Even for students who do not plan to pursue music as a career, music study is extremely beneficial. Time and time again, music study has been scientifically proven to improve concentration and enhance intelligence. See, for example, this article from Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201406/does-playing-musical-instrument-make-you-smarter
Music study is also an excellent outlet for students to learn to gain creativity and confidence, practice discipline, express themselves, and learn to appreciate culture.
Generally, I do not offer 30 minute lessons, simply because it is usually too short of a time period to be optimally productive. I do offer 45 minute lessons for younger beginners.
I generally do not teach adult beginners, although many teachers do this and some even specialize in this. While I would absolutely say it is never too late to start music lessons, my expertise lies more in training all levels of young pre-college age students or teaching advanced young adults who are already pursuing a music career.
I would strongly recommend an acoustic upright or grand piano. I do not recommend keyboards or digital pianos, even for beginners. The digital/hybrid Yamaha Avant Grands are also acceptable for home practice. There are many ways to get affordable acoustic pianos, and pianos can even be rented by the month. Talk to Dr. Gustafson if there are any specific questions related to obtaining appropriate instruments.
A good rule of thumb is that daily practice should be at least as long as the weekly lesson. Young beginners may not have the concentration needed to focus for that long, but can work up to it as they gain experience, especially with a supportive family structure and schedule.
This completely depends on the age and personality of the student, as well as the family situation. Each case is different, and can be discussed with Dr. Gustafson on a case by case basis. It can often be very helpful for young children to have a parent sit with them and keep them on task.
Rates for new students are currently $125 per hour lesson, $95 per 45-minute lesson. If 30-minute lessons are offered in a special case, the rate is $75 per lesson. Rates for high school pre-college students preparing college auditions and college piano performance majors is currently $150/lesson.
I base my rates on my 25 years of teaching experience, along with my educational credentials, including a bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree in piano performance, as well as a history of successful students in the field. Recent student achievements include first prizes in many local and national competitions, including second prize in the Phyllis Triolo competition, first prize in the Pennsylvania State MTNA competition, first prize in the Marian Garcia competition at Penn State, first prize in the Junior Steinway Competition, first prize in the Roslyn Tureck Bach Competition Category 6, and acceptances into piano performance degrees at prestigious schools such as the Juilliard School, Oberlin Conservatory, Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School of Music, Peabody Conservatory, Duquesne University, Temple University, Millersville University's Tell School of Music, and Penn State, to name a few.
