After you sign up for Coaching With Willie, you can book your first 1-on-1 session after 60 days. This waiting period is to give you an opportunity to do three things: 1) have an opportunity to really go through some lessons and learn how to use the site to its fullest, 2) give you the opportunity to join in on a group session to test out the software, and 3) give you time to create some clear and concise goals that we can use during our private 1-on-1 sessions.

If you can not attend your 1-on-1 session live, don't worry, we can do it via video!

You will still book a session using the scheduler at the bottom of this page.

Start by recording a short video of your playing along with your question(s). I suggest that you play only for 20-30 seconds and keep your questions short. The total time of your video will determine how much time I have to give you my feedback. For example, our lesson is 15 minutes total. If you submit a 10 minute video, I will watch it during your 15 minute lesson block and then only have 5 minutes to record my feedback. It is best to keep your video 2-3 minutes long and ask 2 questions max.

Next, upload your recording to YouTube (unlisted or public...DO NOT set to private) then paste the URL in the 1-on-1 session booking form.

Information on how to upload to YouTube can be found below...

The main difference is that in a 1-on-1 session, it's just you and me. In a group session, there may be 20 or more students on live. In a group session, I answer everyone's question. However, depending on the size of the group, I may need to limit the amount of time I spend on each student. In a 1-on-1 session, I give you a full 15 minutes of lesson time for you to ask me questions and get feedback.

No. I only need to hear you. I suggest trying out a group session before booking a 1-on-1 session so you know how the software works. 

No. To fit everyone into my schedule, students can only have one private 1-on-1 session every 90 days. Don't worry though, I record the session and will give you plenty to work on for several weeks. You can also join the group sessions throughout the month if you have further questions for me. After you book a session, your 90-day timer starts again and you will be able to book another session in 90 days.

We use the free Zoom software to connect to both group and individual 1-on-1 sessions. Take a look at the Zoom tutorial videos. Be sure to watch the Meeting Controls video.

No. The Zoom software works on all devices (computer, tablet, phone) and simply uses the camera in your phone or laptop. Some students like to purchase external USB webcams but these are usually unnecessary. There is nothing that you need to connect to your keyboard. 

Here are some helpful videos.

After scheduling your 1-on-1 session, a 90-day timer begins. For example, if you schedule a 1-on-1 session on Jan. 15th, you will be able to schedule your next session any day after April 15th. Even though you scheduled on Jan. 15th, your session date might be weeks in the future. You will also be sent an email with a link to reschedule or cancel your session. If you cancel your session, you can not book another session until your next 90-day slot opens up. However, you can reschedule a session to a future date. So, it is always best to reschedule than cancel!

If you are a PianoWithWillie member that was grandfathered into coaching, this means you get to enjoy all of the benefits of my Coaching With Willie program. This includes both group and 1-on-1 training sessions for as long as your PianoWithWillie membership remains active. If your PianoWithWillie membership is canceled or lapses, your Coaching With Willie access will also be canceled.

The good news is that the signup period is a rolling 50-days. This means that students can only book 50 days in advance. This means that new slots will likely open up in a few days. The calendar system shows dates 50+ days out as being unavailable, not because they are booked, but because they are over 50 days out.

I suggest once students get an email saying a 1-on-1 session is available, they should come to the site and book ASAP. My schedule fills up quickly!

If you don't see an open slot, just come back to this page in a few days and see if anything opens up.