Looking for a professional tutor to teach you the technicalities of the piano? Someone who can guide you, support you in your musical journey? Well, a marvelous piano teacher is not only an eternal source of encouragement but also an inspiration for budding pianists who want to make it big in the music industry.
An experienced tutor not only realizes your potential but also helps you harness it. Kids, adults, amateur musicians – everyone needs a tutor. Read on to find out the essential qualities that separate a marvelous piano teacher from a good one.
Keyboard or piano
Decide whether you want to learn using a large piano or want to press a key on the modern electronic keyboard. And while the musical equipment is almost the same there are some minor differences in the playing techniques. Remember, you’d ideally want to seek mentorship from an expert, not someone who is mediocre with an instrument.
Private lessons or music groups
Do you want a private piano tutor or join music classes? Before you begin your search for a competent music teacher, think about the learning environment that would be conducive, and align your choices with your short term goals. Both have their own ups and downs; while a private tutor will be able to give you his undivided attention there won’t be adequate exposure and interaction with other budding musicians if you join a music group.
Musical qualification
Once you’ve decided the kind of music lessons you want, the next step is to gather more information about the qualifications of your music tutor. Is he/she specialized in specific music niches? Have they ever gone through formal training to deliver in the shoes of a piano instructor? Ideally, you’d want a professional pianist to teach you. Better still; look for someone with a music degree from a prestigious university. A degree adds on to the credibility of the teacher, establishing his worth.
Make sure it has not heightened their ego, though.
Experience
It is always recommended that you press a key (pun intended) for a tutor who’s had some experience in teaching, apart from playing piano in front of audiences. There might be musicians and pianists who possess the perfect piano playing skills but only a few know how to communicate it to their students.
A terrific piano teacher would identify your talent and nurture it patiently helping you become a better pianist. They not only teach you the chords and notes but also explains the emotional content of the music piece.
Encourages creativity
Music is not all about a series of keys and notes; there is a lot of emotion involved, and a suitable tutor helps you articulate your feelings through the medium of a piano. They understand the value of creativity and uniqueness encouraging you to improvise on a particular piece. Look for a teacher whose lessons and playing techniques are just not confined to the conventional rules; find someone who knows how to enjoy the music!
Temperament
The behavior and temperament of the piano teacher speak volumes about his personality. The teacher should be strict enough to command respect but also know how to cut some slack! Often budding musicians are demotivated because of harsh comments and excessive pressure of their tutors. Look for an instructor with a pleasant temperament, someone who understands the student’s mind, and can enrich the minds of his students with his experience and expertise.
Call them for a demo lesson
Once you’ve decided on a competent music teacher try scheduling a lesson to check their teaching technique. This not only ensures the student-teacher compatibility but also gives you a fair idea about the qualifications of the teacher. A direct link with the tutor also aligns you better to his temperament.
Fees and class timings
The finances and logistics associated with the piano lessons must also be taken into consideration. Check when the prospective music tutor will be available to give lessons. Also, consider your budget; the fee charged by the teacher is a major factor, considering it’s a long term engagement. Established tutors usually charge more; however, there are teachers who give lessons at pretty affordable rates.
How to acquire a fantastic music teacher?
Check out the piano tutors in your locality, you can also consider the music schools and groups in your neighborhood. These lessons are usually listed online where you can easily find the contact details and addresses. You can also harness a head start by subscribing to the many tutorial videos posted by music teachers online. Listed below are some other ways you can locate a tutor:
- Check out the local music store
- Pay attention to the recommendations by friends and family
- Go to the local music universities
- Browse through the web
Featured Image: Image Credit
The piano fell 4 stories, crushing Calvin. He had recently given up piano to study guitar. Upstairs, his teacher ordered a new piano.
— Very Short Story (@VeryShortStory) November 20, 2016
My first piano teacher, Zhu Yafen, came to my concert this week at the Wiener Konzerthaus – her first time in Vienna! pic.twitter.com/W0NItHf7WK
— Lang Lang (@lang_lang) November 12, 2016
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The making of a good music teacher
Egos and cultural negativities need to be kicked to the curb when it comes to teaching music according to Opeloge Ah Sam.
The music teacher at Auckland’s Kristin School for the past three years and composer says it takes some special traits to be an effective and influential music teacher.
“Good teachers especially in the arts need to leave their egos at the school gate,” Ah Sam says.
“I see teachers around who are amazing and genuine without the issues that having a big ego has. Via Education HQ
Egos and cultural negativities need to be kicked to the curb when it comes to teaching music according to Opeloge Ah Sam.
Good For You: Alayne Griffin named Tennessee Music Teacher of Year
Griffin named Tennessee Music Teacher of Year
Alayne Griffin was recently named Tennessee Music Teacher of the Year during the Tennessee Music Teachers Association’s annual conference in Nashville.
Griffin has taught piano and flute in her private studio since 1983. Her students range in age from 5 to 78 and perform in recitals and other events several times a year. One was named the 2015 Southern Adventist University Concerto Competition winner.
The honoree has served in the Chattanooga Music Teachers Association in multiple positions over the years and is currently treasurer. She was presented the CMTA Teacher of the Year award in May. She holds membership in the National Federation of Music Clubs, the National Guild of Piano Teachers and several other organizations. Via Times Free Press
Griffin named Tennessee Music Teacher of Year
A GOOD AGE: Scituate music teacher still hits the right notes at age 100
Two years ago, I covered a renewal of vows ceremony for five couples, one married for 64 years, who lived at the Life Care Center of the South Shore. I was surprised to find the organist was a 97-year-old resident who was playing “Shall We Gather at the River” and other hymns before the event began.
That was my introduction to Gertrude Reynolds, who was easy to talk to, open and interesting, with a nice dry sense of humor. She told me she had been playing the piano and organ for 70 years, taught music in the Scituate schools, was a church organist and had taught privately. I was impressed by how she was still making music in her community at a very advanced age. Via Patriot Ledger
Two years ago, I covered a renewal of vows ceremony for five couples, one married for 64 years, who lived at the Life Care Center of the South Shore. I was surprised to find the organist was a 97-year-old resident who was playing “Shall We Gather at the River” and other hymns before the event began.