Hank Milligan

• Years of traditional piano lessons are recommended.
• Beginner (3 - 5 years of lessons)
• Intemediate (2 - 3 more years)
• Advanced (3 - 4 more years)

• Anyone can learn, at any age.
• Have patience. Set realistic goals.
• Build upon a proper foundation of technique and theory.
• A kind, experienced, and encouraging teacher is essential.
• Consistency is the key. Keep taking lessons and practice.
• Learn at your own pace. Have fun!

• Yes! A real piano in good condition, in tune, is recommended.
• The heavier keys of a piano develop finger muscles more.
• Pianos come in various sizes: spinet, console, studio, and grand.
• Any piano with an even action and decent tone will do.
• A digital piano is an alternative. Won't need tunings and has volume control.
• A piano is solid and has a sturdy music rack. Like a desk or work space, it's furniture for your home.

Q: "What if I can’t make it to a lesson?”

• Sometimes you just can't make it to your scheduled lesson due to appointments, obligations, vacations, weather, illness,  traffic, even forgetting. This happens.
• A courtesy call to inform the studio is expected.
• Good communication allows for scheduling adjustments.
• Lessons may be rescheduled according to availibility.
• Non-attended lessons are non-refundable.
• Teacher cancelations are rescheduled or credited to the student.

Q: "What if I haven’t practiced?”

• Always, always, always, attend a lesson no matter what.
• Learning takes place with a teacher even without preparation.
• A “practice lesson” provides encouragement and alleviates frustration.
• Important skills are worked on (technique, counting, harmonic theory, ear training, and repertoire review).
• Students and parents sometimes call these "fun" lessons.
• To varying degrees, all music students go through this experience. It builds character and musicianship.
• Embarrassment from lack of practice is a poor reason for skipping a lesson. However, the choice is yours.
• Hank took lessons for 20 years. He knows the feeling.