and do not feel as if practice is a chore or requirement. During lessons, I notate weekly goals and practice suggestions in the student's assignment notebook or Tonara app. We also spend time discussing ways to efficiently practice specific areas of their music. In the event that a student is not adequately prepared for a few consecutive lessons, we will discuss what can be done about the issue and, upon being asked, I will suggest a required amount of minutes per day for practicing.
What kind of piano do you recommend?
Either an acoustic piano, or at least a full-sized (all 88 keys) digital piano. Despite technological advancements in recent years, even the best of digital pianos fail to accurately replicate the wonderful feel and sound of the real thing! The good news is that acoustic pianos hold their value better than digital pianos do, so they are usually a worthwhile investment even when buying used. Acoustic pianos should be tuned twice a year by a piano technician (find one at ptg.org). Regular tuning is crucial to the development of the student's aural ear so that the student is hearing the proper pitches of each note on the piano. Skipping tunings is a bit like skipping oil changes for your car - not good! Over time, a well-maintained piano will begin to hold pitch better and better between tunings. Getting regular tunings is worth it.
Do I need to pay for books and materials?
Nope, I try to keep things simple. Books and materials are already included in the cost of tuition.
What events and opportunities does the studio provide for students?
The studio schedules a number of exciting events for private students and their parents each year! All of these events are provided at no extra cost, with the exception of the optional theory examinations / performance evaluations.
- Piano Workshop | Occasional group classes called "Piano Workshop" are provided for private students in order to promote student camaraderie and to reinforce concepts taught during private lessons. Most group lessons include a theory segment, history segment, and a performance segment. With young private students, music & movement activities are also frequently included.
- Studio Recitals | Performing in a formal recital setting is an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their hard work and improvement over the year in the presence of their family and friends. Our formal Studio Recital is generally held in April each year.
- Examinations | Students are welcome to participate in performance evaluations and/or music theory examinations through the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). These opportunities usually require entry fees. Please contact me for further information.
- Summer Music Camps | During the summer months, 4-day (2 hours/day) camps are offered with a variety of topics/themes to choose from. Participation is not limited to Joy's private students, so invite your friends - no matter which instrument they play!
Why is the annual tuition divided into 12 equal monthly payments? Why can't I just pay per lesson?
Piano teaching is my career and livelihood (although it hardly feels like a job sometimes because I enjoy it so much). Setting an annual tuition rate allows me to have a regular income all year long. It also makes it easier for students/parents to budget since they know exactly what to expect each month. The annual tuition rate covers much more than just "x" number of private lessons each year - it also includes sheet music books, group events, piano maintenance, recital hall expenses, professional development for the teacher, and more. All these things allow me to provide the student with the best musical education I can offer.
