Choosing a piano teacher who is a perfect fit for your needs can be tricky, especially if this is your first time hiring one. That's why I have put together four important points you might want to consider before hiring your new teacher.
Do not be afraid to ask any questions. As more you ask, so better the picture you will get. Do watch out for professionals with impatient, short, or arrogant attitudes. A true teacher does not need to big themselves up. They are confident in their ability to help you, so they will entirely focus on you, not themselves. For example, I offer a 60-minute online trial lesson at discounted price which is in every way the same as a full-priced lesson. I am happy to provide this service because this is the only way you can see for yourself just how effective my lessons are.
A true teacher does not need to big themselves up. They are confident in their ability to help you, so they will entirely focus on you, not themselves.
Ask them what support will they provide you with between the lessons. A true professional focuses on results, not revenue. They will spare no effort in helping you to succeed because your success will result in more business for them. For example, I offer unlimited support between the lessons. You can reach me any time to ask any questions. I will prepare a concise but detailed reply within 24 hours, addressing all your questions. I will also create extra audio and video tutorials when needed. I will provide you with books, scores, recordings and even blank manuscripts—all at no additional charge.
So if the potential teacher will charge you extra money for everything on top of the cost of their time, this raises many red flags.
A true professional focuses on results, not revenue. They will spare no effort in helping you.
Do ask your prospective teacher about the style of piano music they teach. There is a considerable difference between Classical and jazz/blues piano techniques. Contrary to popular belief, there are only a handful of professionals that can teach both adequately. If possible, ask them to watch a recording of their performance on YouTube. Always go with the teacher whose primary expertise and interest is in the genre of music you want to study.
Only a handful of professionals can adequately teach both classical and jazz/blues styles. Remember to ask what genre and style of music their primary expertise and interest is.
Ask them whether they will teach you to read music as part of the lessons. You will be surprised how many tutors cannot read music themselves. They will happily teach you chords and improvisation but not music grammar. On the other hand, some tutors will offer to teach you music theory at an extra fee. Depending on your goals and targets, this might be not a problem. However, if you are looking to learn piano properly and without limitations and compromises, do look for a tutor who will teach you both subjects in one lesson and at no extra fee. I teach music theory as a standard which means that my students can read music and play the instrument.
If you are looking to learn piano without limitations and compromises, look for a tutor who will teach you to read music and play the piano at no extra fee.
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