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Frequently Asked Questions
How does one go about selecting a piano teacher? Is there a particular style of music your child is interested in learning? Is your child a complete beginner or ready for more of a challenge? Do you want a teacher who specializes in a specific level or age group, or would you prefer a teacher who is able to adapt their teaching as your child develops? It is good to have an idea about what kind of teacher you want. I recommend getting referrals from various sources such as friends, teachers, musicians, schools, and community leaders. Music organizations such as: The New England Piano Teachers' Association and the Music Teachers' National Association may provide lists of teachers in your area. Teachers have many different qualifications and it can be difficult to decide what qualifications are important to you. Usually, if you take the time to ask a lot of questions, you will have a better idea as to what kind of teacher will be best for your child. Request an interview with prospective teachers. An interview provides an excellent opportunity for the teacher, parent, and child to meet so they can communicate their needs, expectations, and goals. A good interview will provide insight into how a prospective teacher might work with your child. I believe that for a student/teacher relationship to be effective it is important that the teacher, parent and child establish, and cultivate, a positive working relationship. This is an ongoing process, not something that will be completed during the interview. However, the interview will give each of you an opportunity to determine whether or not you will enjoy working together. Communication is extremely important: use the interview to get a sense of how well you and the teacher are able to communicate and how well the teacher and your child are able to communicate. Try to get a sense of whether or not you are a 'good fit'. Studio policies vary: they can be specific, vague; strict, lenient and many places in between. Ideally, you should be comfortable with the policy. Is there a set schedule and if so, is payment made for individual lessons or by the semester? How are lesson cancellations handled? Does the tuition include recitals, workshops, and/or group classes? Question: When is the right time to begin piano lessons? Question: What can parents do to help prepare their children for private piano lessons? Question: How does one go about selecting a piano teacher? Question: How involved should parents be in the musical education of their children? Question: What can I do to help motivate my child to practice the piano - and to practice more effectively? |