WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TEACHER
1. What is the primary reason a piano teacher has set up a studio?
2. Is the studio clean and well organized? Is the studio free of distractions? What type of instrument does the teacher have? Teacher grooming.
3. What literature does the teacher use?
4. Does the teacher respect copyright policies?
5. Does the teacher have a definite plan for the student? Are there goals and a definite process to get the student to levels of professionalism?
6. What subjects does the teacher teach?
Minimum subjects should be:
Styles of Music (Baroque/Classical, etc)
Sight reading
Ear training
Theory
Technique
Practice techniques
Performance techniques
Optional studies the teacher may or may not teach. This depends upon the teacher's expertise:
Optional studies the teacher may or may not teach. This depends upon the teacher's expertise:
Music history
Composition
Arranging
Orchestration
Engraving
CD production/Mixing
7. Does the teacher publish clear outlines about the course offered and policies to preclude any misunderstandings?
8. Does the teacher have a high turnover, or students waiting to get in?
9. What is the teacher's track record. How are the students progressing? If they audition for piano performance majors in universities, colleges, and conservatories, what is the outcome?
10. What is the teacher's background? Who has the teacher studied with? How many years experience in teaching?
11. What are the fees? Do the fees seem equal with the expertise offered?
12. How does the teacher relate to the student during the first interview? Does the teacher talk to both the parents and children, or only to the parents?
13. Does the teacher have answers to questions? Does the teacher seem confident?
14. How many times does the teacher want the student to come to lessons, and how long is each lesson?
15. Does the teacher frequently cancel lessons?
16. Are parents allowed to sit in on lessons?
7. Does the teacher publish clear outlines about the course offered and policies to preclude any misunderstandings?
8. Does the teacher have a high turnover, or students waiting to get in?
9. What is the teacher's track record. How are the students progressing? If they audition for piano performance majors in universities, colleges, and conservatories, what is the outcome?
10. What is the teacher's background? Who has the teacher studied with? How many years experience in teaching?
11. What are the fees? Do the fees seem equal with the expertise offered?
12. How does the teacher relate to the student during the first interview? Does the teacher talk to both the parents and children, or only to the parents?
13. Does the teacher have answers to questions? Does the teacher seem confident?
14. How many times does the teacher want the student to come to lessons, and how long is each lesson?
15. Does the teacher frequently cancel lessons?
16. Are parents allowed to sit in on lessons?
17. How does the student feel with the teacher? Does the student look forward going to lessons?
18. What type of activities does the teacher offer? Are there opportunities for recitals and workshops?
19. Does the teacher keep students informed of musical events in the city?
20. Is the teacher open to discussing any concerns you may have?
18. What type of activities does the teacher offer? Are there opportunities for recitals and workshops?
19. Does the teacher keep students informed of musical events in the city?
20. Is the teacher open to discussing any concerns you may have?
21. Is the teacher ethical? Does the teacher interview you only after assurance that you are no longer studying with another teacher, or knows you have given notice to your present teacher?
Please refer to the Student Placement Program if you are interested in finding a good teacher. This service is free and found under the services menu.