28 October 2023 Choosing the Right Piano Teacher: What to Look For

Choosing the Right Piano Teacher: What to Look For

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The fastest way to learn something is with a teacher. Finding the right teacher isn’t always an easy process. 

That’s true for any subject, including music. Choosing the right piano teacher means finding one who resonates with your personality and keeps your music goals in place. 

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, finding the right piano teacher is crucial to your success. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. Where do you begin to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling learning experience?

Qualifications and Experience

First, check the qualifications and experience of your potential piano teacher. A good teacher should have a solid educational background in music, ideally with a degree in music education or performance. Look for teachers who have years of experience teaching students at your skill level. An experienced teacher will have encountered various learning styles and can adapt their teaching methods to suit your needs.

Teaching Philosophy

Every piano teacher has their own teaching philosophy and approach. Finding a teacher whose philosophy aligns with your goals and learning style is essential. Some teachers emphasize classical training, while others may focus on contemporary or jazz styles. Discuss your musical interests and goals with prospective teachers to see if they fit you.

Patience and Communication Skills

Learning to play the piano can be challenging, especially for beginners. A patient and understanding teacher can make a world of difference in your learning experience. A great teacher should be able to break down complex concepts into understandable terms and provide constructive feedback to help you improve.

Availability and Scheduling

Consider the teacher’s availability and scheduling options. Are they flexible with lesson times? Do they offer both in-person and online lessons? Choose a teacher whose schedule aligns with yours to ensure consistency in your piano lessons.

Student Reviews and Recommendations

Don’t hesitate to ask for references or read online reviews from current or former students. Hearing about others’ experiences can provide valuable insights into a teacher’s teaching style, personality, and effectiveness. Positive reviews and recommendations can strongly indicate a teacher’s quality.

Musical Versatility

While specialization is valuable, a well-rounded piano teacher who can introduce you to various musical styles and genres can be beneficial. Learning different styles can broaden your musical horizons and make you a more versatile pianist.

Performance Opportunities

If you’re interested in performing, inquire about the teacher’s involvement in recitals or opportunities for students to showcase their skills. Performance experiences can boost your confidence and motivation, so it’s essential to have a teacher who encourages and supports such endeavors.

Location and Accessibility

If you prefer in-person lessons, consider the teacher’s location. Is it convenient for you to travel to their studio? Make sure the location is accessible and safe, especially if you’ll be attending lessons regularly.

Cost and Policies

Discuss the cost of lessons and the teacher’s payment policies upfront. Some teachers offer a trial lesson or package deals, while others have a strict payment schedule. Clarify any cancellation policies as well to avoid misunderstandings later.

Personal Connection

Last but not least, trust your instincts. A personal connection with your piano teacher can enhance your learning experience. It’s important to feel comfortable and motivated during your lessons. It might be worth exploring other options if you have reservations or feel uneasy about a particular teacher.

Want to be a better piano player? Lessons are a good approach. But don’t rush the process of finding the right teacher to suit your needs. 

Take your time to research and meet with potential teachers to ensure they meet your criteria. Remember that a great piano teacher can inspire you, motivate you, and help you reach your musical goals. Don’t rush the decision. 

Take the time to find the perfect match, and your piano playing will flourish under the guidance of the right teacher. 

How can we help you in your music journey? 

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24 July 2023 Enhancing Music Education with the Best School Piano

Enhancing Music Education with the Best School Piano

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Music is a universal language that has the power to transcend barriers and connect people from all walks of life. It has the ability to evoke emotions, stimulate creativity, and promote cognitive development. Music education plays a vital role in fostering these qualities and nurturing the talents of young musicians. No wonder so many schools place the piano front and center.

But to do all that, you’ll need access to a piano. How do you know if you’ve selected the best school piano? 

A high-quality piano enhances the learning experience and serves as a foundation for musical growth and exploration. Not just any piano will do.

The best school piano provides students with a rich and authentic musical experience. The sound and touch of a well-crafted instrument create a sense of connection and engagement that lower-quality alternatives cannot replicate. It will produce a wide range of tones and dynamics, allowing students to explore different musical styles and express their creativity. 

It also helps develop a keen sense of pitch and tone quality, as students can hear and feel the nuances of each note they play. By immersing themselves in the sounds of a superior instrument, students develop a deep appreciation for the beauty and intricacies of music.

