Jeanne Martin, Piano Teacher

Call (603) 493-2961
Offering private piano lessons in Bedford, NH.
Learn to play today from a highly experienced instructor!
I have been teaching since 1996.

*All Ages - children and adults

*All Levels - beginners through advanced

*Music Appreciation

*Technique

*Theory

Location

Current Openings

Wednesdays: No openings currently

Thursdays: No openings currently

Fridays: 6:30pm, 7pm

Saturdays: No openings currently

Rates

email address: jeanne-martin@hotmail.com

Student Recital

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need a piano at home to practice on?

A. Students need some kind of keyboard or piano for daily practice at home. The general rule of thumb is that if you take a 30 minute weekly lesson, you should be practicing 30 minutes per day. If you take a 45 minute lesson, you should be practicing 45 minutes per day. If you take a 60 minute lesson, you should be practicing 60 minutes per day. For beginners, 30 minutes a day is sufficient.

Q. What kind of piano do I need?

A. Any kind of acoustic piano is fine, but many people start with digital keyboards. It is essential to have full sized keys. I recommend a keyboard with at least 61 keys as a student will outgrow a smaller keyboard very quickly. It is preferable to have a keyboard that is "touch sensitive." This means that the volume of the musical note will be louder with a harder finger strike and softer with a lighter finger strike. This is how all acoustic pianos work. However, you can start lessons with a keyboard that is not touch sensitive. It is preferable to have a keyboard that comes with a pedal or that can accept a pedal later on. Again, you can start without a pedal, but you will be able to use the keyboard longer if it can accept a sustain pedal later on. Sustain pedals are not expensive to add later.

Q. Is my child ready for lessons?

A. I prefer to take students 6 years old and later. However, some five year olds are ready, and occasionally a four year old may be ready for lessons. I don't go purely by age because every child is different, and I am happy to try a child out in lessons as a trial. Some things to keep in mind: 1) Lessons are 30 minutes. Can the student concentrate on one subject for 30 minutes? 2) Are the student's fingers large enough to fit on the keys so that one finger can be on a single white key? 3) Does the student know his or her alphabet at least A-G and numbers 1-10? 4) Can the student write letters and numbers? 5) Parents of children under 6 years of age are required to attend all lessons.

Q. Can I sit in on my my child’s lessons?

A. Absolutely. It’s actually required for very young students (under 6 years of age). It’s not necessary for students who are older and more independent, but parents are always welcome. I do have a waiting area available as well.

Q. How do piano lessons work?

A. Lessons are once a week, at the same time on the same day. I recommend 30 minute lessons unless students are more advanced. I start beginning students with a basic lesson book. This ensures that we cover all the basics of music reading. Once students have some basic reading skills, I like to add other songs into lessons as well. Tuition is payable monthly at the first lesson of the month.

Q. I’m an adult. Is it too late for me to learn?

A. Absolutely not. Adults take piano lessons all the time, and they do learn to play. There are some differences in the way adults approach piano study as opposed to children though. Children tend to prefer to learn by imitation. Adults generally approach piano study more analytically, appreciating a working knowledge of music theory as they learn new songs. Both approaches work.

Q. I really want to play a particular song. Can you help me learn it?

A. If you have a particular goal or a song you really want to learn, let me know. Usually, I can work goal songs into lessons unless the song is significantly beyond a student’s current playing level. I want to help you achieve your goals though, so let me know.

Q. Do I need to previous musical experience in order to begin lessons?

A. No. Previous musical experience is not necessary to begin lessons. I can take you through all the basics of music reading and proper hand positioning. If you have previous musical experience, that’s a bonus, but it’s not necessary in order to begin lessons.

Q. I love playing the piano. I’m ready to move up to a more advanced instrument. What kind of piano should I buy?

A. There are three basic types of pianos: digital pianos, uprights, and grands.

Grand pianos are the best, and also the most expensive. The strings are stretched parallel to the floor, and the touch of the keys is most affected by gravity. This makes for a very responsive instrument, allowing for the most expressive playing. There are three types of grands. Baby grands are less than six feet between the keyboard and the back edge. Grand pianos are between 6 and 9 feet between the keyboard and back edge. At 9 feet, a grand piano is called a concert grand. This is the type of piano you would expect to see in a concert hall.

Upright pianos have strings that are stretched perpendicular to the floor. They come in different heights: (from shortest to tallest) spinets, consoles, studios, and full uprights. Spinets are the shortest. The height of the piano is just above the height of the keyboard. People often buy spinets because they can fit underneath a window. The problem with spinets is that the active parts of the piano are necessarily underneath the level of the keyboard. This is the type of piano that is least responsive to gravity, and therefore, the least expressive of the acoustic pianos. Consoles, studios and uprights all have a similar feel. The primary difference between them is that the taller pianos have longer strings. Longer strings tend to be more musical and resonant.

Digital pianos are widely available, and make sense for many people. Digital pianos look like spinets, and so tend to fit well in smaller spaces. You can play using headphones if necessary. They require no tuning. Acoustic pianos should be tuned every year or every other year. Digital pianos don’t require a truck to move. The keyboard comes off the stand for easy moving. Digital pianos often include helpful features like metronomes and recorders, and have fun sound options.

Q. What is a metronome?

A. A metronome is a device that produces an audible clicking or chirping sound at a specific speed. Generally metronomes can be set for between 40 beats per minute to well up into the 200's. Musicians use metronomes to train themselves to play music with a steady beat and at a specific speed by matching certain notes with the click or beep of the metronome as they play. Many keyboards and digital pianos come with a built in metronome. Metronomes can also be purchased separately online and at music stores. While it is not absolutely essential to use a metronome to play well, it can be a tremendous help in developing an inner sense of rhythm. One note to keep in mind: many students find metronomes that use the higher pitched chirping sound to be irritating to use with the piano. The lower pitched clicking sound seems to be easier to work with on the piano or keyboard.

Q. I have more questions.

A. Feel free to call or email me with questions.