Dallas Piano Lessons - Frequently Asked Questions

Hello, I am Gayla Rickard, an experienced piano and voice teacher in the Rockwall/Dallas/Plano/Allen area, offering in-person lessons to students of various ages and levels, both adults and children, and also offer online lessons. I am located in Rockwall, TX, and will travel to your home in Dallas, Plano, Allen and surrounding areas for private piano lessons. I offer professional music training, audition prep, college and scholarship guidance, and I help students build confidence and be well-prepared for auditions and performances.

Here are some of my answers to common questions people ask about taking piano lessons:

Can you teach yourself to learn piano?

You can start to teach yourself piano but a teacher will help you better to learn all the tools to build piano pieces. A teacher will move you into more advanced levels. Piano is a journey of layering knowledge. There is always something new to learn!

Is 3 months enough to learn piano?

Taking piano lessons for 3 to 6 months is a good start. Two years of piano study gives you time to learn piano tools!

What is the best age to learn piano?

Any age! There are piano books for any age student. I teach students of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to expert. I also specialize in piano lessons for adult professionals including Doctors, and can accommodate lessons with tight work schedules. Adults who begin piano lessons later in life can make excellent progress at the piano. What matters most is a genuine desire to learn and a consistent habit of daily practice. Having a skilled teacher and a well-structured learning program also plays a major role in your success.

Are you able to teach from beginner to advanced levels?

Yes, I train all levels of music for piano players & singers, from beginners to experts. Even those with a lot of experience playing will take piano lessons to help break through artistic plateaus, refine technical precision, and gain fresh musical perspectives from a mentor. Lessons provide accountability, exposure to new repertoire, advanced techniques, and opportunities to overcome performance anxiety. Piano lessons are an ongoing path for lifelong refinement.

How much does a 30 minute piano lesson cost?

Please reach out to me on the phone or email regarding tuition.

What is the 80/20 rule in piano?

Practice! When you practice piano, remember that about 80% of your progress comes from the most challenging 20% of the piece. Identify the specific measures or technical passages that consistently trip you up and isolate them for focused, slow, and repeated practice, rather than spending time running through the sections you already play comfortably.

Do you have a degree in music?

Yes from the top music conservatory in the United States, Eastman School of Music Conservatory in Rochester, New York. I have studied piano, pipe organ & voice my whole life. I grew up in school & church choirs in Dallas, Texas.

Can you teach multiple genres?

Yes, I can teach any style of music: Classical, rock and roll, pop, Broadway, contemporary & jazz. I work with my students to find music that they enjoy and inspires them to play.

Are you able to prepare students for college auditions?

Yes. Currently, five of my piano students received music scholarships from SMU in Dallas, TX. They are entrepreneurs today.

Do you teach music theory?

I teach music theory for all instruments and singers.

Are you personable?

I am a people person. I am friendly and kind. I am motivated.

What connections do you have with local venues that you can connect piano students with?

I have a network and work with each student to connect them with their community with opportunties to perform. This includes schools, churches, colleges & businesses local & nationally. I have a huge network in the greater Dallas area including Plano and Allen, and help piano students get auditions and perform for audiences.