About the Teacher
Ronda Sprague
Piano Teacher
Flute Teacher
Music Together Instructor
Mrs. Sprague was inspired by music as a child and has a passion to nurture the love of music in others. She strives to help students achieve comprehensive development of their musical talents by tailoring lessons to meet students’ individual needs and goals.
A variety of contemporary teaching methods and internet resources are familiar to her so she can recommend materials best suited to students' levels and learning styles.
She regularly attends area workshops, master classes and seminars to hone her teaching skills and get the latest information on teaching methods.
In 2006, Mrs. Sprague became a licensed Musikgarten instructor. She has completed all levels of Musikgarten training and has participated in several workshops with exceptional teacher trainers including Lorna Heyge, Jill Hannagan, and Mary Louise Wilson, co-authors of the Musikgarten keyboard program.
In 2021, Mrs. Sprague added Music Together training to repertoire of curriculum she is qualified to teach.
She received a B.S. from Butler University School of Fine Arts in 1983.
FAQ
“How much do you charge for lessons and classes?”
Your first lesson is free. During the first lesson we will discuss what is expected and what the student wants to learn. If the student decides to enroll in our program, we will work out a payment plan.
"What is the right age to start piano lessons?"
Young children need time to develop fine motor skills. It's tough sometimes for little fingers that are wiggling like noodles to manage pressing piano keys. Early years are the ideal time to start building music skills with singing games, creative stories and rhythmic movement.
Age 4-5 can begin exploring the piano keyboard. We compose using graphic notation, play along with musical recordings, learn our finger numbers and echo music patterns.
Age 6-13 is an ideal time to start traditional piano lessons. In Room 2 we use discovery learning methods that help students learn to play by reading notes and echoing patterns they hear.
Age 13-18 is a busy time for socializing. It's not too late to start learning the basics of music making and it's the perfect time to continue developing musical talents.
Grownups it's never too late to start learning to play the piano. As adults we have varied demands on our time. Learning any new skill takes practice and patience. When we promise ourselves we are going to fulfill our dream of piano playing, we have to carve out time in our schedules for regular practice.
“How old do you have to be to start flute lessons?”
Flute is a tricky instrument to hold properly and generate a good tone quality. It’s also a fragile instrument that needs to be handled with care to prevent damage to its mechanism. We recommend students study piano keyboard until they are over the age of 10 and have good control of their motor skills.
“What is the youngest age you teach?”
It’s never too early to start learning the joy of making music. Music and movement with babies and young children can be a special bonding time. Singing with children will help them learn language. Room 2 wants everyone to experience the joy of making music.
“Do we have to have a piano to take piano lessons?”
Piano students need to have access to a full size piano. A good quality digital piano with weighted keys may be substituted for an acoustic piano. The teacher accepts beginners that practice on an electronic keyboard less than full size. If the student progresses beyond the primer level they will need to upgrade.
Electronic keyboards that are shorter than full size and don’t have weighted keys do not offer the same touch as an acoustic piano. Practice on this type of keyboard will impair the student’s technical abilities. Inferior quality instruments may wane the student’s enthusiasm for lessons. For successful progress, the family piano needs to be of good quality, in tune and in good working order.
“How much time do you recommend students practice?”
The answer to that question depends on a number of factors. Is this student passionate about learning music? Are they self-motivated? Can they work independently? What do they want to learn to play? What kind of music do they like?
Most students can learn elementary level repertoire with an average of practicing 30 minutes per day, 4-6 times per week.
Young children will need parent supervision. This bonding time can be one of the most joyful benefits in the music learning process. If you don’t have a music background, don’t worry, you will learn along with your child. Practice sessions with young children should be short and sweet.
Advanced students must be highly motivated and may choose to practice 1-2 hours per day.
“Do you require students to perform in recitals?”
Students are encouraged but not required to perform. The greatest joy of making music is sharing it. The teacher arranges events where students have the opportunity to perform. It is up to the student to take advantage of performance opportunities.
Have a question?
Please contact us. We welcome all inquiries.
room2music@protonmail.com
717-219-4240