Tips on How to Choose the Best Piano Tutor
Visit
your local school/college/church/newsagent and check for adverts (usually in
postcard form) on the noticeboard or for newsagents on the front windows. Speak
with friends. They can sometimes be the best sources as they themselves or
their friends might know a teacher that comes highly recommended. Finally, use
the good old internet. Simply type "music tutors London". Or search
for "music teacher’s directory" and search on the relevant sites for
tutors in your area.
Know what you are looking for
A piano teacher with a list of credentials might
seem a perfect candidate. However, this is not always the case. Many teachers
may have years of experience with all the top qualifications but if they have a
particular way of working that does not gel with what you are looking for (e.g.
they only teach a certain style, age groups, don't travel etc.) they are a non-starter.
It is hugely important for a teacher-student chemistry to develop. You should
find a piano teacher who is able to build confidence, be enthusiastic as well
as keep the lessons moving towards a motivating, worthwhile goal. The key point
to remember is that the age of the teacher and qualifications are not the
be-all. If you want the lessons to be fun for yourself or your child, a young
teacher though preferable, is not a necessity. Likewise, don't think finding a
piano teacher with loads of experience and certifications, means they have to
be older.
Setting up a Meeting
The right teacher can shape your learning
experience for better or worse. Again, it is important to find a teacher whose
style and personality fit well with yours. If you are a beginner, you will want
an especially patience teacher.
When
arranging a lesson for yourself or for a child, know what you want to ask the
teacher and don't compromise. Trust and feeling comfortable with the teacher
you speak to is paramount. Therefore, the first step should be to phone the
tutor where you make a better judgement. Whether on a consultation lesson or
over the phone, ask the following questions:
§ How many pupils do you teach currently and would you mind if I spoke to
them about the service that you offer?
§ What is your level experience and your general background? Do you have
references? An experienced teacher will happily explain their background and
credentials.
§ I have a child /children that want(s) to learn piano. Is it ok if I
attend the lessons?
§ Do you offer concessions e.g. a discount on the first lesson or block
bookings/consultation lesson prior to any formerly beginning?
§ Do you work on piano technique? If so, how do you approach the teaching
of this? (if you/your child have been learning piano for some time but have
problems with this area)?
§ Do you encourage your pupils to learn certain piano styles/repertoire?
If so why?
§ Do you teach theory?
§ Do you prepare your pupils for exams, such as the Associated Board of
the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)/Trinity College of Music?
§ Do you encourage your pupils to perform whenever possible in public,
such as in festivals, competitions and concerts? If so, how many of them do?
§ What are your standards, and general expectations of your pupils?
§ How do you measure progress with your pupils?
§ Do you make notes for your pupils during lessons?
§ What amount of practice do you recommended a week for my/ my children's
level (ask this especially if you're a beginner)?
The
more open you are about your expectations and interests, the more useful the
consultation will be. After speaking with the teacher, don't feel you have to
make a decision there and then. You may need to make more than one approach
before you find the teacher for you.
Finalizing the details
If you are happy with everything, then it's time to
formerly arrange the first lesson. When you do make a financial arrangement
with a teacher, be clear about the lesson rates being charged and how and when
they are to be paid. Some teachers charge a travel fee for coming to the
pupil's house. You should also ask if the teacher has a cancellation policy
(e.g. how many days’ notice should be given for canceling a lesson) and who
should be responsible for the purchase of lesson materials and music.
If
you have arranged lessons for your child, you should show interest in the
progress being made. This means sitting in on some if not all of your child's
lessons so that you get a good idea of the style of teaching and the progress
being made. At some stage you will know when you are fully comfortable with the
teacher. If lessons are at your home but you're at the stage where you don't
sit in on every one now, it is still good to ask the tutor at the end of the
lesson for progress updates.
As
mentioned earlier, you should be clear on where the lessons will take place and
if the tutor charges extra for coming to your home. It is important for piano
lessons to be convenient. Whether at your home, your teachers' home or an
outside venue, ask about the recommended length of a lesson for your/your
child's level. For example, beginners' piano lessons generally last 30 - 45
minutes depending on the pupil's age. For a child beginner, 30 minutes is
usually the norm.
Put the work in yourself
Piano tutors enjoy teaching new students who are passionate
about learning the instrument. Like with all skills though, the responsibility
lies with you as the pupil or parent of the children to put the work in.
Standard things which are overlooked like doing the right amount of practice
suggested and being prepared and on time for lessons etc. By holding yourself
or your child accountable, you take your investment in music learning
seriously. And the rewards can be enormous!
Find Tutoring Agencies London
for Private Tutor Or Home Tutor in London.
Comments
Post a Comment