Whether you’ve been practising piano for years or have never touched one in your life, you can benefit from hiring a teacher. While it’s possible to learn entirely on your own, asking for help is usually the way that many people make strides in their improvement.
But how do you find the right tutor for your personal needs? It might feel overwhelming to have to find someone who can teach and critique your playing in a way that leaves you feeling confident and inspired, but rest assured that it’s entirely possible!
There are hundreds of thousands of piano teachers out there, but with this guide, you’ll know how to whittle down your options to choose the best teacher for you!
What Kind of Teacher Do You Need?
The first thing you need to do is decide what you’re looking for in a teacher. Then you can easily focus on finding teachers who meet all of your needs and not waste time looking for tutors who aren’t meant for students like you.
Your Experience Level
How much do you already know about piano? If you are a beginner, obviously you’ll want to find a teacher who can help you learn the basics. If you’re more experienced but ready to learn more advanced techniques, you’ll want a teacher who knows how to pass that information to students well.
Your Goals
Do you want to be able to play a specific song? Do you have a timeline you need to follow? Do you want to be able to start writing your own music or learn how to improvise on the piano? Or do you just want to have fun?
Know what goals you have and choose a teacher who is excited to help you meet them, rather than strictly teaching their own curriculum (unless that’s what you want!).
Availability
One easy way to scratch a potential teacher off your list is by checking their availability. If your schedules simply do not align and there’s no way to make adjustments, then it’s impossible for you to take classes from them, anyway.
Cost
Another easy way to decide whether to contact a certain teacher or not is to see their prices. They, of course, need to fit into your budget. If you find a teacher you really like but they’re a bit too costly, see if they are willing to work with you on a sliding scale or with some kind of trade, like mowing their lawn.
Location
You can find piano teachers who are available in-person and online, so choosing what type of instruction you need is important. If you don’t have your own piano or keyboard to practice with, you’ll need to find an in-person instructor who can let you practice on their equipment.
Qualifications
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a piano tutor is their qualifications and experience. While it is possible to find someone who can teach piano without a formal qualification, having a teacher with a degree or certification in music can be a huge advantage.
A qualified piano teacher has undergone rigorous training in music theory, technique, and performance, and has a deep understanding of the instrument. They have the knowledge and skills to teach you the proper techniques for playing the piano and can guide you through more advanced concepts as you progress.
You can check if your prospective teacher is a member of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand (IRMTNZ). It’s also a good idea to see if they have a history of teaching with any institutions, so you can see that they have practical experience.
But qualifications alone are not enough. A good piano teacher also needs to have practical experience in teaching. They should have a proven track record of helping students of all ages and levels improve their piano skills.
They should be able to tailor their teaching approach to the individual needs of each student, and be patient and encouraging in their teaching style.
When searching for a piano tutor, don't be afraid to ask about their qualifications and experience. Ask to see their credentials and any references they may have. You can also ask about their teaching philosophy and approach to ensure that it aligns with your learning style and goals.
Education
What kind of education should your piano tutor have?
Certification or qualification to teach is different from a teacher’s educational history. For example, they can be a self-taught virtuoso with excellent tutoring skills, or they can have multiple degrees in music and not be a very helpful teacher. Of course, there are piano tutors all over the spectrum.
The most important part is finding the person you mesh well with.
But, you may also want to ensure that your teacher has a resume to back up their claims of competency. If they don’t have their education listed in their bio, ask what their education history is.
Most music teachers of any kind will have competency certificates like a Grade 8 certificate from ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) to show that they have a thorough understanding of music.
They may also have a degree from a university in a music-related field.
Teaching Style
Some tutors may be more structured and methodical in their approach, while others may be more flexible and adaptable. It's important to find a tutor whose teaching style aligns with your learning preferences and goals.
For example, if you prefer a more structured approach, a tutor who follows a specific curriculum may be a better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a more flexible approach, a tutor who is open to incorporating your own ideas and interests into the first lessons may be a better fit.
You might be a student who thrives with a detailed syllabus beforehand and wants to learn a more classical style of training and playing. This might suit you better if you have a love of classical piano music and are more interested in playing pieces like that while learning a little about historic piano players.
If you want to play more modern pieces or other styles of piano, like jazz, musical theatre, pop rock, liturgical, or even rock and roll, country, or honky-tonk, then you’ll want a teacher who wants to teach you those styles!
A good tutor of any subject should be able to provide feedback in a way that is specific, actionable, and encouraging. They should also give positive feedback when the student makes progress or achieves a goal.
A tutor with effective teaching techniques can create a supportive and challenging learning environment, tailor their teaching style to the student's needs, set clear and achievable goals, and provide constructive feedback.
Personality
It’s important to know a little about your potential teacher’s personality so you can ensure that you two click. You don’t have to be the best friends in the whole world, but if there is something that just doesn’t click, it’ll be really difficult for you two to work together. You can find out a lot about the teacher’s personality on a consultation call or from your intro lesson.
Are they patient and encouraging? Do they have a sense of humour? Are they passionate about teaching and music? These are all important factors to consider, as they can have a significant impact on your learning experience.
Interview Your Potential Teacher
It’s a good idea to have an introductory session with a potential tutor to make sure that all of your requirements can be met and that you both get along well.
Don’t be afraid to interview your potential teacher! Sometimes connections just don’t match, and that’s ok. If you decide that they aren’t the right fit for you, you only need to let them know. It's important for you both that you have the ability to form a good teacher-student relationship, and if you can tell right away that that won't happen, it's better for you to move on.
Here are some questions you can ask during your introductory session:
- What do you expect from your students in terms of “homework”?
- How many students do you currently teach? What ages?
- What kind of events outside of lessons do your students participate in, such as recitals, competitions, and theory examinations? Are these events optional or required?
- What is your level of music education and what music teaching experience do you have?
- Do you belong to any professional organizations?
- What method do you use for teaching beginners?
- Describe your teaching approach or philosophy as compared to other teachers.
Ask Around For Other Opinions
If you’re able, see if you can get in touch with former or current students for this teacher and ask how they like their classes. See if you can get a better feel for the teacher’s style and methodology from someone going through the course.
If a student enjoys their classes, ask why? And if they don’t enjoy, ask why even more! It could be that the student wanted a more strict teacher and found that this one is a little too relaxed, which might be perfect for you! After all, these kinds of evaluations are always subjective.
You can also contact the universities where that teacher attended or their previous teaching locations and ask around for insight. It might seem extreme to do this, and it’s by no means a mandatory step, but it can help you determine even more about this teacher’s history in music and if they match your needs.
You can also search for reviews from current and previous students on a teacher’s profile or online.
It is so important to vet your potential tutor for a personality match for a few reasons.
- You will be spending a lot of time together
- Music is really personal and vulnerable, so you need to feel supported by the teacher
- You want to make sure you receive the education you want for the price you are paying
Choosing the right piano tutor is of paramount importance for anyone who wants to learn to play the piano. The right teacher can make the difference between success and failure and can help to cultivate a love and appreciation for music that lasts a lifetime.
Ultimately, the best piano tutor is one who not only possesses the necessary technical skills and knowledge, but who also has a passion for music and a genuine desire to share that passion with their students.
If you are considering learning to play the piano, it is important to take the time to research and find a qualified, experienced, and passionate piano tutor who can help guide you on your musical journey.
By doing so, you can ensure that you receive the highest quality of instruction and support and that you have the best possible chance of reaching your full potential as a pianist.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
