How to Choose a Piano Teacher

Before starting piano lessons it is wise to take a few things into consideration. First, you'll need to determine if you or your child have the time and dedication necessary to make the piano lessons productive. For the lessons to pay off you'll need to dedicate at least 30 to 60 minutes of practice time each day. There is also the time needed to travel to and from your teacher's studio if the lessons are held at their location rather than in your home. Many piano teachers like to include their students in recital and concert events, so time for this will also need to be set aside. Concerts and recitals aren't required of course, but with many teachers it is a standard part of the regimen. You should find out whether this is required when you interview and choose your teacher. All told, the time and commitment required for piano lessons is about the same as that for learning any other recreational activity, e.g. soccer or baseball.

Another consideration is the type of instrument you'll be learning on. It's possible to learn piano on an electronic keyboard, but realize that most teacher's are biased towards acoustic pianos and will actively encourage and sometimes require you to have one. If lessons take place in your home then it is your responsibility to make sure that the piano is working and in tune. It is also necessary to provide the teacher and the student an area that is free from distractions.

Evaluating a piano teacher

These points are generally geared towards children, but they can be applied equally as well to adults.

One of the most important things to understand about choosing a piano teacher is that no teacher is "right" for all students. One piano teacher might have great credentials and perform wonders with your neighbor's child, but they might not mix with you or your child at all. For the most part it comes down to personality. You should find a teacher that understands the student's personality and can work well with it. It's also beneficial when the student agrees well with the teacher's personality, although with some children this can be difficult to acheive. Just use your best judgement as a parent.

In general, it is always best to conduct a personal interview with a prospective piano teacher. Teachers will usually offer a mini-lesson during this interview so that they can accurately gauge the student's readiness. This will also allow the student and the teacher to get a feel for each other's personalities and to see if they can "click" together. Although it can be a little time-consuming, it is a good idea to interview a few teachers before making a decision. Any professional teacher will understand this. So, you should be wary if it seems that one is pressuring you into hiring them.

Questions for a Prospective Piano Teacher

Following is a list of questions and concerns that should be discussed with a prospective teacher. An initial interview over the phone will suffice for discussing most of these issues.

• What is the teacher's teaching philosophy? Specifically, what are the most important aspects when learning the piano (playing for fun, a rigid classical regimen, preparing for performances, understanding music theory, etc.)? You need to make sure that the teacher's goals match the students.
• What are the teacher's expectations of the student? You need to know how much time does the teacher want commited to lessons and practice. It's also important to understand whether or not recitals and competitions will be part of the program.
• What are the teacher's credentials? It isn't necessary for the teacher to possess degrees in music, but it is an indication of professionalism and a thorough knowledge of the subject matter. Be aware that there are many different degrees in the music field. Some are for piano pedagogy (teaching theory) or piano performance, while some are simly general music degrees. One should also find out the teacher's level of experience. This includes not only their experience with playing the piano, but also the amount of time they have spent actually instructing students. Don't hold a lack of experience against someone, as they might be new to the field yet very qualified, but experience is an irreplacable asset nonetheless.
• Is the teacher particular about teaching only certain types of music? Make sure the students interest in musical styles won't be suppressed. The best teachers are open about a student's interest in particular styles and can help direct them towards their goal. Be aware that a large majority of teachers focus initially on classical music. This doesn't mean that it is the only style that a teacher will encourage though. Classicl music generally offers the best approach to understanding the fundamentals of music theory and the development of a vast technique, which can then be applied to any style of piano. Avoid the tendency to simply learn how to play particular "piano pieces" or "songs", as this won't really instill musicianship or an understanding of music in the student.
• How much will the piano lessons cost? Most piano teachers offer lessons for a range of time periods, from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on what the student's needs are. Prices are typically $25-50 for 30 minutes. This varies widely depending on geographic location, the teacher's experience and education, and the extent of services offered.
• What lesson materials are needed? Lesson books are usually the responsibility of the student. So, you will need to determine which materials are needed and how much they will cost. However, some teachers will initially loan lesson materials and sheet music to the student.
• What piano method does the teacher use? There are many piano methods available. Many teachers adhere to only one, but some pull the best parts from numerous methods depending on the students needs. Some of the more popular methods are Alfred, Suzuki, Thompson, and Bastien. All have their pros and cons, but it is a good idea to ask the teacher why they favor one method over the others. Teachers often use computer or internet instructional materials as well, so it's a good idea to find out if these require extra time and money.
• What kind of piano is required? Does the teacher require an acoustic piano for practice and lessons? If your lessons are out of a studio then the teacher's piano will be used. However, if you only have a digital keyboard for practicing at home, then the teacher should be aware of this. Most lean towards learning on an acoustic piano because keyboards are limited in many ways.

Making a final decision

After interviewing numerous teachers and visiting their studios or homes (if that is where they teach) you'll have to decide which piano teacher is best for you. Choosing a piano teacher is really a subjective decision. Only you know what your goals and requirements are and only you can prioritize them. However, once you make a short list of the teachers that meet these requirements the final decision usually comes down to personality. Which piano teacher's personality and teaching style is most compatable with the student?