Before the search for a piano teacher begins, the question of whether the child is ready should be addressed. Secondly, but of equal importance, is whether the parent is ready to be the mom or dad of a piano student.
Once it is agreed that both the child and parent is ready for this commitment, the next step is to choose a piano teacher. It is important to try to look for one who will work well with the child’s personality, be a good match for the musical goals of the parent and the child, and give the child the best possibility for success. Armed with a little knowledge and the right questions to ask, even a parent who has little or no musical training can make an educated decision in this area.
Personal Recommendations for Piano Teachers
One of the best ways to start the search for a good teacher is to pay attention to other budding musicians' abilities. As they perform in school talent shows or play for church, one can listen carefully for the musicality in their playing.
Even piano students who are not very advanced should play confidently, consistently, with a nice singing tone, and with clear articulation. They should not play as fast and as loud as they can every time they are given an opportunity to perform, but should be equally competent with beautiful melodic numbers.
When parents see a young pianist who seems to stand out from the crowd, they can talk to the young pianist’s parents about the teacher and get some contact info. At the same time, parents can ask around about where children in their child’s school or church are taking lessons. People to talk to include parents, school music teachers, and music stores for recommendations. This research should result in a list of possible teacher contacts.
Then the calling can begin. The first goal should be to set up audition appointments with any teachers who are potentially accepting new students, crossing off any teachers who are interested in signing on students without meeting and talking to them first.
What to Ask at a Student Audition
Before the first appointment, the parent should make a list of questions to ask. For example:
- What does the teacher charge?
- How long are the lessons and how often?
- What books will be needed and what is their approximate cost?
- What type of piano is expected for the home? If the family will need to purchase a piano before beginning lessons, it is important to know if the teacher expects an acoustic or is satisfied with a digital.
- What are the teacher’s practice expectations?
- Does the teacher expect to teach summer lessons? Many teachers take summer time off or will teach students who wish to continue through the summer, but some will only hold a spot for those who do their summer program.
- What are the potential teacher’s expectations and goals in comparison to parent's and child's? Some teachers are very traditional and expect all students to do regular theory (the “mechanics” of music), participate in recitals or music festivals, and learn plenty of classical music. Others might have a more recreational approach. Some are willing to go with whatever the student feels he or she prefers.
Making an Educated Decision
Although it is impossible to really come to know a person in the brief period of an audition, it is possible to get a feel for whether it appears the parent, the child, and the teacher will work well together toward a goal with which all are comfortable.
In addition, even an excellent teacher can only do so much without the support of the parents. The success of the student will begin with taking the time to choose a piano teacher that seems to be the right fit for the job, and will continue with the parents' commitment to make sure that regular quality time is spent at the piano during the days between the lessons.
Marta Stone - Marta loves words, especially written ones. She reads as much as is humanly possible under the circumstances of life's responsibilities ...
Join the Conversation