A well-maintained school piano offers numerous technical benefits. Its responsive action and consistent touch enable students to develop proper finger technique, dexterity, and control. They can learn to produce a wide variety of articulations and dynamics, honing their expressive abilities. 

When tuned properly, its stability ensures students develop a good ear for pitch, developing a sensitive musicality. These technical skills lay a strong foundation for future musical endeavors and potential professional careers in music.

The best school piano also provides students with a reliable and durable instrument. As a communal resource in educational settings, the piano needs to withstand frequent and intense use. 

A high-quality instrument is built to endure such demands and maintain its performance and longevity. It requires less maintenance and repairs, reducing downtime and ensuring students have uninterrupted access to a reliable practice and performance tool. This reliability fosters consistency in practice and performance, enabling students to progress steadily in their musical journey.

When students see and play on a well-crafted instrument, it inspires them to strive for excellence. A grand piano, for instance, becomes a centerpiece of the music room, symbolizing the importance and value of music education. It creates a sense of occasion and reverence, elevating the musical experience for both students and teachers. 

Can your piano do all of that?

If not, maybe it’s time to invest in one that can. Investing in the best school piano is an investment in the future of music education and the musical talents of countless students.

We can help.

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28 March 2023 How to Choose the Right Piano Teacher for Your Learning Style

How to Choose the Right Piano Teacher for Your Learning Style

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Learning to play the piano can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. However, choosing the right piano teacher is crucial to ensuring you make progress and enjoy the process of learning. With so many piano teachers available, it can be challenging to find one that is right for you. What should you look for?

Determine your learning style

Before you start looking for a piano teacher, spend some time determining your learning style. There are three main learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Visual learners learn best through visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and videos. Auditory learners learn best through listening and speaking. Kinesthetic learners learn best through hands-on activities and physical experiences. Knowing your learning style will help you find a piano teacher who can teach in a way that suits your learning style.

Check the qualifications of the piano teacher

Once you have determined your learning style, start checking the qualifications of potential piano teachers. A qualified piano teacher may have a degree in music or piano performance, but don’t discount hands-on experience. Passion is the key to connecting and learning from a great teacher. When you have a few under consideration, ask for references from past students who have successfully learned to play the piano under their guidance.

Look for a teacher who is passionate about teaching

A passionate teacher is more likely to inspire and motivate you to learn. They will take the time to understand your learning style and develop a customized approach to teaching you. They will also provide feedback, guidance, and support to help you achieve your goals.

Find a teacher who can tailor their teaching style to your needs

Every student has unique needs and preferences when it comes to learning the piano. A good piano teacher should be able to tailor their teaching style to your needs. They should be willing to work with you to develop a lesson plan that suits your learning style and goals.

Consider the teacher’s teaching style

Some teachers prefer a traditional approach, while others may incorporate modern techniques using technology and online resources. Which do you prefer? What can you see yourself sticking with as you practice? If you choose to stay away from digital, virtual learning might not be suitable for you. However, being open can show you new approaches that will take your understanding to a new level. It’s okay to change instructors from time to time to match your unique goals and desires. 

Look for a teacher who encourages creativity

Playing the piano is an artistic endeavor, and a good teacher should encourage creativity. They should be open to new ideas and approaches and encourage you to explore different genres of music. They should provide opportunities for you to express your creativity, such as improvisation and composing.

Evaluate the teacher’s communication skills

Effective communication is essential for a successful teacher-student relationship. A good piano teacher should be able to communicate clearly and effectively, explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand. They should also be able to provide constructive feedback and encouragement.

It’s time to choose …

Are you motivated to find a new piano teacher? They can be crucial to achieving your piano playing goals. 

Use these tips to help find a passionate teacher who will make learning the piano an enjoyable experience.

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18 January 2023 The Benefits of Taking Piano Lessons for Children

The Benefits of Taking Piano Lessons for Children

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Piano lessons can provide numerous benefits for children, both in terms of their intellectual and artistic development. Learning piano should move to the top of your list if you’re looking for a fun activity with lifetime rewards. It provides many benefits, including:  

Improved cognitive development: Learning to play the piano requires a great deal of focus and concentration, which can help children develop their cognitive abilities. In particular, piano lessons can improve children’s problem-solving skills, memory, and hand-eye coordination.

