How To Find The Right Piano Teacher

Learning to play the piano is like taking a trip.

On this journey every student encounters a number of imposing mountains that they must cross to reach their destination. There are also many traps and risks on the way.

The best way to guarantee the success of any journey is to hire a guide. The best guide is someone that has made the trip many times before. They know the easiest way to go. They know many hidden shortcuts and they know the way to avoid the dangers on the way.

The piano student’s guide on their musical journey is naturally their piano teacher.

Choosing the right piano teacher is one of the most critical decisions you can make. If you select the right teacher, you greatly increase the chances that your youngster will go on to make the piano a part of their life. If you choose the incorrect teacher, you can jeopardize your youngster’s musical journey before it has even begun.

The five most vital questions that you need to ask when looking for a piano teacher are:

QUESTION 1: Do They Relate Well To Children?

One of the most common mistakes parents make when looking for a piano teacher is they try to find the teacher with the best reputation and qualifications as a pianist.

It is extremely important to be aware that being a great pianist does not necessarily make someone a great teacher.

What you are really searching for is someone that is great with youngsters and who loves teaching.

I read recently that except for direct family relations, the longest relationship many individuals develop during their life is with their music teacher!

This is undeniably true in my case. I spent eight years with my teacher and in that time he became not only a teacher but also an advisor, supporter and good friend.

This is what you need to find for your child – A teacher who can become their friend.

QUESTION 2: Do They Create A Positive Environment?

It’s important to create a positive environment for your youngster to learn and grow as a musician.

Just as there are parents who adopt the Sergeant Major approach to practice, there are teachers who adopt a disciplinarian approach to teaching. It continues to amaze me how many adults I meet who recount stories of being slapped across the hands with rulers and being verbally abused for not doing their piano practice. It is little wonder that the majority of these adults gave up playing piano.

Remember what you’re looking for in a teacher is someone that creates an environment of fun and excitement for your child.

QUESTION 3: Do They Have A Professional Piano Studio?

Your youngster’s teacher should have a professionally organized studio which offers a variety of activities and games to improve your child’s development.

One important question worth asking prospective teachers is whether they have got a computer lab. Today there are a number of excellent computer programs available that help kids learn how to play piano.

QUESTION 4: Do They Have The Suitable Qualifications?

As well as relating well to kids, it is important to ensure that the teacher you choose does have the proper qualifications to teach piano. When you meet a potential teacher you really should ask to see their qualifications.

QUESTION 5: Are They Passionate About Music?

Your youngster’s disposition towards music will reflect the disposition of their teacher so it is important to find a teacher that loves what they do rather than someone who is teaching simply to pay the bills. You can gauge a teacher’s level of enthusiasm using the questions you will find in the next section.

How To Find The Right Teacher For Your Child

The right way to start the search is to ask your friends and acquaintances whether they know of a good piano teacher in your neighborhood.

What you want to hear is, “My daughter’s piano teacher is great with kids. The kids just love her”

Not, “My daughter’s piano teacher is a famous concert pianist.”

Don’t get me wrong, it’s possible to discover a teacher who is a great pianist and a great teacher, but just remember what you are truly searching for is a great teacher.

When you have a list of a few possible teachers, you should contact them and ask if they offer a cost-free trial lesson. Some teachers will, some won’t. It often depends upon how busy they are.

If a teacher does not offer a free trial lesson, ask whether you and your child can come and observe a lesson with an existing student. If a teacher says no to both of these requests then move on to the next name on your list.

When you go along to either the free trial lesson or the observation lesson, take careful note of the following:

• How does the teacher interact with children?
• How do kids interact with the teacher?
• Do the kids seem to enjoy the lesson?
• Does the teacher seem to enjoy the lesson?
• How does the teacher handle a child’s mistakes?
• If you’re having a free lesson, be aware of how your
  child responds to the teacher. Are you able to can imagine the 2
  of them becoming friends?

After observing the above points, ask the potential teacher the following questions:

• What qualifications have they got?
• Do they provide a computer lab?
• Do they organize regular recitals?
• Do they organize end of year concerts?
• Do they have group lessons and activities?
• Do they actually enjoy teaching?
• How do they work with you to help your youngster at home?

Don’t be scared to let potential teachers know you’re checking out one or two teachers in the area. It is in the best interest of everybody that you find the best match between student and teacher.

Remember you’re looking to establish a relationship that may last for many years so it is worth taking a bit of time to get it right.

If you enjoyed this article on how to find a piano teacher, you may also enjoy Dr. Anthony Fernando’s piano note software that helps children and adult beginners learn to read music.