Choosing a Piano Teacher

Choosing a piano teacher for you or your child is an important decision because it will largely determine the type of experience you will have. Think of piano lessons as an investment; the more you put in the more you get in return, and I'm not just talking money. Keep reading to see which corners are okay to cut and which ones you'll want to make sure to keep.

1. Don't cut corners on the first teacher
During those first few years of lessons it is critical that correct technic is being taught and developed. So often, parents unknowingly overlook the truth that the first piano teacher for their beginner is the most important. If healthy technic and posture are not implemented right from the beginning then the student is at risk of a) becoming frustrated because there is little progress, or b) tension, shoulder/back pain and tendinitis will present itself, either now or down the road. These reasons are easily avoided if a well-trained teacher is the first teacher. Don't let yourself believe that "my child isn't very good so he/she doesn't need a good teacher. "

2. Don't cut corners on a classically trained teacher
With so many different types of music out there it can be hard to decide what to play and if the training of the teacher is important. Here is something that might help with the decision making: you have to learn to eat your vegetables before you can have ice cream. There are many kinds of music that are great to study and enjoyable to listen to but classical music is like the vegetables. Look for a teacher who is classically trained and then you can learn other styles from there. Many jazz and pop musicians have strong backgrounds in classical music because that is where the nutrients are (technic!). But just because you are eating vegetables first it doesn't mean that they all taste bad and it's definitely not the only thing you can or should eat! Seek a teacher who has classical training and is willing to teach other styles.

3. It's okay to have shorter lessons
Finding a well trained teacher that is just right for you can be a little pricey. Don't feel like you have to have an hour lesson every week. A thirty minute lesson each week is enough time (especially for young children) to accomplish a lot. Just be sure to practice throughout the week! Once you get into it you can decide whether or not you should increase your lesson time. Thirty minutes for starters is great though and will help you save a little without sacrificing a lot!