Jump to content

Menu

How do you choose a piano teacher?


Recommended Posts

My uncle gave us a piano recently and at first I didn't really think we could swing piano lessons, my friend pays $15.00 for 45 minutes, I just can't do that every week. I found out there are two former homeschool students, offering beginning piano lessons for $8.00 a half an our or $12 for 45 minutes. ok, $8.00 sounds a little more do-able. I'm not even sure yet if they have room, and I am probably needing to wait a month or two before we starts (we still have a house we are trying to sell and hopefully it will get sold this spring) I would like to have that out of the way before I put money into lessons. So any advice?

For now, I'm going to teach the kids how to read music and give them some basic theory, but I really need to have someone else doing the lessons so that my children have that outside discipline.

Thanks,

Kristine

Link to comment
Share on other sites

but I really need to have someone else doing the lessons so that my children have that outside discipline.

 

 

You mentioned you want your children to have an outside teacher so they get the outside discipline. Well, that may be a factor of some significance, however, one hugely overlooked factor in making piano lessons successful (worth the time and money invested) is the discipline of practice at home. YOU will have to make them practice, even if YOU don’t teach the lesson.

 

By all means, go ahead and begin to teach them how to read music and other theory. This is a great idea until you can afford to pay for lessons regularly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You mentioned you want your children to have an outside teacher so they get the outside discipline. Well, that may be a factor of some significance, however, one hugely overlooked factor in making piano lessons successful (worth the time and money invested) is the discipline of practice at home. YOU will have to make them practice, even if YOU don’t teach the lesson.

 

By all means, go ahead and begin to teach them how to read music and other theory. This is a great idea until you can afford to pay for lessons regularly.

 

 

Oh I know, I did take lessons as a child, but gave it up and do know some, but very little, hopefully with a teacher than can learn more quickly and progress. They have a lot of influences, a two dear friends play beautifully, but they don't live close enough. (One is in Illinois & one in SD)

 

Thanks,

Kristine

Link to comment
Share on other sites

well, it sounds like you have some good options for the moment, and truthfully, it doesn't sound like you can really "choose" a teacher right now. Meaning it appears you're limited to taking what you can get and afford. You aren't likely to get a good (don't take that the wrong way LOL!) experienced teacher for less than 15$ per lesson. Adequate for now....probably.....but I would keep your eye on the process if you end up going with the students. There are just things that seasoned teachers - ones that have taken numerous kids successfully from start to finish - know about the whole process, and what to be picky about/not be picky about with beginners, what bad habits to avoid, etc. Ok, the point being......find the best teacher you can afford. Whatever that amount might be. Ask around is probably the best advice. There are music teachers associations all over the country. They usually have certain qualifications that teachers must have to belong. You can often check on these online, find phone numbers of people you can call to ask questions etc. You should be able to have an interview/scope out lesson with any prospective teacher in order for them you meet you and vice versa. See how they interact with your child and get a feel for their philosophy of teaching. Anyway, enjoy that piano. Trust your instincts. It'll work out eventually.

Kayleen

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I chose based on personality, goals, and convenience. Ours is very laid back, and comes to our house. He also does not enforce strict code on practicing. My kids are not going to be professional musicians. I do have them practice, but not insanely so. He is great with them and they enjoy it for the most part. He has a great attitude with them. But money did not factor into the choice. He is fair with cost.

Good luck! I hope you find a situation that works for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...