Information For New Students

Students will need 4 things for virtual lessons. Click each image to learn more. 

If you are looking for more information about your instructor, please visit the Faculty Profiles page. If you need information on how to get set up for lessons, visit our Set-up Guide page or email support@birchfieldpiano.com. 

Books

Birchfield Piano does not restrict instructors to teach with a single book series, but we do only approve certain curricula for instruction. We believe in giving our instructors the freedom to teach from a book, if any, that will help them create excellent musicians, but also align with Birchfield Piano's teaching philosophy. Therefore, the faculty at Birchfield Piano have approved the following book series and methods for instruction: any method or theory book series from Alfred Music, the Suzuki Method (Alfred Music), and Faber Piano Adventures (Hal Leonard Publishing). Instructors will inform students of the methods they have chosen for their lessons in their Faculty Profiles. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical lesson like? At the start of each session, our instructors check in to see how your week went and get a feel for what you were able to accomplish during practice. From there, your instructor will guide you through new theory topics and, of course, spend plenty of time making music! Our goal is to ensure every lesson is both educational and inspiring.

I have a younger student who is interested; can they learn? Typically, we recommend virtual lessons for students who are at least 7 years old. However, if you have a student younger than 7 and believe they can handle the online format, please let us know! We can always set up a trial lesson to see if it is the right fit for your child.

How long of a lesson do I need each week? The ideal length depends on your skill level, your budget, and how quickly you would like to progress. Generally, we recommend 30-minute lessons (weekly or twice weekly) for beginners. For intermediate and advanced learners, 45 or 60-minute lessons are recommended to allow for more in-depth study. Contact us if you are unsure which duration is right for you.

Are lessons virtual or in-person? Lessons are primarily offered virtually. However, in-person lessons can be administered through a specific arrangement between the student and instructor. Please note that additional fees apply for in-person lessons, specifically to cover the instructor’s travel costs.

Do you partner with any homeschool programs? Yes! We are proud to support the homeschool community. Currently, we are an approved Enrichment Service Provider (ESP) for the Colorado Homeschool Enrichment (CHE) program. We make tracking easy: attendance reports, practice logs, and lesson materials can all be accessed via MyMusicStaff or Google Classroom to help you earn arts/enrichment credits. Note: Any contracts or service agreements must be reviewed and signed by the Owner prior to starting lessons.

I have a busy or inconsistent schedule. What is the policy for missing/rescheduling? Many music schools allow little to no flexibility, requiring payment for slots regardless of the reason for absence. At Birchfield Piano, we understand that "life happens." Our instructors offer flexible scheduling options and attendance policies tailored to busy families. You can check your specific instructor’s profile for more details on their scheduling and attendance rules.

Isn’t learning music online difficult? Do I need extra equipment? Not at all! Our instructors are specifically trained for virtual teaching to ensure the highest quality education. No extra equipment is required—just join your lesson on your preferred device (we recommend a computer or tablet for a larger screen), and we handle the rest. To make it even easier, Birchfield Piano covers the cost of a 30-minute trial lesson for all new students. To schedule yours, email info@birchfieldpiano.com.

Will there be a recital where I can showcase my talents? Yes! At the end of the Fall and Spring sessions, Birchfield Piano hosts an online recital. This is a wonderful opportunity for all students to perform at no additional charge.

How much do lessons cost? Detailed pricing is provided on our Student Registration page. We offer various formats, including our Virtual Lessons (starting at $29) and Asynchronous Lessons ($90 monthly tuition). 

How do I pay for my lessons? Invoices are sent via MyMusicStaff at the start of each month. We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, ACH bank transfers, PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. Please note that card and ACH payments include a small third-party processing fee.

Can I reduce the cost of my lessons? Absolutely! You can reduce your dues by participating in our Referral Program or by earning the Birchfield Piano Excellence Award for hard work and dedication. We also offer bi-weekly payment plans to help manage your budget. Visit our Registration page for more details.

Will I have to read music all the time, or can I learn to improvise? We start with traditional music theory and note-reading to build a strong foundation. However, as students progress, we incorporate higher-level training in improvisation and creative composition. We want our students to learn how to form their own music and express themselves creatively!

What do I do if I have questions outside of my lesson time? Support doesn't end when the lesson does. Students may contact their instructors via email, the Remind app, or text. Some instructors also offer quick phone calls to discuss materials. This extra support is offered at no additional charge.

How do I prepare for my next lesson? To get the most out of your experience, we recommend completing your weekly homework assignments (which may include written theory or specific piano tasks) on time. We also suggest printing your sheet music so you can easily see it and make notes during class. Google Classroom is your primary hub for all assignments and instructor notes.