All About Choosing Piano Schools And Teachers
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jedamum:
I don't think it's the same as playing computer games lar. The difference is when we play games, the games will provide us the feedback immediately if we are doing things correct. If we are wrong, it will be game over. But practice piano is different, we have to know what is the correct solution, and make sure we listen carefully and analyse our playing to ensure we are on the right track. That is why we make the distinction between playing piano and practicing piano.Is sitting in front of Piano practising consider as training for sitting still ? Lol. Fingers tingling on the keys, mind engaged, input giving immediate output in the form of tunes, I consider it to be similar to computer gaming. Kids that can sit in front of computer to play games you don't consider as being able to do so for other work too, right ?
One issue I consider challenging is the degree of acceptability with regards to how well the practices went. There are no issues during practices when he is learning notes of the piece. The challenge comes when he master the notes and is fluent, but the dynamics is incorrect. The need to convince him to work on the dynamics as per the score requirements, I have to rely on his teacher to inspire him. -
iRabbit:
Shh, tell you all a secret, I often practice while watching Netflix on my Ipad to counter the boredom. :evil:Agree on the patience part, dreamaurora. I've always assumed that my son's ability to sit still at his desk for a little while (when in the right mood, of course), either doing homework or reading a book was an indirect consequence of training him to sit still in front of the piano, on a daily basis from a young age.
It must have taken great resolve for a kindy kid to remain seated while figuring out which note is for which key.
Not easy also for older learners, in fact adult beginners often quit lessons faster than children from my experience. -
jedamum:
Good question; caused me to ponder for a while.Is sitting in front of Piano practising consider as training for sitting still ? Lol. Fingers tingling on the keys, mind engaged, input giving immediate output in the form of tunes, I consider it to be similar to computer gaming. Kids that can sit in front of computer to play games you don't consider as being able to do so for other work too, right ?
I feel that the difference between playing the piano and computer games is as clear as day and night. There are a few distinctions I can think of - different levels of interactions (active vs passive), gratification (instant vs delayed), stimulations (visual vs mental). There should be more but these are the few I can think of off-hand.
To me the biggest contrast is that for playing computer games, the rewards are designed to flow automatically without much effort from the participants (that's why it's so addictive) wherelse for playing the piano, the rewards (of playing a song well) only comes after much effort and mental focus.
For most kids, studying is not fun. It requires patience, mental focus, perseverance and discipline. It's uncomfortable (at least for my son, it is) and doesn't come naturally. These are the exact same traits required for mastering any musical instrument, not just piano. -
Hi everyone
My children’s piano teacher is leaving on a year-long mission trip with her church and so we are now searching for a new teacher. 11yo dd has just done Grade 7, 9 yo dd did grade 5. DS is 6 but not done any grades although I think he is playing about grade 1-2. We live in the Telok Blangah area.
I hope to find an effective teacher for them because according to my neighbour, my children practice a lot more than hers but they achieve the same results. I know my eldest loves playing and she sometimes even practices 2-3 hours a day. She did get a distinction for her grade 7 but according to neighbour, her son only practices like only 45 min a day and scored distinction for his Grade 8 too. I don’t know if my neighbour is hinting that my children are making too much noise on the piano and disturbing them or is it really true that the teacher was not so good and therefore my children have to practise more?
Anyways, the neighbour has recommended me to her son’s teacher. The teacher is much more expensive than our current one and we would have to travel much further. The fees are $100 per lesson. With 3 kids learning, I would have to fork out $300 a week. Is it worth it? Or is this the expected price to pay for a well-qualified and good teacher? The current teacher only has got grade 8 and so her fees are very affordable. My hubby says if we have to pay so much, then I should explore more options and get more recommendations before I commit to a teacher.
Hope to hear your advice and recommendations. -
highwaygrace:
$100 per lesson is a lot. However, good teacher does cost that much. Perhaps you might want to consider a trial? Can it also be that the fees increasing per grade so your kids if they are in different grade might not be all $100/ week?Hi everyone
My children’s piano teacher is leaving on a year-long mission trip with her church and so we are now searching for a new teacher. 11yo dd has just done Grade 7, 9 yo dd did grade 5. DS is 6 but not done any grades although I think he is playing about grade 1-2. We live in the Telok Blangah area.
I hope to find an effective teacher for them because according to my neighbour, my children practice a lot more than hers but they achieve the same results. I know my eldest loves playing and she sometimes even practices 2-3 hours a day. She did get a distinction for her grade 7 but according to neighbour, her son only practices like only 45 min a day and scored distinction for his Grade 8 too. I don’t know if my neighbour is hinting that my children are making too much noise on the piano and disturbing them or is it really true that the teacher was not so good and therefore my children have to practise more?
