Question 1

What ages do you teach, and are there any prerequisites?

Accepted Answer

I teach students from school-age through adults. Every lesson is tailored to the individual’s goals, age, and learning style.

While I generally do not teach children under the age of 5, my primary requirement for younger students is a very basic foundation in reading, writing, and simple addition (such as finger math). This ensures they have the foundational tools needed to find success at the keys.

Question 2

What methods of payment can I use to pay for lessons?

Accepted Answer

Tuition can be paid via Zelle, Venmo, or check. Zelle is the preferred method for the studio. Cash payments are accepted on a rare, exceptional basis only. Thank you!

My Venmo username-
Grant-Gaidies

Please send me a friend request to confirm it is me that you are sending money to before sending any money via Venmo!

My Zelle is connected to my phone number-
720-291-4536

For checks-
Make out to: Grants Piano Lessons

Question 3

How much should I practice every day?

Accepted Answer

Beginners are generally encouraged to practice 10 to 15 minutes nearly every day. As skills and attention spans grow, this typically increases to 30–60 minutes, focusing on consistency over cramming.

If you have a busy week as an intermediate to advanced learner, I would encourage 10 minutes of practice per day rather than practicing 60 minutes the day before the lesson.

Question 4

How long does it take to learn?

Accepted Answer

While simple songs can be played within a few weeks, reaching a basic independent level takes a few months. True mastery and fluency are long-term, continuous goals.

Question 5

Am I too old to learn?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! You're never too old to learn piano. In fact, many adults find that learning an instrument is a rewarding way to challenge themselves, keep their minds active, and enjoy a creative hobby. Whether you've always wanted to play or are finally making time for yourself, it's never too late to start.

My oldest student was 84 years old. He decided to learn the piano as a new challenge and wanted to play the "oldies" from his childhood. Seeing him achieve that goal was a great reminder that the joy of learning music has no age limit.

Question 6

Do I need a real acoustic piano at home?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! A quality digital piano or keyboard is more than enough for lessons and practice. In fact, I didn't own an acoustic piano myself until 2025.
I absolutely love having an acoustic piano now, and it has been a wonderful addition to my home. That said, it was never a requirement for me to become a professional musician, and it certainly isn't a requirement for you to start learning.

For most students, a full-size digital piano with weighted keys is the perfect choice. It's affordable, doesn't require tuning, lets you practice with headphones, and provides everything you need to make great progress. There is no need to make that investment before starting lessons.

Question 7

What materials or books do I need for lessons?

Accepted Answer

Students are responsible for ordering their lesson books and materials. I will let you know exactly which materials are needed and when to purchase them, and I will typically send links to make ordering easy. Books should be ordered within two weeks of receiving the materials list. Alternative options can be discussed upon request.

Question 8

Do you work with students with learning disabilities or special learning needs?

Accepted Answer

I welcome students with diverse learning styles and abilities and aim to create a supportive, encouraging learning environment. While I have experience working with many different types of learners, I do not have formal training in specialized special education pedagogy. Because of this, I may not be the best fit for every student with more complex or specialized learning needs. In those cases, I will always be honest and may recommend working with a teacher who has specific training in that area to ensure the student receives the most appropriate support. Regardless of whether you think I'm the right fit, I encourage you to reach out. I am happy to assess whether I can help or, if needed, assist you in finding a qualified teacher. I am always glad to support all in their musical journey in any way I can.

Question 9

Do I need any musical experience to begin?

Accepted Answer

No prior musical experience is needed. Beginners are welcome, and we will start with the fundamentals in a clear and structured way so you can build a strong foundation from the very beginning.

Question 10

Do you teach advanced students? What is the focus?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Lessons for advanced pianists operate much more like professional coaching sessions designed to get you stage-ready.
Advanced lessons specifically target:
Performance Readiness: Developing the technique and focus required to excel in front of an audience or a client.
Professional Mentorship: Navigating the logistics of live gigging, building a marketable repertoire, and understanding the business of being a working musician.
Artistic Coaching: Moving past the notes on the page to refine your unique musical voice, phrasing, and high-level interpretation.

Question 11

What happens if I don’t have time to practice every week?

Accepted Answer

Progress is possible even with limited practice time, though consistency at home does make a big difference. Lessons are designed to help you make the most of whatever time you have, and we can adjust goals and material based on your schedule.

Question 12

What styles of music do you teach?

Accepted Answer

I teach a wide variety of genres, including classical, pop, rock, and contemporary music. Lessons are always tailored to what excites you and fits your personal musical goals.
While we can absolutely explore jazz/blues fundamentals and essential charts, it isn't my primary area of expertise. If your ultimate goal is high-level, advanced jazz study and improvisation, I am always happy to connect you with specialized instructors who focus exclusively on that genre to make sure you get the exact teacher you need.

Question 13

I played piano as a child. Is it too late to start again?

Accepted Answer

It is absolutely not too late. In fact, I know exactly what it's like to come back after years away. I took piano lessons from ages 5 to 12, then quit because I was convinced I was going to be a basketball star. As you can probably guess, that didn't work out! Years later, while studying business management in college, I took a music theory class just to fulfill an arts credit. That one class completely reignited my love for music. I fell in love with playing piano again, learning music history, composing, and everything that comes with being a musician. I started playing again at 19, and by the time I was 22, I was the organist for the Colorado Avalanche, performing at every home game.
If you're nervous about returning to piano after years away, you're in good company. I've been exactly where you are. The hardest part is taking that first step. You might be surprised by how much comes back and how much you enjoy learning as an adult.

Question 14

Do I have to commit long-term?

Accepted Answer

There is no long-term contract required, but consistency is important for progress. Lessons are billed monthly and reserve your weekly lesson time.

Question 15

Do you teach improvisation or composition?

Accepted Answer

While I don't focus heavily on traditional composition (you won't be writing symphonies here!), I love helping students learn to write, arrange, and create music they enjoy by studying the greats.

When it comes to improvisation, my approach relies on exploring all eras and genres. The composer Igor Stravinsky famously said, "Good composers borrow; great composers steal." I take that to heart. We will look at masterworks from master composers like Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, and Debussy, as well as modern styles, to "steal" their ideas. By dissecting their chord structures, melodies and techniques, we can use them as building blocks for your own creative playing.
If your sole goal is elite, specialized jazz or avant-garde improvisation, I might not be the best fit. But if you want to learn how to play freely by drawing inspiration from centuries of incredible music, we will be a perfect match.

Question 16

Do you teach online lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes, online piano lessons are available for students who are unable to attend in person. While in-person lessons are my primary format and offer the most direct learning experience, online lessons are structured to provide the same quality of instruction and personalized attention. Because online lessons require additional preparation and setup, they are priced differently, but both formats are designed to support steady progress and a positive learning experience.

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