Yoke Wong

Finding The Right Piano Teacher

If you’re thinking of signing your child up for piano lessons, finding the right piano teacher is a key first step. The right teacher can introduce your child to the lifelong joys of creating music, but if the teacher’s style or personality is not a good fit for your child, it could color her views of music education for years to come. The teacher located nearby, or the least expensive teacher, may not be the best choice.

What makes a good piano teacher? You want someone who will inspire and nurture your child, and help him lay a solid foundation of skill and knowledge that he will build on in his future studies. The child and teacher will develop a special relationship that may last years. This will work best if the teacher’s philosophy and style match the way your child learns.

Here are some important factors to consider when evaluating piano teachers:

• Performance skill. A teacher should show mastery of the instrument.
• Musical education. The piano teacher should have a solid grounding in music theory, music history, and piano technique.
• Understanding and respect for children. Awareness of how children develop and learn is at least as important as the teacher’s own playing skills. It is quite possible that a stellar performer may not connect well with children or beginning students.
• Connection to your child. Everyone is different, and some teachers may naturally be more reserved and quiet than others. But it’s important that your child feel comfortable in the teacher’s presence. At the same time, the teacher must command respect so that the child will accept guidance from him.
• What is taught, and how. It’s important that you and your child are comfortable with your piano teacher’s expectations and requirements.

So, how to go about it? First of all, ask around. Any friends, family members, classmates who are particularly happy with their piano teachers? What is it that they like about them? Is that something you think you and your child would like, too?

Second, once you have identified a possible teacher, set up an interview so you can ask about teaching style and expectations. You may want to ask to observe a lesson or two, to see firsthand how the teacher interacts with her students. If she feels this would make the student uncomfortable, ask if she arranges a recital for her students, and try to attend that instead. After the interview, call any references that the piano teacher may have provided.

Here are some questions you may wish to ask during the interview:

• Tell me about your background and training in piano. How much training and experience have you had in performance vs. pedagogy (teaching)?
• Do you feel strongly that the traditional acoustic instrument is the only acceptable piano for a student, or are you comfortable if your students use electronic keyboards for home practice?
• What kinds of technology (if any) do you use in your teaching?
• Do you offer or require group lessons as well as individual ones?
• Do you arrange or require opportunities for your students to perform?
• Do any of your students take part in competitions?
• How would you feel if a student wanted to play a pop, rock, or jazz piece?
• Do you teach improvisation and other jazz techniques?
• Do you teach students how to memorize, play by ear, transpose, compose, or sight-read?
• How do you teach music theory and music history?
• How do you keep the lesson fun, yet still productive?
• How much practice time do you require each day?
• What are your policies on missed lessons, cancellations, make-up lessons, and refunds?
• How do you normally communicate with parents about a child’s progress? Do you hold regularly-scheduled conferences?

Finally, once you have selected the right teacher and your child begins lessons, support your child. Listen to him play. Help him get in the habit of practicing. Encourage him. No matter how good the piano teacher, your support as a parent makes a tremendous contribution to your child’s enjoyment and progress.

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