Greater creativity: Playing the piano allows children to express themselves creatively and explore their own musical ideas. Children develop a greater appreciation for the creative process and gain confidence in their artistic abilities as they learn to play different pieces and compose their music.

Increased self-discipline: Piano lessons can be challenging and require a great deal of practice. Through piano lessons, children learn the importance of discipline and setting goals for themselves, which can benefit them in all areas of their lives.

Enhanced math skills: Playing the piano involves understanding and working with fractions, intervals, and other mathematical concepts. By studying piano, children can improve their math skills, which can benefit them in the future.

Improved language skills: Music is a language in itself, as piano students learn musical notation to communicate musical ideas and express emotions. Also, children may improve their language skills because of the connection between music and language.

Boosted social skills: Playing piano with others, whether in a group lesson or a recital, helps children to learn how to work and communicate with others. This can be beneficial in developing social skills.

Increased self-esteem: As children learn to play the piano, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. This can lead to increased self-esteem. Through consistent practice and progress, children will learn that they can achieve great things with hard work and dedication.

Need even more? Piano lessons provide many other benefits to children, including increased patience and perseverance, better study habits, and increased cultural knowledge.

Taking piano lessons can be an excellent investment for children’s overall development. If it’s on your to-do list for this year, find a skilled and experienced piano teacher who can guide your child through the learning process, and make it fun and enjoyable.

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21 October 2022 What To Expect When Learning Piano as an Adult

What To Expect When Learning Piano as an Adult

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If you have any music in your background, you know that learning to play an instrument can make you appreciate music on a higher level. You can feel the notes as you listen to a song. You can tap out the rhythm with your fingers. You can pick out the melody and harmony, creating a deeper understanding of what the composer desired from the song. 

As an adult, you may remember your days in the high school band, or recall the years of piano lessons your parents gave you, before you let it go in pursuit of a career. 

Now, you want to bring back your love of music once again. Learning piano as an adult is possible. In fact, for many adults, it’s easier than when they were a child. 

Yet it’s important to remember that learning the piano as an adult will have its challenges. You won’t be able to play your favorite music at the start. To get really good at playing, it’s important to start with the basics. To get a thorough grasp of reading, playing, and understanding theory. 

What can you expect?

The first six months are all about music theory. It’s about learning notes, getting a feel for the keyboard, and correcting your posture and hand position. You’ll start playing scales and learning music theory. You’ll begin to play basic songs. This is setting the stage for good playability in the future. 

At the end of your first year, you’ll have worked up a variety of songs you can play well and enjoy playing. You’ll be comfortable with hand placement on the keyboard, knowing which notes to play and what keys to touch. You’ll be able to pick up simple songs and work them out easily. Playability comes with practice. The more practice you put into the music, the better you’ll be. 

The second year moves into intermediate music. It’s when most instructors start introducing classical songs, and giving you a chance to perform if you desire. You should be able to play your favorite songs well, and understand how chords come together. Reading sheet music should be easy, and hand-eye coordination skills should allow you to play what you desire. 

The third year is when you’re a seasoned piano player. You’re working on music theory, and grasping the concept of playing well by ear. You may dabble in composing your own music. You may start experimenting with playing with others. If you had a goal of playing your favorite songs, it should come easily by year three. 

Where you go and how you pursue your dreams from this point forward is entirely up to you. The more you practice, the better you’ll be. Many piano players at this point pursue working with different teachers who can provide additional skills. You may wish to pursue learning more music theory, or form a band. 

After several years of playing, you’ll be able to hear music in new and exciting ways. You’ll hear it in your favorite bands, and you may expand into new genres for an even deeper understanding of what music can do. 

But it all starts with a desire. Learning to play the piano as an adult is possible. Is it for you?

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10 July 2022 Are Your Child’s Piano Lessons Successful?

Are Your Child’s Piano Lessons Successful?

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Investing in your child’s education is an all-consuming process. You work diligently to ensure you choose the right teachers, the right activities, and do what you can to keep them happy and engaged. 

Music is one of the best core activities you can give them, which is why so many parents bring a piano into their homes the first few years of a child’s life. Unlike sports, music stays with a person for life. They can play at 5 and continue to play until they’re 105. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.  