Anyways, the neighbour has recommended me to her son’s teacher. The teacher is much more expensive than our current one and we would have to travel much further. The fees are $100 per lesson. With 3 kids learning, I would have to fork out $300 a week. Is it worth it? Or is this the expected price to pay for a well-qualified and good teacher? The current teacher only has got grade 8 and so her fees are very affordable. My hubby says if we have to pay so much, then I should explore more options and get more recommendations before I commit to a teacher.
Hope to hear your advice and recommendations.
As far as practice time, I believe it depends on the kids. Some kids practice faster, some slower. Your daughter sounds like one who enjoy playing, so I wouldn't stop her for doing something she enjoys for 2-3 hours! Unless of course if it is disturbing the neighbour
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momoftwo:
Some of the most established teachers only charge flat rate for all levels. $100 per lesson is not uncommon for a brand name teacher.
$100 per lesson is a lot. However, good teacher does cost that much. Perhaps you might want to consider a trial? Can it also be that the fees increasing per grade so your kids if they are in different grade might not be all $100/ week?highwaygrace:
Hi everyone
My children’s piano teacher is leaving on a year-long mission trip with her church and so we are now searching for a new teacher. 11yo dd has just done Grade 7, 9 yo dd did grade 5. DS is 6 but not done any grades although I think he is playing about grade 1-2. We live in the Telok Blangah area.
I hope to find an effective teacher for them because according to my neighbour, my children practice a lot more than hers but they achieve the same results. I know my eldest loves playing and she sometimes even practices 2-3 hours a day. She did get a distinction for her grade 7 but according to neighbour, her son only practices like only 45 min a day and scored distinction for his Grade 8 too. I don’t know if my neighbour is hinting that my children are making too much noise on the piano and disturbing them or is it really true that the teacher was not so good and therefore my children have to practise more?
Anyways, the neighbour has recommended me to her son’s teacher. The teacher is much more expensive than our current one and we would have to travel much further. The fees are $100 per lesson. With 3 kids learning, I would have to fork out $300 a week. Is it worth it? Or is this the expected price to pay for a well-qualified and good teacher? The current teacher only has got grade 8 and so her fees are very affordable. My hubby says if we have to pay so much, then I should explore more options and get more recommendations before I commit to a teacher.
Hope to hear your advice and recommendations.
As far as practice time, I believe it depends on the kids. Some kids practice faster, some slower. Your daughter sounds like one who enjoy playing, so I wouldn't stop her for doing something she enjoys for 2-3 hours! Unless of course if it is disturbing the neighbour
Anyway highwaygrace, I am a little puzzled why do you make correlation between the amount of practice your children need to do and the quality of the teacher. You already said that your eldest likes to play piano and she voluntarily practiced 2-3 hours herself.
Different students will progress at different speed and will require different amount of practice depending on a lot of factors such as their current grade level, natural coordination and musicality, self-discipline, motivation level, and parental assistance. As a teacher of course I need to guide my students on how and what to practice at home, but outside lesson time, it is up to the students and the parents to execute what I instructed.
I have students who are extremely efficient in practicing and learning pieces, like I give them one page of music, and then the next lesson the student can play the notes already. I also have students who need to be more micro-managed and progress slower like a few bars per week. Some of my students can play to high standard more easily, some need more careful and deliberate practice to achieve that standard. In short, each student is different.
I think it's tempting to just evaluate a teacher based on exam/festival/competition track record. Like if a teacher has many grade 8 distinction holders, then that teacher must be better than one who does not have any. I always advise parents to consider all the pros and cons of a teacher first rather than just be swayed by promise of stellar exam result. Think about what good qualities you want to look for a teacher and have trial lessons to see if the teachers demonstrate these good qualities. The track record can be a good indication of what the teacher can accomplish, but the chemistry between the teacher and student is impotant too. I have had many parents confiding in me their regrets of sending their children to brand name teachers; some of these children ended up losing interest and not doing well. I have also often advised parents to stay put with their children's teachers even if the teachers may not be as technically skilled; sometimes a little compromise in lesson quality is acceptable if the child likes the teacher and love music. -
momoftwo:
$100 per lesson is a lot. However, good teacher does cost that much. Perhaps you might want to consider a trial? Can it also be that the fees increasing per grade so your kids if they are in different grade might not be all $100/ week?highwaygrace:
Hi everyone
My children’s piano teacher is leaving on a year-long mission trip with her church and so we are now searching for a new teacher. 11yo dd has just done Grade 7, 9 yo dd did grade 5. DS is 6 but not done any grades although I think he is playing about grade 1-2. We live in the Telok Blangah area.
