You've read many times on this blog that I complain bitterly about some of the teachers who I have encountered in my many years of teaching. Some I've known, but most I have heard about from my students who have told me "horror stories" from their previous lessons. (See earlier posts of that title.)
The main problem is that many, if not most, people learn to play the piano with private lessons versus in a school. Virtually anyone can claim to be a "piano teacher" and begin giving lessons. I've met teachers who, by their own admission, played piano as a child and thought teaching would be a good way to pick up a little extra income. Often they just have a small number of students, but sometimes they have a full slate. However, just having played as a child does not necessarily mean they know how to teach. How long ago did they take lessons? How advanced did they get? Do they teach in the same way that they were taught, and, if so, how do we know that they had good teachers?
You wouldn't want to send your child to math or science lessons given by someone who learned a little math or science when they were young and then assumed they could teach it, would you? Teachers in a school must be accredited, having had to pass tests to prove their knowledge and competence. Many are required to take continuing education to keep up with new knowledge or methods in their field. But there are no such requirements for someone teaching privately in their home.
I've even met people who took piano lessons from a friend or relative who agreed to teach them as a favor. The student probably thought they were getting a great deal to not have to pay much -- or anything at all -- to receive lessons. However, these lessons usually didn't last long. Either the student or the teacher -- or both -- became frustrated with the lack of progress or other interpersonal issues, and the arrangement ended, sometimes with bad feelings. Someone who didn't really plan on teaching and took it on "as a favor" to someone is not serious about teaching.
Hopefully you want your teacher to be a professional. I believe that, in most situations, the teacher should have a college degree in music. At least it shows they are serious and that music is not just a hobby or a way to pick up a little extra money on the side. Of course, having a degree still doesn't necessarily make them a great teacher. Maybe they just don't have the patience or the communication skills or other attributes that make for a good teacher. But at least, in their degree program, they would have been required to take classes on music theory, for example, in addition to the instrument, and should have the basic knowledge to teach it.
Ideally the teacher you select should have years of experience. What about brand new teachers, just starting out? Everyone has to start somewhere. However, you'd want to think carefully about lessons with someone who has little or no experience. If that is the case, you'd need to ask a lot of questions about their approach to teaching, what and where they studied, as well as asking them to play for you. If any teacher tells you they can't really play, for whatever reason, that should be a red flag.
Many private teachers teach in their homes. If that is the case, the studio should look professional. There should be no distractions from family members, pets, phone calls, etc. during the lesson. Some teachers rent a studio in, for example, a piano store. If the teacher doesn't have a quality piano at home or some other reason for not wanting to have students come to his/her house, you should ask questions about that. Personally, I find those spaces somewhat dreary and uninspiring. They also will not have a high quality piano.
You wouldn't want to take advice from a doctor or lawyer or financial planner who is not a professional. Why should piano be any different? If you don't have a good teacher, you may find you don't enjoy it and don't make progress. You might even think it was your fault -- that you didn't have "what it takes" to play the piano. But the burden is on the teacher to do their utmost to help you make progress while having fun. Hopefully this post, and all the others, have helped you learn what to look for in a teacher.
No comments:
Post a Comment