A young student learns a piece in C Major.
All parents want the best quality for their children. How do you know that you will get that when hiring a piano teacher?
1. Wait to ask, “How much are your rates?”
Many parents may be tempted to hire a teacher based on the lowest price. This has little to do with quality instruction. A quality piano teacher will give you a price after you have discussed:
- Your child’s musical goals
- Teacher’s experience
- Schedule flexibility
A quality piano instructor may cost more but will go the extra mile for your child.
2. Be sure to ask, “Are you a professional instructor?”
A quality piano instructor is a professional and makes a living teaching students. This person most likely has been teaching families for several years, is familiar with education theory (pedagogy) and conflict resolution, and may be parents themselves.
Questions to ask:
- How long have your current students have been playing?
- How much should my child practice?
- How much parental involvement is appropriate?
- Do you organize recitals?
- Do you teach your students to read music?
Many professional musicians and university students teach as a way to earn some extra cash. Once the gigs get going or the semester is over, the part-time teacher often asks to reschedule or disappears entirely. This interrupts quality musical instruction and leaves your child frustrated and confused. A dedicated full-time piano teacher makes your child a priority.
Choosing the right piano teacher is easy when you are prepared with the right questions. Contact us so that we may talk about your unique situation.
Marie Sleppy, Professional piano instructor.
Marie has been teaching piano for fifteen years and plays weekly for a church.
