Finding a good piano teacher

[Doug Nelson]

I have instruction books and software, but I think I really need an in-person teacher. How would you go about finding a good piano teacher in your local area? All I can think of is the yellow pages or the internet, but that's so random. Plus most of them mainly teach children, and I want someone who has experience teaching adults.

[Equilibrium]

recommendations are the best. Then it's adverts and stuff yeah. Best way is try them out and if them seem to be good and know what they are talking about stick with them...

[Big Karma]

you could try speaking to the music teacher at the local school who will be in the know or you could try local music shops in your area - they generally have a notice board or at least know who to contact.

[headquest]

It depends on where you live (right behind you?! - but I'm deep within!!)

If you are in the UK you can check out the Private Teachers Register run by ISM (incorporated society of musicians). Also phone your local LEA Music Service for advice if you are in UK.

Ask any potential teacher about their qualifications and experience. And ask if you can have a trial lesson before committing yourself.

[fitch]

i'd say most teachers will give you a free lesson to start off.. just to see if you and they are going to be able to work with each other..

it can be a pain in the arse teaching people that don't practise


go find a local music school... they might be saturday morning only .. or late afternoon.. and ask if one of them teaches privately..

if they can't help.. they'll know of someone who can.. that's the way it works.. get the name of the person that recommended them..

it'll make it easier for you


you can sort it between you then..

[Doug Nelson]

Sounds like yet another reason I wish I lived in the UK. But I'm stuck in the midwestern USA, where pianos mean hymns and dancing means everyone stands in a line.

Thanks for all the input. The only music store I know of is a Guitar Center. Would they have one of those notice boards?

[kara]

Some advice from me here and I am a piano teacher.

It all depends on the skills you allready have. How good do you play the piano ?
If you want to learn the basic skills, the best is to go to school.
If you have the basic skills, the best is to take a private teacher wich will concentrate on the style of music you like and who will addapt to your skills.
Here in France, a lot of professional player give private lessons.

My 2 cents,

Rony

[Kim Lajoie]

I suppose it's kinda like choosing a dentist. Imagine if you had to try out all the dentists before you knew which one was best for you?

Forever,




Kim.

[Doug Nelson]

Funny you mention dentists. I picked out one and sent my brother first

As for my skill level, I know music but not from playing piano (from hs band 30 years ago). So school or teacher? And by school, would that include class piano taught evenings at the local community college?

As a general idea of my level, my latest mp3 post over in the cafe was titled "I'm finally using the black keys".

[bluedad]

And by school, would that include class piano taught evenings at the local community college?

If there is a university nearby with a music degree program, they may be set up for private lessons.
If there is a store that sells pianos, certainly they will know of some teachers.

[wrench45us]

almost any college with a music department will know of piano teachers

most every musician I know that graduated with a degree in music is giving lessons to make ends meet

another good thing about a college with a music department is they often have these practice rooms that are empty most of the time and many of them have (that's right) pianos

there also these things called performing arts centers and community based education and ooh that Midwest is full of surprisingly progressive (but often hidden) features