Having graduated with a Master’s Degree in music, I strongly feel that it is best (and within your budget of course) to find a teacher who has studied in a full time music instituition with piano as her/his major instrument and experience in at least 2 years of PEDAGOGY classes in the college/university. Teachers who have obtained a Degree or/and Master’s in Music are well-trained in their major instrument, History, Harmony, Analysis, Aural, Keyboard Harmony, Pedagogy, Ensemble Training, Orchestra, etc subjects related to Music. Also, they will have a vast experience of performing with other musicians and in solo recitals. With such thorough training and background, you should have a well-equipped teacher to train your child (especially with pedagogical background) and most importantly, discover and stretch their potential and cultivate their passion for music. Also with the positive attitude, outgoing and generous personality of the teacher, values learned from music lessons are extensive: patience, discipline, confidence, hand-eye co-ordination, problems solving, thinking "out-of-the-box", perseverance, general-knowledge (through history, arts, culture) and many more. When a child learns music, they discover many more things than just the score and the instrument, but also a lot more about the world and themselves if chosen the right teacher.


But having said that, even without passion for teaching and for music, any qualifications will also not suffice.


Some parents might not want to pay too much for a teacher with such qualification as the child is still young and might not be interested in learning in a few years’ time OR might not know or support the idea of the child pursuing a full time music career OR simply would just like to attain Grade 8 to get into better schools etc etc. But do bear in mind, as with many sports and disciplines, a strong and good foundation is important and crucial at an early age so its good to invest in a good teacher nonetheless.

Parents might want to ask themselves the reasons of exposing their children to learning the piano/music because that will affect the child’s musical journey in the future and with a clear goal in mind, it will also help teachers understand and plan for your child.


This is a very personal belief (and rather quick sharing) of what Ive learnt and experienced as a teacher and from my professors and their teachers. Hope it helps.