The Parent's Guide to Piano
A Comprehensive Guide to Music Education
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Early Childhood Music
When to Start Lessons
Finding a Teacher
Learning Environment
A Balanced Education
The Lessons
Practicing Piano
Piano Technique
Reading Music
Musical Inspiration
Positive Feedback
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Piano Quotes
How to Find a Piano Teacher
"I think that a large part of the problem in this country is that people are taught how to be taught by someone else, but they are not taught how to be their own teachers."
About the Music Teacher
The music teacher has a special relationship with the student. They will likely be the child's longest serving teacher and will understand and communicate with the student better than anyone else. They will understand the student on a deeply emotional level and will be one of the most important mentor figures in the student's life.
Looking for a Teacher
Require the following of your piano teacher:
- A good reputation as a teacher in the community
- A college degree or certification from a recognized music program
- Sufficient teaching experience
- Experience teaching similar age groups
- References from other parents
- Full-time musician-teacher
- Extensive performing experience
- Good studio location and lesson time availability
- Competitive rates based on their education and reputation
- The ability to play the piano at a high level
- Punctuality and professionalism
- A history of successful students
You can also ask yourself:
- Is the teacher outgoing, cheerful and energetic? or jaded and grumpy?
- Does the teacher genuinely like your child and vice versa?
- Are they teaching because they love to teach music or because they are a performing musician who needs money?
- Do they have a history of successful students?
- Are the majority of their students long-term?
- Are they actively contributing to the music commmunity?
- Do they extend the students education beyond just the lessons? Do they organize recitals, performances and examinations?
The Role of a Music Teacher
The way a person plays music is reflective of that person on the deepest level.
I have had accomplished students come to their lessons completely incapable of playing the piano because of emotional turmoil from personal issues that gripped them that particular week. The only way to spend the lesson was in counsel, discussing anything but music.
A music teacher is there to help the student through their personal struggles while a great music teacher helps them conquer them.
Base your decision not only on convenience, price, and good looks but a quality education, character and reputation.
Investigate and be informed!
"There are two ways to teach the piano: One is to build up a student over a long period and be totally responsible for them, not only musically but psychologically so that the teacher is his confidant and his motivator. The other way is to teach master classes."
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