Still, it’s difficult to track how well your child is doing. You’ve hired private piano lessons, but are they working for your child? What does it take to make piano lessons successful? 

Every child is different. Piano teachers have their own approach to learning. Before you sign up with a private teacher, it’s a good idea to understand their approach for the first year before you bring your child to their first lesson. This gives you an idea of how to help your child strive for a goal. 

The first month – this is all about the basics. Teachers will help students understand placement of both the right and left hand on the keyboard. They’ll start to play simplistic songs that use just five fingers on each hand. No stretching to multiple octaves yet. It’s all about coordination. 

Three months – as a student discovers finger placement, they’ll start putting note names to the music. They’ll find bass clef and treble clef, and be able to identify notes quickly. They’ll also pick up rhythm, learning the difference between whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, etc. 

Six months – by now they’ll have a practice routine in place. Students will understand scales and be able to play them with ease for warmups. They’ll be familiar with basic composition, knowing how sharps and flats work. They’ll be able to take their learning and apply it to new music. They should be able to play simplistic versions of their favorite songs.  

One year – comfort continues to build with creating music. They should be able to easily identify notes and increase comfort levels of playing scales. They’ll move into chords and be able to add sophistication to their music. Depending on their age and ability, they may pick up chords easily. This is a time to grow and stretch with what they’re learning. 

Do you see your child anywhere on this list? Open communication is a must with your child’s piano teacher. Ask how you can help your child continue to love playing the piano. 

Piano lessons are an ebb and flow throughout their lives. The important thing is to continue to love the process. That may include playing in a group, joining a band, or simply using it for relaxation and enjoyment. 

Are your child’s piano lessons successful? What’s your secret?

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21 June 2022 When You Find a Good Teacher For Learning To Play The Piano

When You Find a Good Teacher For Learning To Play The Piano

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Want your child to fall in love with playing the piano? It starts by finding a good teacher who shows them the path of wanting to play. 

When you decide to give your child the gift of music, you buy a piano, find a piano teacher, and hope they play and appreciate playing. 

As parents, we often think about the gifts a piano teacher gives our kids. But have you ever stopped to think about what gifts your child is giving a teacher? There is a difference between an average and great piano teacher. Spending your time searching for a great one can be worth their weight in gold. 

As you start lessons for the very first time, a piano teacher begins with the basics. They have a specific formula for getting a child excited about playing. 

  • Learn the keys
  • Start reading music
  • hand/eye coordination skills
  • Create a recognizable song

Yet it goes beyond all of that. 

An average piano teacher may follow the formula, selecting a teaching path and sticking with the guidelines. Your child will learn skills in one level of training before moving to the next. 

And your child may learn. They may even develop a love of playing the piano. 

But a great piano teacher pushes a bit harder. They ask different questions. They respond with different activities. 

A great teacher may recognize when a child starts to struggle. Maybe they’ve plateaued, are becoming bored with the process, or simply have other things on their minds. 

That’s when a great piano teacher goes to work. 

They look for other ways to reach out and inspire a child to continue to process. 

They may select different music, connect them with other players. Encourage them to join a band, or maybe sign up for a competition. 

They will read the child’s interests, and help them move to the next level. 

So think about that when you drop your kid off for their next lesson. 

Have you selected an average teacher? Or are you moving them to work with a great instructor? 

What can you do to motivate your child to be all they can be as a piano player?

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28 May 2022 3 Ways To Tell If Your Child Is Ready For Piano Lessons

3 Ways To Tell If Your Child Is Ready For Piano Lessons

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Beethoven studied music from an early age, and wrote his first composition at 12 years old. 

While your child might not be the next Beethoven, giving them the gift of music early can help them succeed in life. Playing the piano has been proven to:

  • Improve language skills
  • Improve memory
  • Encourage creativity
  • Improve time management and organization skills
  • Improve math skills
  • Improve reading comprehension
  • Strengthens hand and eye coordination
  • Boosts self-esteem

Start too early, and your child might not be ready for the task of playing the piano. Push too hard, and they might fight you every step of the way. 

Your child may be ready for piano lessons if:

Have a sense of maturity

Kids mature at different rates. When your child has control over their motor skills, and can pay attention to one specific activity for 30 minutes, they may be ready for piano lessons. Assess how they would act with one-on-one coaching for a half-hour, follow instructions, and enjoy the process. 

