| *Piano teachers/ technique Whether you are a | | | | an instructor that can cater to that. |
| beginner or have had years of experience, piano | | | | *What's your musical experience? |
| lessons can help you sharpen your skills and improve | | | | This question is especially important when you have |
| your playing. You could open up the phonebook and | | | | chosen a private piano teacher. Education, musical and |
| make a few calls to local music schools, choosing the | | | | teaching experience, as well as personal successes |
| most convenient or cheapest option. Without some | | | | will help you decide whether or not the instructor is |
| research and effort, those bargain lessons might not | | | | qualified. Personal preferences will also play a factor in |
| be worth a penny. Instead of wasting time later, take a | | | | this question. If your dream is to play piano in a live |
| few moments to evaluate your musical goals and | | | | jazz band, find someone with comparable experiences. |
| expectations. Don't be afraid to ask potential piano | | | | They can not only teach you the notes, but also give |
| teachers some key questions. You are looking for an | | | | you valuable information about how to get your start. |
| instructor who will fit well not only with your schedule | | | | *What is the average age of your students? |
| and budget, but also with your musical aspirations. | | | | If you are shopping for lessons for your young son or |
| * What style of music can you teach? | | | | daughter, you might want to find a piano teacher who |
| This is probably the most important and not too often | | | | has experience with children. Children often learn |
| asked question. If you want to learn how to play the | | | | differently than adults. If your child is particularly |
| blues then you don't want to be stuck with Mozart. | | | | stubborn or not motivated, you might find an instructor |
| Some piano teachers require that all students learn | | | | with a more fun approach and piano techniques that |
| certain basics and classics to begin with, before | | | | aren't frustrating, and thus sparking your child's |
| moving into more specialized areas like jazz. But if you | | | | enthusiasm. |
| want to get straight into your interests, there are | | | | *Can we talk to a current student, sit in on a lesson, or |
| certainly teachers who are willing to dive straight into a | | | | have a short trial lesson? |
| specific style. Once again, it depends on your personal | | | | Don't be afraid to ask for some proof! A good |
| long-term goals. | | | | instructor will not have a problem providing you with |
| *What methods do you teach? | | | | references or examples of their skills. After all, you are |
| Classical, Russian, Suzuki-if you are a beginner, these | | | | hiring them. Talking to students or watching a few |
| names are meaningless. All are different types of | | | | minutes of a lesson can give you a better idea of |
| teaching methods. Some piano teachers will stick rigidly | | | | what to expect. If that's not an option, ask for a half |
| to one, while others may have their own or blend | | | | lesson to test the waters. |
| methods. The most important thing to ask is exactly | | | | Learning a new instrument is time consuming and a |
| what the method will entail. If you want to learn how to | | | | large commitment. Choosing the wrong piano teacher |
| play by ear, you will be using a different method than | | | | can lead to frustration and quitting. By finding someone |
| someone interested in a visual aid oriented technique. | | | | compatible with your goals, you will learn how to play |
| Decide what learning tools work best for you and find | | | | faster than you thought you could. |