The Single-Piece Intensive: One Piece, Three Focused Lessons

There is one piece you want to play.

It may be a classical work you have loved for years, a film theme, a favourite song or music connected with a wedding, anniversary or other important occasion.

Perhaps you can already play most of it, apart from the passage that behaves as though it belongs to another piece entirely.

The Single-Piece Intensive gives us three individual lessons to examine what the music requires, address what is getting in your way and build a practical plan and strategy for completing the work.

I offer the Single-Piece Intensive in my Bondi Junction studio and online across Australia.

The Single-Piece Intensive at a Glance

Three 60-minute individual lessons: $405

Designed for adults with basic piano-playing experience, including returning players and graduates of The Taster or The Refresher.

Lessons are available in Bondi Junction and online across Australia.

Is Your Chosen Piece a Good Match?

This is the first question to consider.

Loving a piece does not automatically mean it can be learned at your current level within three lessons. Some music requires technique that takes considerably longer to develop. Sometimes an arrangement written for a different level gives you a more rewarding way to begin.

That is not a reason to abandon the piece.

It is a reason to find a way.

When you enquire, tell me:

the name and composer or performer;
which arrangement or score you have, if known;
what piano experience you already have;
how much of the piece you can currently play;
whether you are working towards a particular date.

I can then help determine how we progress.

Who Is the Single-Piece Intensive Package for?

You…

have basic piano skills and one clear musical goal;
are returning after time away and want to work on familiar music;
have learned independently but cannot move beyond a difficult section;
want help preparing a piece for an occasion or informal performance;
can play but want to sound more musical;
would like focused guidance without beginning ongoing lessons.

If you have never played piano before, The Taster or regular beginner lessons will give you a stronger foundation.

How Will We Approach the Piece?

Together, we’ll analyse the music, work out what it requires from you and structure a plan to achieve it.

The aim is for you to be able to play the piece with confidence and enjoyment.

What Can Three Lessons Achieve?

Three focused lessons can make a substantial difference when the piece suits your current ability, and you have time to practise between sessions.

We can help you establish fingering, clarify rhythm, solve particular difficulties, develop the right interpretation and create a more effective practice plan.

We cannot guarantee that you will completely master your chosen piece, but you will have an understanding of what the piece requires.

The result depends on the difficulty of the music, your starting point, the time available and the work you can do between lessons.

Sometimes the outcome is a finished performance, and this is a much clearer path to enjoyment.

If You Have a Performance Date

A wedding, celebration or performance can mean there is a deadline.

Don’t forget to mention the date when you enquire.

We need to consider how much preparation time remains, how secure the piece needs to be and whether you will be playing alone or with someone else. It may be sensible to use a shorter arrangement, simplify part of the music or prepare one section particularly well.

The earlier we assess the music, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Practice Between the Lessons

The Single-Piece Intensive works best when you can practise between sessions.

You will not necessarily need long periods at the piano, but you will need to work on the details identified during the lesson.

I will explain what to practise and what improvement to listen for.

Questions About the Single-Piece Intensive

Do I need previous piano experience?

Yes. The package is intended for adults with at least basic playing skills.

You do not need to be advanced, but you need enough foundation to work effectively on the chosen piece within three sessions.

Can I choose any piece?

You can propose any piece, but not every piece will suit every player or timeframe.

We can consider whether the original score, a different arrangement or another lesson option would be most useful.

Will I be able to play the whole piece after three lessons?

That cannot be promised without considering the music and your starting point.

The package gives you focused instruction and a practice plan. Your progress will also depend on the difficulty of the piece and the work you do between lessons.

Can this help if I already know most of the piece?

Yes.

We can concentrate on uncertain sections or work on rhythm, technique, phrasing, balance and interpretation so the piece feels more secure and sounds more complete.

What happens after the three lessons?

You can continue independently with the plan we have developed.

If the music needs more sustained work or you decide you would like to broaden your playing, we can discuss another three sessions or regular lessons. There is no obligation to continue.

Tell Me About Your Piece

Send me the name of the music, a little about your playing experience and any date you are working towards.

I will tell you whether the Single-Piece Intensive looks like a sensible way to approach it.