They are motivated to play

We often recommend introducing the piano to the home before you start lessons. Let them play without pressure. Introduce them to piano apps to play games. Take them to concerts and show them how the piano adds to music. If they’re excited about the process, they are more likely to stick with it. 

Literacy skills are advancing

When a child loves to read and explore words and language, they are ready to explore the language of music. Music theory requires the ability to read and write. If they are familiar with words creating stories and ideas, they’ll be more open to exploring music notation and its relation to a song. 

Is your child ready for piano lessons? 

Let us help you find the perfect piano to suit your needs. 

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4 May 2022 Can You Really Learn From Online Piano Lessons?

Can You Really Learn From Online Piano Lessons?

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It seems as if everything we do has moved online. You can use virtual for just about everything you do. Schedule a visit with your doctor? Have a meeting with your staff? Online works for just about everything. 

Including online piano lessons. 

Are online piano lessons right for you or your child? There are a few things to consider before you sign up. 

Student motivation

Only you can know how you or your child learns best. Are they the type that listens well to instruction? Do they need physical attention to keep their mind on their work? Can they self-regulate their actions with only a few verbal queues? If so, online piano lessons may be the perfect choice for learning. 

More individualized attention

Finding an instructor with your desired goals and objectives in mind isn’t always easy. But if you can search online for your learning style, you can find a specific instructor that helps you play at the level you choose. Whether you want to be the next rock star, or prefer classical instruction, you’ll find an instructor perfectly matched with your desires. 

Engagement 

While in-person instructors rely on physical interaction between student and instructor, a good online piano lesson can include a variety of modalities for learning. From videos, to apps, to group performances, with the world as your learning environment, teachers can get creative with what they include in their lessons. 

Growth

What makes online piano lessons so powerful is that they allow students access to whatever they desire. Get specific about what you want to achieve with your piano lessons. How well do you want to play? What do you choose to do? 

Then go out and find it. With a little search, you can find any kind of lessons to motivate you. 

We are turning into a digital world. While face-to-face has its positives, combining it with online piano lessons will allow you to boost your skills and become the type of piano player you truly want to be. 

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14 February 2022 Are Piano Lessons Really Worth It?

Are Piano Lessons Really Worth It?

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Many of us are rethinking where we spend our time. We’re getting back to simpler times, where we spend more time at home doing things we love. 

Does that include making music? Are you contemplating bringing a piano into your home? Are piano lessons really worth the time and effort? 

Hobbies are what give us inspiration for a life well lived. From cooking to sports to making music, it can be a stress reliever as well as keep us motivated. 

Yes, you can learn piano on your own. But should you? Are piano lessons really worth it? This guide will help you evaluate your options and determine if lessons are the right avenue for you. 

Learning has changed over the years

As adults, many of us were introduced to music at a young age. Your parents may have placed you in piano lessons in grade school, or introduced you to music through your local school band. 

Do you remember playing and practicing prior to the internet? Chances are you visited a home in the neighborhood where someone provided lessons one day a week. You learned based on how well that person played. You didn’t have opportunities to “shop around” for the best instructor. Unless you thoroughly loved making music, and pursued it in school, your hopes and dreams grew or died based on how well that person performed their instruction. 

That’s no longer the case. Thanks to the internet, you have the opportunity to learn in any style that works for you. Want one-on-one instruction? Prefer video challenges? Want group format? Prefer to make a game of it? All of that is possible … and more. 

We also have YouTube. If something challenges you, with a little research, you can find videos that will describe how to overcome your questions in a matter of minutes. You can quite literally improve your playing by learning from the best of the best, all over the world. 

Piano lessons today are all about refinement. They’re about getting you the instruction you need, when you want it, in the format that works best for you. 

Today’s lessons include

Are piano lessons worth it? They are if you want to improvise. Luckily, you can find different lesson types in whatever manner works best for you. 

  • Individual instruction
  • Group format
  • Video lessons
  • In person classes

You can find instruction for free on sites like YouTube. Or you can receive master coaching from some of the best piano players in the world. 

Your first step is deciding now is the time to take up the piano, and make piano playing a bigger part of your life. 

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