I hope to find an effective teacher for them because according to my neighbour, my children practice a lot more than hers but they achieve the same results. I know my eldest loves playing and she sometimes even practices 2-3 hours a day. She did get a distinction for her grade 7 but according to neighbour, her son only practices like only 45 min a day and scored distinction for his Grade 8 too. I don’t know if my neighbour is hinting that my children are making too much noise on the piano and disturbing them or is it really true that the teacher was not so good and therefore my children have to practise more?
Anyways, the neighbour has recommended me to her son’s teacher. The teacher is much more expensive than our current one and we would have to travel much further. The fees are $100 per lesson. With 3 kids learning, I would have to fork out $300 a week. Is it worth it? Or is this the expected price to pay for a well-qualified and good teacher? The current teacher only has got grade 8 and so her fees are very affordable. My hubby says if we have to pay so much, then I should explore more options and get more recommendations before I commit to a teacher.
Hope to hear your advice and recommendations.
As far as practice time, I believe it depends on the kids. Some kids practice faster, some slower. Your daughter sounds like one who enjoy playing, so I wouldn't stop her for doing something she enjoys for 2-3 hours! Unless of course if it is disturbing the neighbour
Thank you momoftwo for your response. Fantastic idea about considering a trial. I have never thought about that, though I am not sure if the teacher allows a trial. I believe my neighbour's teacher charges $100 no matter the grade because her 5 year old son who just started also pays $100.
I think my daughter is a perfectionist and driven. I am not sure how much she really enjoys it. Hmm..... I usually don't allow her to play after 8pm. My no. 2 does play till 930pm sometimes but her playing not so loud and not so long. So far the neighbours never complain, unless this particular neighbour was indirectly trying to tell me my children are playing too much????? -
Dreamaurora:
Some of the most established teachers only charge flat rate for all levels. $100 per lesson is not uncommon for a brand name teacher.
$100 per lesson is a lot. However, good teacher does cost that much. Perhaps you might want to consider a trial? Can it also be that the fees increasing per grade so your kids if they are in different grade might not be all $100/ week?momoftwo:
[quote=\"highwaygrace\"]Hi everyone
My children’s piano teacher is leaving on a year-long mission trip with her church and so we are now searching for a new teacher. 11yo dd has just done Grade 7, 9 yo dd did grade 5. DS is 6 but not done any grades although I think he is playing about grade 1-2. We live in the Telok Blangah area.
I hope to find an effective teacher for them because according to my neighbour, my children practice a lot more than hers but they achieve the same results. I know my eldest loves playing and she sometimes even practices 2-3 hours a day. She did get a distinction for her grade 7 but according to neighbour, her son only practices like only 45 min a day and scored distinction for his Grade 8 too. I don’t know if my neighbour is hinting that my children are making too much noise on the piano and disturbing them or is it really true that the teacher was not so good and therefore my children have to practise more?
Anyways, the neighbour has recommended me to her son’s teacher. The teacher is much more expensive than our current one and we would have to travel much further. The fees are $100 per lesson. With 3 kids learning, I would have to fork out $300 a week. Is it worth it? Or is this the expected price to pay for a well-qualified and good teacher? The current teacher only has got grade 8 and so her fees are very affordable. My hubby says if we have to pay so much, then I should explore more options and get more recommendations before I commit to a teacher.
Hope to hear your advice and recommendations.
As far as practice time, I believe it depends on the kids. Some kids practice faster, some slower. Your daughter sounds like one who enjoy playing, so I wouldn't stop her for doing something she enjoys for 2-3 hours! Unless of course if it is disturbing the neighbour
Anyway highwaygrace, I am a little puzzled why do you make correlation between the amount of practice your children need to do and the quality of the teacher. You already said that your eldest likes to play piano and she voluntarily practiced 2-3 hours herself.
Different students will progress at different speed and will require different amount of practice depending on a lot of factors such as their current grade level, natural coordination and musicality, self-discipline, motivation level, and parental assistance. As a teacher of course I need to guide my students on how and what to practice at home, but outside lesson time, it is up to the students and the parents to execute what I instructed.
