1. At what age can my child begin piano lessons?
While this is individual for every child, music instruction can begin at preschool levels. At the Wensley Music Studio, both traditional beginner methods are taught or the Suzuki method. While traditional beginner methods are focused on reading from beginner method books, the Suzuki method is a style of learning based on how we learn to speak... by listening, trying, and in the end, by reading.
2. How much do lessons cost?
Lesson lengths and fees vary from student to student, because each student learns at a different speed, have different levels of commitment, and plays at a different level. Therefore, fees are calculated on an individual basis. Her fees are consistent with the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers' suggested minimum fee. The minimum amount of time required for a first-year beginner is 30 minutes per week, although 45 minutes is preferred. At more advanced levels, lessons may be 45-90 minutes each, once per week; and as a student progresses into high levels, longer lessons will be needed.
3. How do I register for lessons? Do you meet with students before lessons begin?
A great way to find out more and to register for lessons is through the Contact page, or by calling Noreen Wensley directly at 306-652-3940 with your inquiries. At that time, an appointment will be set up to meet with parents and new prospective students, to go over everything necessary to set you or your child up with piano lessons. At that time, once the lesson length is determined, the teacher will determine the lesson fees. Noreen Wensley enjoys meeting with students and their parents before signing up for lessons, to make sure everyone is clear about Studio Policies, and to establish a rapport with students before lessons officially begin.4. How long should my child practice?
Quality over quantity. Below you will see some suggestions for practice times, although it is important that children focus on the teacher's directions, rather than repeating pieces over and over. Each week, the student is sent home with a list of projects and specific goals for the following week’s lesson. A thorough practice is done when students have worked on the specifics that have been outlined by the teacher. Smaller, focussed practice sessions are better than longer. And if your child needs to break up practice times into smaller segments, that is perfectly okay. Here are some suggested practice times to build from:~ Beginners: 15–20 min. daily
~ Grades 1-4: 30–45 min. daily
~ Grades 5-6: 45–60 min. daily
~ Grades 7-8: 60–90 min. daily
~ Grades 9, 10, & ARCT: 90–120 min. daily
Remember that there is no such thing as “too much practicing”.....you can try it.... you’ll only get better!
5. How long will it take my child to be able to play Fur Elise, the Star Wars theme, or Pachelbel’s Canon?
The main goal for the first year of lessons includes simply being able to play beautifully. If a student can play with a sense of poise and musicianship, it does not matter if the student is playing Mary Had a Little Lamb or Brahms’ Concerto in D Minor. Once a personalized sense of musicality is developed, students express themselves freely and advance rather quickly. However, the original versions of these songs listed above are rather difficult and may take upwards of 10 years to build the necessary skills to play.While simplified versions of these tunes are available to maintain interest along the way, remember that music is a lifelong pursuit which is much like reading books. It’s hard to confidently claim you’ve read every great novel in existence, much like it’s difficult to say you’ve played every great piece of music ever written. Noreen hopes to create lifelong learners and lovers of music and hopes that parents can appreciate the time commitment it takes to become a fluent player.
6. Are you a Registered Music Teacher? What is an RMT?
Yes, Noreen Wensley is a Registered Music Teacher. She is an executive member of the Saskatoon Registered Music Teachers' Association, and is a member of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers' Association and the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers. The Registered Music Teachers’ Association is a Canada-wide federation of private music teachers encompassing 10 provinces with over 3200 members. To become a member, the teacher must hold a degree or diploma from a recognized university or conservatory, or meet the necessary qualifications set by the registering province, thus ensuring a high level of training and a commitment to professionalism. The aim is to encourage and provide the highest calibre of music education possible to students, and to promote high standards of music in each community.7. Do we need to own a piano? What kind should we buy?
Yes, you absolutely need to own a piano! Taking piano lessons without a regular instrument to practice on is much like taking hockey without owning skates. An acoustic piano is always the instrument of choice: touch, dynamic control, pedal effects, and many other factors make acoustic pianos preferable to electric pianos. Students with digital pianos notice differences in touch and tone, and often struggle to overcome these obstacles.
8. Where is your studio located? Do you travel to students’ homes for lessons?
Noreen Wensley teaches from her in-home studio located in the River Heights area of Saskatoon. Her studio is equipped with two pianos (a concert grand and an upright grand), an extensive music library, music-writing software, iPads and computer equipment, rhythm instruments, musical games, and much more.By travelling to students’ home for lessons, Noreen would not be able to accept as many students or provide as enriching a learning experience on top-quality instruments. Nor would students have the benefit of utilizing all that is offered in her in-home studio. It is important to note that students who take lessons at home are often distracted by siblings or pets, rarely get the chance to play on a grand piano, and miss the opportunity to play supplementary music, use rhythm instruments, computer software, or play music games because these are not easily transportable. Therefore, coming to the Music Studio is an important part of the learning equation.
9. Do you enter students in Music Festivals, Royal Conservatory Exams, or other Competitions?
Noreen regularly enters students in Royal Conservatory of Music and Conservatory Canada graded practical and theory exams, plus the Saskatoon and Twin Rivers Music Festivals, Saskatoon Registered Music Teachers' Association recitals, the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers' Music Writing Competition, and she submits her students for other awards and bursaries. These are not required of students and are presented as extra, optional projects. They do, however, make excellent goals to work towards, and provide a sense of pride and accomplishment, but are always considered optional.The event that all students participate in are recitals, which include Halloween, springtime, and year-end recitals. These recitals are excellent opportunities to display to family, friends, and fellow students the hard work of learning to play, and to hear other students of similar ages and abilities share their music.
10. I used to take piano when I was a child. Do you teach adult students?
Absolutely! Noreen has quite often heard the phrase, "I wish my mother hadn't allowed me to quit piano.... will you teach me?". Bravo to all those adults who have returned to piano lessons. She loves teaching adults, and offers adult teaching methods from specialized adult books.
11. Would it be alright if I observed my child's lesson?
Parents are as an integral part of the three-way learning triangle. Research has found that students who progress at the highest rate and reach the highest levels have parents who are committed and involved in their musical studies. So, absolutely, parents are most welcome to attend lessons, as silent observers, allowing interaction to freely happen between the student and the teacher.
12. What does my child learn by studying an instrument?
