The Right Teacher is Worth Their Weight in Gold

It’s extremely important to choose a quality piano instructor right from the start.

Many parents make the mistake of thinking it's okay to start with a mediocre piano teacher because they are cheaper and switch to a better one if their child shows interest. However, the first year of piano lessons is the most crucial because that is when students start building the foundation to their music studies. If a student starts with a mediocre teacher and switches to a better one, it may take years to correct bad habits. Experienced teachers have spent many years developing their curriculum so their students can achieve the most success in the shortest period of time, as well as fostering their love for music at the same time.

Parents should look for the best piano teacher possible from the beginning. Make sure that the teacher is someone who will:

• Use a teaching method that is engaging and appropriate based on your child's age and skill level

• Provide constructive feedback and guide your child to set realistic goals

• Foster a positive learning environment and be patient and encouraging

• Keep the parents informed by communicating regularly and sharing progress reports.

• Motivate your child to improve and grow as a musician by setting challenges.

• Share a passion for music to help your child love and appreciate it for life

Choose a Teacher Who:

Is Experienced in Teaching Children

Experienced teachers will use a teaching method that is engaging and appropriate for your child’s age and skill level. A lot of teachers are very experienced and perform highly advanced repertoire, but it doesn’t mean they can teach young children in a way that their brains can easily understand.

Encourages and Supports

Children thrive on positive reinforcement and encouragement. Your teacher should support your child's interest in piano and provide opportunities to perform and showcase their progress.

Caters to Different Learning Styles

When looking for a piano teacher, consider finding one who is versatile in their teaching style and incorporates games and fun activities to make lessons engaging for kids. Playing the piano is not just about hitting the right notes. Good teachers will always find creative ways to develop their students, whether they are children or adults, so that they can be the best musicians possible.

Is Involved in the Community

If you're an advanced piano player, consider finding a teacher who is involved in the music community. These teachers are often part of various music organisations, teacher boards, and competitions, which can provide opportunities for networking and exposure. A good teacher will encourage you to advance your performance capabilities by participating and competing in festivals, playing in recitals, and performing whenever possible. The BCRMTA (BC Registered Music Teacher’s Association) has many current events and provides community outreach. 

Having these resources available is a great way to grow as a musician.

Personal Anecdote

I have quite a few students who have transferred to me from other teachers. Their RCM piano exam scores previously were in the low 60s and 70s. Although it took awhile to correct their bad habits and the gaps in their music knowledge, they now play at a level where they consistently get exam scores of 85 and higher. 

Some teachers can advance their students to a high level in a short period of time. This is why some 7 year olds can perform advanced repertoire with ease and grace, while another student might still be at a beginner level even after 5 years of lessons. Of course, every student learns at their own pace, but it also highly depends on the teacher’s guidance. 

This is why it’s so important to choose a good teacher right from the very beginning. Imagine saving years of time - years that could be spent advancing their piano skills even more, or even simply more time for other hobbies. 

With a focus on technique and musicality, a positive learning environment, and making lessons fun and exciting, students who switch to me often experience significant growth in their playing and achieve better results. I tailor each lesson to my student’s individual needs and make sure they’re constantly challenging themselves.

I have also personally experienced the importance of finding the right teacher. When I was younger, my first teacher wasn’t very good. As a result, it took me longer to get to a higher level when compared to my peers. I also realised that I was missing a lot of foundational knowledge. I was stuck at the same level for many years and piano became extremely boring. I wasn’t improving, my previous exam mark was very low, and I was… stuck. I was stuck to the point where I wanted to quit. However, my mom made me promise to complete this level, switch teachers, and if I still hated piano, I could quit. I agreed. 

Lo and behold - I am now a piano teacher!

So what happened?

The guidance of a different teacher, that’s what. With my new teacher, he explained music in ways I’ve never heard described before. I was fascinated by the inner intricacies of the phrases, the hidden messages in the music, and the art of gently coaxing the keys into beautifully crafted melodic lines. He opened a whole new world for me. 

The issue wasn't the songs or boredom. The issue was that my teacher didn’t have enough knowledge or experience to teach me, which was quite frustrating and hindered my progress. Therefore, it’s so important to find a teacher who can challenge your child, so that they can reach their fullest potential. You don’t have to feel like you have to stay with the same teacher! If your child seems to be bored with piano, find another teacher and see how they do with a different teaching style and guidance.