Instrument and Required Materials Policy

Purchasing a quality instrument can be an overwhelming task but is a worthwhile investment. A quality instrument is necessary for a student’s development. Students learning on a proper instrument tend to enjoy and stick with lessons four times longer than students who do not.  Thankfully, there are many quality rental and financing options which can fit any budget.

Piano Students

Students have 6 months to rent or purchase an actual piano. Digital pianos can be sufficient for the preparatory level through elementary, but know when students transition to an actual piano, getting use to the action and weight can cause a plateau for short period of time (Typically, a few months give or take depending on how far along they are). There are no keyboards on the market equivalent to an actual piano. All students must have something to practice on within the first 3 lessons. Buying a piano at a garage sale or craigslist is not necessarily a bad way to go if you know there is a chance you will need to pay a large amount to refurbish the instrument.

For those who wish to explore the rental option, which is highly recommended, pianos can be rented for as low as $50.00 per month through Cooper’s Piano and England Piano. They both have multiple options on quality pianos for any budget, including options to apply your rental payments towards a purchase at a later date.

If you are looking to take the plunge to purchase a piano and choose to not go through Cooper’s Piano, Steinway Galleries, or England Piano, please contact Maria Stewart and she will be more than happy to be your guide for deciding on a quality instrument within your budget. Remember, pianos are a one-time investment which can be handed down from generation to generation.

Additionally, pianos need to be tuned once a year. We recommend Michael Patrick (Steinway trained). He can be reached at 770.656.4265. Tunings are $125. Let him know you are a student of Maria Stewart.

Guitar/Ukulele Students

Guitar students need an instrument by the third lesson. Guitars come in many sizes and should be sized appropriately to the student. If you have not purchased an instrument, please wait until the first lesson so your teacher may help you with that decision. 

Violin Students

Students need to be sized appropriately for violin based on their height. Renting is highly encouraged until they reach a full size as most stores will allow free exchanges for fractional sizes instruments. If you have any questions or would like assistance with finding your instrument, please contact C. Gerome Stewart and he will be more than happy to help.

All Students

Books and pieces for every student will be purchased by the teacher and billed to the family directly. All students will need a pencil, a notebook for assignments, and a metronome. String instrument students will also need a tuner. If a student has their own electronic device, they may download free apps like GuitarTuna and ProMetronome.