In addition to violin lessons, the Zakhar Bron School of Music also offers piano instruction. We provide individual lessons for children and teenagers, with three study programmes — Basic, Advanced and Professional. Students can take from one to three lessons per week, with durations ranging from 30 to 60 minutes.
Before enrolling a child in piano lessons, parents usually ask us a number of standard questions: at what age is it best to start? How many lessons per week are recommended? What lesson duration is suitable for different age groups? Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
As a general guideline, we recommend starting musical training — whether violin or piano — at around the age of 5. At the same time, due to individual differences in development, some children may begin earlier or later. For example, some of our students started learning the violin as early as the age of three.
If the goal is a professional musical career, it is advisable to start as early as possible. If piano lessons are considered as part of general development or as a hobby, students can begin at any age.
If a child is physically able to sit at the piano for 30 minutes or more, maintain proper posture, coordinate both hands, and listen attentively while doing what the teacher explains, it is reasonable to say that the child is ready to begin lessons.
As mentioned above, these abilities typically develop around the age of five, sometimes earlier. The most reliable way to assess a child’s readiness is to book a 30-minute trial lesson. This is usually enough for an experienced piano teacher to evaluate whether the child is ready to start learning.
The answer to this question is individual and depends on several factors: the child’s abilities, age, learning goals, as well as the family’s financial possibilities. As a general rule, we recommend starting with two lessons per week.
It is also important to leave two to three days between lessons. For example, lessons on Mondays and Thursdays are much more effective than on Mondays and Tuesdays, as in the latter case the child has almost no time to properly consolidate the material from the previous lesson.
At the same time, if piano lessons are considered a hobby, one lesson per week may be sufficient. However, with two lessons per week, a child usually learns faster.
The answer to this question depends on the student’s age, level, as well as time and financial considerations. At the same time, it is important to remember that every child is different, so there are no strict rules.
If we look at the typical lesson durations at our school, they are usually as follows:
The lesson should be long enough for the teacher to explain the material and for the student to understand it, without becoming tired.
Yes, it is recommended. Without regular practice at home, one lesson at a music school is usually not enough.
At the same time, it is not necessary to buy an instrument — it can be rented. There are quite a few companies in Switzerland that offer such services.
For home practice, we recommend using either a fully acoustic instrument or a silent piano (we generally do not recommend digital pianos).
No, group music theory classes (once a week for 45 minutes, in groups of 3 to 5 students) are not mandatory at our school.
At the same time, if the goal is a professional musical career in the future, we strongly recommend studying music theory.
At the Zakhar Bron School of Music, instrumental training is delivered at a high professional level — starting from an early age. We offer several music theory groups at different levels (Basic, Advanced, Professional) and in different languages (German, English, and Russian).
When choosing a teacher, the emotional connection between the teacher and the student is very important — at any age, but especially in early childhood. There should be trust between them, and the lessons should take place in a comfortable and engaging atmosphere. In such conditions, it is much easier to achieve good results.
It usually becomes clear already during the trial lesson how the student and the piano teacher respond to each other.
Before booking a trial lesson with a particular teacher, it is helpful to read their biography on the school website. Pay attention to the achievements of their students — how many have won prizes in competitions and which ones.
It is also worth finding out whether the teacher’s students perform in concerts and at which venues. Be sure to watch recordings of their performances on the school YouTube channel.
In addition, if you wish, you can book trial lessons with two or even three piano teachers at the Zakhar Bron School of Music in Zurich. This allows you to compare teaching approaches and lesson atmosphere, and to choose the teacher with whom your child feels most comfortable.
It is possible to change a piano teacher, but usually only from the following semester and with the agreement of both teachers.
During a piano trial lesson, the teacher’s main goal is to establish an emotional connection with the child. For example, if it is a young child of around five who has not yet learned to play, the teacher may ask why they are interested in the piano, show them how the instrument works, and invite them to try pressing the keys.
In addition, the teacher will usually include a few simple exercises to assess the child’s musical ear and sense of rhythm.
At the end of the trial lesson, the teacher provides recommendations on the lesson format, duration, and frequency, and also answers any questions the parents may have.
To book a piano trial lesson, please send a request to the school email: info@zakharbronschool.com