Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What forms of payment do you take?

Personal checks, cash, Venmo, and Zelle are accepted at this time.

• How much do the lessons cost?

The current half-hour rate is based on the hourly charge. Please contact JD for the current rate.

• How do you prefer to receive payment?

You can pay weekly, after each lesson(s), or you can pay for the month, in advance. Monthy payments are paid at the first lesson of each month. See this page for more info.

• What is included in the lesson price?

Everything, with the exception of the core books used. They are $10 to $12, depending on the level needed. Only one book is needed to begin lessons. All other materials are included: additional pieces that parallel the material from the books, FlashCards, assignment books, etc.

• Do I have to go to the store and purchase the core books?

No. JD will bring the required books to the lessons and you will simply reimburse him at that time.

• What is your policy for canceling or rescheduling a lesson?

There is a 24-hour cancelation policy, which also includes any change to the scheduled lesson time. This is very important. Please take a moment and read this page thoroughly for more detailed information on this policy.

• Can I schedule a lesson every other week or less frequent than weekly?

No. Lessons in the home must be scheduled weekly. This is due to scheduling difficulties for the alternate week (the week without a lesson). That opening, coupled with the travel time on either side of the lesson, would make it impractical and impossible to manage scheduled times efficiently. Since lessons are scheduled with only the necessary travel time between them, anything other than weekly lessons in the home is not possible.

• What about practicing?

This is the single, most important factor when taking lessons, and it will determine the overall success or failure of the lessons. It is covered in copious detail with all students at all stages of the lessons. In the beginning, the student is asked to play each assigned piece a minimum number of times daily. Then, as the student progresses and the music becomes more challenging, exact practice habits and methods are discussed and instructions are given so that the student’s time and effort is applied in the most efficient manner. It is critically important that these suggestions and instructions are followed by the student. Otherwise, failure is pretty much guaranteed.

Students who habitually don’t practice will need to honestly ask themselves if they really want to do the lessons and learn to play the piano. Piano lessons are not a required subject; you have to want to learn it, and you have to accept the responsibility that comes with that commitment.

ThomaStudios piano lessons are fun, and they are kept that way deliberately. They should be fun. But, at the same time, there is a certain amount of work that needs to be applied by the student in order to gain the fulfillment that comes with the lessons.

Students who don't habitually practice will be dropped from the active schedule.



• Do you offer a introductory trial lesson, either free or paid?

No. But local references are gladly given out just by asking. You will need to speak directly with JD for this referral.

Additionally, ThomaStudios respectfully asks that all new students be willing to agree to a 6-lesson minimum commitment. This allows both the student and JD to properly assess the student / teacher dynamic to see just how the lessons work and whether they are in everyone’s best interests. This is completely impossible with only one lesson and does not allow enough time for the proper evaluation process for everyone involved.

• Do you give group lessons?

ThomaStudios has learned from experience that group lessons are not the best approach to piano lessons. There is always an inherent difference between two or more students' ability to take in the material covered during the lessons. Some catch on quickly, some more slowly. That disparity makes group lessons difficult for most students. Some may feel bored, being held back by the slower students; or the slower students find it difficult to stay on pace with the faster students. ThomaStudios one-on-one approach is far more effective since the lessons are automatically adjusted for a student's strengths and weaknesses, and the material and pace is adapted accordingly.





If your question is not answered here, feel free to inquire further by contacting JD or send an email.