All About Choosing Piano Schools And Teachers

[kellytang]

rains:

hi enen,


I'm not sure if your kid is taking any graded lessons, but from what I know, decent private tutors charge about $180 for Grade 1. I've been through a few private tutors, and I can't say it's all pleasant. But the basic principle of 'paying peanuts and getting monkeys' still apply, generally.

There are also one to one lessons at music school.

Hi normal rate is only $140 for grade 1 or $100 at teacher's place zzz

[violet04]

rains:

hi enen,


I'm not sure if your kid is taking any graded lessons, but from what I know, decent private tutors charge about $180 for Grade 1. I've been through a few private tutors, and I can't say it's all pleasant. But the basic principle of 'paying peanuts and getting monkeys' still apply, generally.

There are also one to one lessons at music school.

Hi Enen,

I'm a part-time piano teacher who stay @Hougang. For Beginner $70, Grade 1 $80 & Grade 2 $100...The lesson fee is for 4 session, 45 min per session (30 min for Practical & 15 min for Theory). I also will assist you for ABRSM Practical & Theory Registraion. Let me know if u r interested.

Regards,
Violet Ang (h/p:813-813-77)

[casamia]

luckystar:

There is a great teacher of my two kids, I would like to share . Feel free to pm me if you need her number. She lived in Changi Green Condo.

Luckystar, I sent you a pm. Pls share with me the contact. thank you.

[titank]

Hi All,


Anyone heard of Yibo Music Studio? The rates of 1-1 piano lesson is $35 for 30 minutes & $60 for 60 minutes.

http://piano.goldweb.com.sg

[en107rn.01056yahoo.01056com.01056sg]

Can someone advise me please.


Often I’ve heard fellow parents mentioning finding a good piano teacher. Would you be able to share what your thoughts are in defining a "good piano teacher".

What are the things that I need to look out for?

[sleepy]

EN:

Can someone advise me please.


Often I've heard fellow parents mentioning finding a good piano teacher. Would you be able to share what your thoughts are in defining a \"good piano teacher\".

What are the things that I need to look out for?

For me, these are the things I look out for

1. at least a diploma
2. patient & not so stern
3. proven track record in teaching higher grades students
4. good attitude eg. turning up for lesson on time, don't keep postpone the class
5. motivate the child


My dd's current teacher meets all criteria except the last. She believes in 'over preparing' her students for exam. Even though they are ready for exam, she prefers to continue to drill & drill until they are so bored playing the same exam pieces & refused to practice instead. Timing is very important. Should go for exam at their peak

[en107rn.01056yahoo.01056com.01056sg]

[quote]1. at least a diploma

2. patient & not so stern
3. proven track record in teaching higher grades students
4. good attitude eg. turning up for lesson on time, don't keep postpone the class
5. motivate the child [/quote]Hello sleepy, thanks for replying.

1. So do you mean to actually ask to see the teacher's certificate? Do you see the standard of pass too?
2. good point
3. How to check?
4. mine in Yamaha but now individual class
5. yes, this is important.

I understand the part of over preparing. Same like mine, bored playing the same pieces. He stop for a while & practice the song again for exam two days before sitting for it. The thrill of adrenaline rush when stress.

His is the same teacher as his group class. I have brief the teacher of ds temperament & things to look out for. So besides those you wrote, if she can't understand his nature, it will be difficult to continue.



Other parents any more things to add??

[jce]

I don’t believe in ONLY playing the set exam pieces all the time esp in the early grades and if given there’s a year’s gap btw the exams. One should be exposed to more pieces than that, and to all the exercises that will strengthen their fingers and build up a good foundation. I can understand some students who are slower in their learning process, which of course means needing more time in preparation, but even then I’m sure one can squeeze in 1 simple piece apart from the exam ones?


There are many ways of motivating a child - give challenges. Play the music from the end to the beginning ie playing backwards. Try playing in a different key. Try playing standing up, lying down. And many more. These are fun but not easy (or as easy as it seems). They make the students think more than to do things routinely.

[en107rn.01056yahoo.01056com.01056sg]

[quote]I don't believe in ONLY playing the set exam pieces all the time esp in the early grades and if given there's a year's gap btw the exams. One should be exposed to more pieces than that, and to all the exercises that will strengthen their fingers and build up a good foundation. I can understand some students who are slower in their learning process, which of course means needing more time in preparation, but even then I'm sure one can squeeze in 1 simple piece apart from the exam ones?
[/quote]Ds is scheduled to sit for ABRSM grade 1 this September. I have not signed him up for the exam yet but I think September is too long to wait. For a student who learn extremely fast, would you be able to gauge the time needed for preparation? The teacher is teaching the exam pieces & another set of book at the same time.

[jce]

You can request for an early exam date (June is the earliest in S’pore). Learning fast is one thing, must also make sure details are inside (sorry, not meaning to say that your ds is not doing this, but just a reminder). I’ve seen many who can play all the notes, learn fast, play fast but no details whatsoever.


I normally gauge the time needed based on how fast or slow the kids learn during lesson. That way I know roughly how long they will take to learn the pieces and scales necessary and what else I can add on.