1. When should my child begin private piano lessons?
Starting private lessons before children are ready can be detrimental to their future willingness to play. On average, children can begin studying piano privately around the age of 6 or 7. Parents should look for signs of readiness such as an intense interest in music and the ability to sit at the piano for 10-15 minutes per day and to concentrate on the practice session. In addition, children should be reading-ready and possess the physical ability to move fingers independently of one another. Most preschool-aged children do not yet possess these abilities but can benefit from a less demanding, age-appropriate program. Piano Tots provides many exciting opportunities for children to explore the keyboard and learn important musical concepts while being rewarded by their own success in creating music. Through this experience, children can look forward, with anticipation, to studying the piano more intensely as they grow.

2. What happens during a typical Piano Tots class?
Each class centers around an age-appropriate theme. Musical elements are introduced and rehearsed through singing, movement, and instrument and keyboard performance based on that particular theme. For example, a class entitled “Let’s Go to the Zoo” might include the following: movement – moving like various animals, song - singing about zoo animals, instrumental performance – using various percussion instruments to create different animal sounds, keyboard performance – playing a piano accompaniment for the zoo song. Since preschoolers favor routine and predictability, each class begins with a visit from a familiar friend (Pete, the beat-keeping metronome) and ends with suggestions for at-home activities relating to that class. Free demonstration classes are offered by appointment only. Please call 412-654-9677 to schedule. 

3. I would like to enroll my 5-year-old daughter in the Piano Tots program, but at what level should she begin?
Piano Tots offers 4 levels of instruction. Levels 1 and 3 are offered in the Fall, and Levels 2 and 4 are offered in the Spring. Moving from Level 1 through Level 4 provides a natural progression and is suggested for most students.  However, older students or those with prior musical experience may begin at level 3 or 4.

4. Do I need to buy a piano in order to enroll in Piano Tots?
No. Your one-time registration fee provides your child with a keyboard that is used in class and at home. Siblings enrolling in Piano Tots classes can share a keyboard, as long as they are registered for different class times, and keyboards can be passed down to younger siblings. Should damage or loss occur, families are charged for keyboard replacement.

5. Will my child be required to practice at home?
No, although your child can benefit greatly from continuing the learning experience at home. Suggested at-home activities are provided for most lessons, but your child should not be forced to complete any of these activities or spend a required amount of time at the keyboard each day. Focus on the joy of making music together rather than the discipline of studying an instrument; there’s plenty of time for that later! Your child will learn a lot during class time, no matter what the level of active participation.

6. Can I drop my child off for class, or do I need to stay?
Every child should be accompanied by an adult. However, carpooling is permitted, as long as there is an adult who can take responsibility for every child in the carpool. Your child may need assistance or support for certain portions of the class. In addition, children enjoy sharing their success with a loved one and can benefit from the support provided at home as well.

7. Can we make up classes that we’ve missed?
Make up classes will be permitted by appointment only. No refunds will be granted for missed classes.

8. What about inclement weather?
Classes will be cancelled only under extreme weather conditions or emergencies. Cancellations and delays will be posted on WPXI and http://www.wpxi.com. Every effort will be made to reschedule any cancelled classes, but not necessarily on the same day of the week or time. No refunds will be issued for classes cancelled due to inclement weather. 

9. When does enrollment begin? 

Right now! Register today or call 412-654-9677 to receive a registration form by mail.