We talk. I learn your musical history, what you want, what has been hard, what you secretly love. If you’re comfortable, you play something for me, even a few measures. From there, I outline a plan that matches your current level and your goals, not an abstract curriculum. 

It depends on the piece and on your practice rhythm. A simple melody might come together in a couple weeks. More layered music, multiple voices, dynamic control, pedaling, deeper interpretation, can take months. The goal is not speed. The goal is ownership.

Consistent access is essential. An acoustic piano is lovely, and a weighted digital keyboard can absolutely work (as long as it has fully weighted keys). If you want help choosing one, I can point you toward what actually supports healthy technique. 

Because performing changes your nervous system, and that changes your preparation. Performance becomes a practice of presence and focus under pressure. These opportunities are milestones, not requirements. They exist to build steadiness, not to force you into a spotlight. 

Group classes can be fun and useful, and they cannot do what one-on-one work does: weekly personalization. In private lessons, we track your habits, your questions, and your patterns, then adjust pacing and repertoire accordingly. You get a living process, not a one-size lesson plan.