I have students who are extremely efficient in practicing and learning pieces, like I give them one page of music, and then the next lesson the student can play the notes already. I also have students who need to be more micro-managed and progress slower like a few bars per week. Some of my students can play to high standard more easily, some need more careful and deliberate practice to achieve that standard. In short, each student is different.
I think it's tempting to just evaluate a teacher based on exam/festival/competition track record. Like if a teacher has many grade 8 distinction holders, then that teacher must be better than one who does not have any. I always advise parents to consider all the pros and cons of a teacher first rather than just be swayed by promise of stellar exam result. Think about what good qualities you want to look for a teacher and have trial lessons to see if the teachers demonstrate these good qualities. The track record can be a good indication of what the teacher can accomplish, but the chemistry between the teacher and student is impotant too. I have had many parents confiding in me their regrets of sending their children to brand name teachers; some of these children ended up losing interest and not doing well. I have also often advised parents to stay put with their children's teachers even if the teachers may not be as technically skilled; sometimes a little compromise in lesson quality is acceptable if the child likes the teacher and love music.[/quote]Thank you Dreamaurora for your professional advice. Actually I myself didn't make the correlation between the amount of practice my children need and the quality of the teacher. It was my neighbour the suggested that to me because one time my daughter was struggling over a part of her piece and the neighbours heard her play it over and over and over and still cannot get it. I think my girl got frustrated and hit the piano keys with her palms a few times. The boy next door, who is two years older, came over and was so sweet. He looked at her problem and then instructed her. Almost immediately she could get it! So I think my neighbour concluded that our teacher didn't teach properly or correctly which left my girl to struggle. Yes, she practises alot but she struggles alot too. My dd 2 is not the perfectionist type so she doesn't practise as much. It shows in exam results as dd 1 performs better than dd 2.
I do agree that different children have different abilities. My children love their teacher and we probably would have just stuck on with her if she were not leaving the country. But since she will no longer be able to teach my dc after this month, I have to look for a new teacher. No cholice. My neighbour was the first person to recommend me their teacher and I don't even know anything about the teacher's track record. Should I be asking about that? I don't think the neighbour boy ever take part in competition but he has done well in exams and he doesn't practise like crazy like my dd1. The mother says the teacher teaches very well and so her boy can catch the skill without needing to struggle. But maybe the boy naturally more skillful than my girl. Still, the mom highly recommend me their teacher. We haven't contacted the teacher yet as we want to ask other friends for their recommendations too. -
Highwaygrace,
When I hired my kids teacher, I had a trial, and decided that both my daughter and I, she was 5 then, we liked her. And we move on to the next lesson. I've never once asked her what was her qualification, whether she has degree, diploma, where from etc. But I can see that she was very patient, and my daughter progressed well.
I think degree/ diploma/ grade 8, these are important qualification but does not determine how good he/she as a teacher. Some can be excellent pianist but lousy teacher, likewise, some can just have grade 8, but excellent teacher.
As someone who does not grow up in Singapore, I find that Singaporean music students/ parents are very exam centric. Everything is determined on the grade, and the result of the grade. But to me, it is more important for the student to be more well rounded and have diverse repertoire that they can play.
All the best for your search for the ideal teacher. If you can't have a trial with your neighbour's teacher, perhaps you can ask if you can sit in for their lesson? -
Highwaygrace,
perhaps you want to ask your DD the following questions if she find practice stressful and a struggle:
- Does her teacher set clear practice goals to be achieved by next lesson e.g. play bar 1-8 of piece A at half tempo?
- Does her teacher set a practice plan for her?
- Are the workload assigned reasonable for her?
- Does her teacher explain how to practice at home to achieve these goals e.g. staggered metronome practice, hand separate first?
- If she struggles with the technical aspect of the pieces, does her teacher try to troubleshoot the technical difficulties or simply ask her to practice more?
- Is there a conscious attempt to develop her technique beyond just playing pieces and the odd few Hanon/Czerny?
You raised quite an important issue that often plagues higher grade learners. Often they are not equipped with the technical tools and practice skills to handle the more difficult repertoire. Can still somewhat brute force the way through with a lot of practice though. From the way you describe it, it seems your daughter is experiencing. This does not mean the teacher is lousy though, I think we need to consider also the pay grade of the teacher and the quality delivered. I think your kids’ current teachers had done quite exceptional for her qualification and fees, so if I am you I would be quite happy. Of course with more expensive teacher, comes the expectation of higher quality and I would expect a $100 per lesson teacher to tick all the questions I raised above.
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