FAQs

Where are the classes held? Weekly classes are held at my home in Keaau (HPP).

How much are lessons? Half hour Lessons are $25/session or $80/4 sessions if prepaid. See more details here

What are my options in terms of times for classes? Lessons are held on Mondays only. Email Chrystine to setup lessons: trooien.chrystine@gmail.com

Do we need to buy an instrument before we register? Piano students do not need to invest in an instrument until 4 weeks of lessons. Students can explore the piano once a week during lessons and decide if it is right for them. It is, of course, easier to get the most out of those first month of lessons if the student has access to a piano. BECAUSE OF COVID AND ZOOM LESSONS, BEGINNER STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN HOME INSTRUMENT FOR PRACTICE AND FOR ZOOM LESSONS.

Ukulele students should have an instrument and a tuner in order to begin lessons. If you would like to support local businesses, I personally recommend Rogers Guitars in Pahoa.

Do you teach adults? Yes! I really enjoy helping adults realize musical goals.

Are you a Harmony Vendor? Yes! You can find me listed as "The Blue Advantage Corporation / Create Music Studio". Please let me know in advance that you will be using Harmony funds to pay for lessons and we can decide on how many lessons you need to cover with the check. Also, please make sure Harmony sends the check either in my name or "The Blue Advantage Corporation". If they send it made out to "Create Music Studio," I will not be able to accept it.

What kind of piano or keyboard should I purchase? Almost any brand will do, either acoustic or electric. The most important aspects of an electric keyboard are that it have 1) weighted or semi-weighted keys, 2) have the full 88 keys, and 3) be setup with a stand and bench that can be adjusted to suit the proper height needed for the student.

In the Hawaiian environment, the strings of acoustic pianos tend to rust, needing replacing every 3-6 years. This repair alone can cost over $2000. Acoustic pianos also need routine tunings, at least once a year, preferably every 6 months. Tunings range from $100-200 per time, often more if your tuner finds parts broken or rusting in the instrument. It is my recommendation to look into an electric piano as a less costly alternative. "Free" acoustic pianos are often in disrepair and likely require thousands of dollars of work to get them to function properly.

The best brands for electric pianos are: Casio, Roland, and Yamaha. I am cautious of buying Yamahas that are older however, as some older models seems to have issues with humidity, causing electronic contacts to play notes that the player isn't pressing.