A Guide For Interviewing Private Piano Teachers

When Let's Play Music students graduate and look for a new private piano teacher, it can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? What questions do you ask? Let's Play Music graduates have foundational skills that set them apart from entry-level students, so having a piano teacher who understands how to propel your child forward will ensure their future musical success. 

If you are on the hunt for a fabulous new private piano teacher, you can start by searching through the list of our wonderfully trained Connections teachers and then use the following guide to find the best match for your child and you. 

Keep in mind that while on paper a teacher's credentials may seem impressive, their personality, teaching style and/or expectations could conflict with your child's learning style. Putting yourself in the mindset that this is a "job interview" will help you decide who is compatible and best qualified to be "hired" for your child's musical journey.

A good place to start is to make a list of priorities and expectations. Is your budget the primary factor, or is it location or experience? Once you decide what is most important to you then start with the basics:

*What is your professional and educational experience in music?

*What is your teaching experience?

*How do you participate in ongoing professional development?

*Are you nationally certified by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)?

*Do you have a written studio policy? Will you review it with me?

*Do you regularly evaluate student progress?

*What instructional materials do you use? Are you willing to complete the Connections     
          Training and/or use the Connections materials?

*Do you encourage any composing/writing as well as transposition?

*What is your background in theory and how do you incorporate it into lessons?

*What other elements are part of your teaching curriculum?

*Do you offer group lessons?

*Do you use technology in your studio such as tablet apps, computers, music instruction 
          software, digital keyboards? 

*What additional musicianship skills, e.g., singing and solfeg, do you use in your teaching?

*Do you require students to perform in studio recitals during the year?

*Do you offer other performance opportunities for your students such as festivals and 

          competitions?

*How much practice time do you require each day?

*Do you expect/allow parents to attend lessons?

*What do you expect of your students? Their parents?

*Do you offer a sample lesson in order to observe your teaching style?

By asking these questions, you will get a good feel for the personality and style of the teacher that will best match your child's personality and learning style. 

Do you have other thoughts or questions you would add? Leave a comment and let us know!