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

How do virtual lessons work? It's quite simple. We provide a Google Meet link for joining lessons with their instructor each week. Once joined, the instructor will begin the lesson and teach similar to the in-person format. 

Do I need any expensive equipment? How will the teacher know if my technique is right? All students need is a device to join lessons with (computer, phone, tablet, etc.), an instrument, and a solid internet connection. That's it! Your instructor will have all the tools and training necessary to give you the value you need in your lessons. We are experts at this and know how to help you best in the virtual environment. For instruments like guitar/piano, instructors have the right eqipment and set up, so you can see exactly what the are doing at all times. 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.

What age groups do you teach? All of them! We recommend the virtual format to students 7 and up. However, if your child is interested, schedule an intro lesson to see if it's a good fit. For our seasoned and wise learners, music is a powerful way to stay sharp and inspired—improving cognitive function, memory, and fine motor skills while providing a wonderful creative outlet. 

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, 45 or 60-minute lessons are recommended to allow for more in-depth study. 75-minute lessons are recommended for pre-professional students, those preparing for exams/auditions, or planning for a career in music education. Contact us if you are unsure which length is right for you.

Do you offer in-person lessons? In-person lessons can be administered for local students 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 My Music Staff 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. We offer generous and flexible make-up lesson policies, so students can easily plan lessons around their life! Each instructor sets their own policy within certain requirements from Birchfield Piano to guarantee flexibility. Please see the Our Instructors page. 

Will there be a recital where I can showcase my talents? Yes! At the end of the Fall and Spring sessions, Birchfield Piano hosts a live 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. 

How do I pay for my lessons? Invoices are sent via My Music Staff 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/create my own music? 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 or text. Some instructors also offer quick phone calls to discuss materials. This extra support is offered at no additional charge. We want our students to feel valued all throughout their musical journey. We are always here and very happy to help!

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.