POPPING PIANO
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you teach?
Ages 4 and up. Kids, teens and adults are all welcomed!
Do you teach beginners?
Of course!
Do you offer home lessons or only studio lessons?
I mainly teach from my home studio in
Punggol, but I do have limited home visits that comes with an extra travelling charge.
Do I need to buy a piano? Which one should I get?
Learning an instrument definitely requires home practice. If you don't want to invest too much in an instrument at the start, you can consider getting a digital keyboard. Make sure it is a full sizes one, with 88 touch-sensitive, weighted keys and pedals!
Do you prepare students for exams?
Yes I do! If a student shows consistent practice and steady progress, I'll advise them when they are ready to take an ABRSM exam. I will recommend exams only when a student is ready, so they will have a positive and confident experience.
Can I skip grades?
I'll still teach the syllabus of every grade so transitions are smooth between levels, but you can choose to skip taking the exam. The only important exams are Grade 5 and 8.
Do you only teach exam pieces?
No, I incorporate other level appropriate leisure pieces in my lessons. But if a student is planning to take an exam and needs more time to learn the exam repertoire due to the lack of practice, we may pause leisure pieces to make sure they are properly prepared.
How long does it take to learn a song?
To learn a short, easy piece, it could take just one lesson. For more advanced pieces, it could take a couple of lessons or even months to learn it. And then to actually play it well with confidence requires lotsssss of practice at home!
Do you teach theory?
Yes, I teach theory from Grades 1-5. I don't teach Grades 6-8, as those levels cover more advanced academic content that's less relevant to piano playing. I prefer to spend that time helping students strengthen their practical skills at the instrument.
How long does it take to complete a grade?
Again, it depends for each student. The factors are age, how well the student absorb concepts in lessons, and how much the student purposefully practices at home. A student may be at the beginner level for 1-2 years.A strong foundation takes time, but it lasts forever! After that, each ABRSM grade can take anywhere from 6 months to 1.5 years, depending on practice habits and individual learning pace.
Can I just learn for leisure? Can I choose the pieces I want?
Yes! Exams are a great way to set goals and track progress, but I also believe music should be enjoyed. If exams feel stressful, we can definitely just play for leisure. I'll still use a structured syllabus to guide your learning, and you're always welcome to request pieces you love. Even if a piece seems too difficult, I can arrange it to suit your level.
How much practice do I need?
Ideally, 30-60 minutes of focused practice a day works best. More importantly, practice should be goal-oriented. Once the goal for that day is achieved, practice can be shorter or longer depending on the student. If daily practice isn't possible, just keep in mind that progress may be slower, but that's okay as long as we stay consistent. The process is still progress, even on slower days