Finding The Right Teacher For Playing Piano

When you are ready to learn to play the piano, or want your child to learn to play, it is important to find the right teacher. Without the appropriate teacher, progress will be much slower, and your money will be better spent if progress is at a good rate.

Where To Find Teachers

Many people know someone through their church or school who teaches piano playing. If you aren’t that fortunate though, or just want to go outside those areas, consider checking with a local music store. Many of them offer lessons in piano playing, or have a list of local teachers. Another option is to check in the local yellow pages or classified ads of the newspaper for music instruction or employment wanted. Another place to check is through local colleges. Sometimes the professors offer private music lessons, or there are group lessons through the college itself.

What To Ask When You Interview Teachers

First and foremost, it is important to know which method the teacher uses for teaching piano playing. There are several methods, though most teachers till teach piano playing using the traditional classic method. Some are more specific, for example teaching one to play jazz or worship music. The style you want depends on your goal in playing the piano. Along the same lines, some teachers are stricter while others are less structured. Choose the kind of teacher that motivates you (or your child).

It can be important to know the background of the teacher. For many people, it is important that anyone teaches them to play the piano is credentialed by the Music Teacher’s National Association. For others, this credential is not nearly so important, and the love of music is much more important, sometimes even more important than experience as a teacher.

Think about the amount of involvement you want to have in your child’s piano playing. Some teachers welcome parental involvement. For some, this is observation only. For others, they like the parents fully involved, even during the lesson. Note that being involved can often help your child succeed, so be sure you and the teacher talk about expectations for involvement. Some teachers allow students to come for a free introductory session so that they can see if it is a good fit for them. Consider taking advantage of this prior to committing yourself (or your child) to a long contract.

Other Things To Ask About

The cost of lessons will depend upon your locale and the experience of the teacher. Great instruction will be more expensive, but progress will be greater, too. Also, find out how often your teacher wants to be paid (weekly, monthly or by semester).

The attendance and cancellation policy is important, as most teachers will have a policy about lessons that are missed. Be sure you understand the policy for your teacher.

Are there any studio rules? Be sure to ask about these. Some examples are taking ones shoes off at the door (to help keep the house clean), no gum or candy or wash your hands before the lesson starts.

Be sure you find a teacher for piano playing that meets your needs, and then enjoy learning to play this useful and versatile instrument!