All About Choosing Piano Schools And Teachers

[lil_jade]

Hi,


I would like to ask probably a very silly question here, cos I've no piano background. Would like to get my P1 started on piano, and there're 30 min, 45 min and 1 hour sessions, with 30 min seemingly only on practical, whilst 45 min onwards will have at least 15 min devoted to theory.

I'm wondering if theory is essential at this starting out stage? I've heard from friends that to progress to grades 6 and above, theory is essential. If so, when must the child start theory latest, grade 3 or 4, so that he can still 'catch-up' so to say?

Thank you very much!

[Wynluv]

Hi all, can anyone provide a recommendation for a good music school that teaches leisure or pop piano for kids? I don't really want my kids to go thru the typical examinations. I need something to sustain their interests and have fun.


I wouldn't want private tutors as well, because I had unpleasant experiences

[wyne123]

U can visit http://www.wowpianowow.com for useful tips on chosing a qualified piano teacher.

[swl89]

Hi, I am available to teach.


I am a recent graduate from the Royal College of Music. Have 4-years of part-time teaching experience. but am now able to commit full-time. Patient but firm.

Other qualifications include LRSM

Contact 8577 8719 for rates and further details

[Shiny stars]

Wynluv:

Hi all, can anyone provide a recommendation for a good music school that teaches leisure or pop piano for kids? I don't really want my kids to go thru the typical examinations. I need something to sustain their interests and have fun.


I wouldn't want private tutors as well, because I had unpleasant experiences

Hi,
I sent my kid who is 9 years old to Play by ear music school. Has been with the school for about one and a half year. No complains so far. Everything look good . You may want to consider it.

[Dreamaurora]

lil_jade:

Hi,


I would like to ask probably a very silly question here, cos I've no piano background. Would like to get my P1 started on piano, and there're 30 min, 45 min and 1 hour sessions, with 30 min seemingly only on practical, whilst 45 min onwards will have at least 15 min devoted to theory.

I'm wondering if theory is essential at this starting out stage? I've heard from friends that to progress to grades 6 and above, theory is essential. If so, when must the child start theory latest, grade 3 or 4, so that he can still 'catch-up' so to say?

Thank you very much!

From a teacher's point of view, it is not advisable to teach practical piano without teaching theory, for the simple reason that the student will not be able to sight read effectively without good grasp of theory aspects such as treble and bass clef reading, basic rhythm, major and minor scales, etc. Of course some students may have naturally strong aural ability and able to learn by ear their pieces, but solid reading and theory skills generally make learning from intermediate grades onward more manageable.

Different teachers have different ways to teach theory, I prefer to integrate the theory into the practical lessons seamlessly rather than sitting down to do a workbook. Some teachers prefer to dedicate specific time to this.

[yogadada]

Dear all!


I've been looking around for a piano school, and a friend brought up http://www.mycsingapore.com.sg/index.php/myc/myc-curriculum , as her daughter is taking class here.

After browsing their website, my interest was piqued, and I thus called to enquire at the Turf City branch. Evelyn, the owner/teacher, attended to my call, and the chat further confirmed my interest to consider this school.

As all classes are ongoing & progresses, new comers will wait until there are about 5 to start a class. So a faster way of course is for me to ask around friends with similar age grp children.

Any of you keen? Our similar age-grp kids can form a complimentary trial class tog, which if u look at the stages, is called 'Sunshine 1' .

Let me know if any of you are interested in the no obligation complimentary trial. Location is Turf City, and tentative timing is Sat 11am.

Thank You and Regards!

[VirtuosoPianist]

Hi parents!


I'm a university student who teaches both pop and classical piano part time.

Here are some of my musical accomplishments:

1. Keyboardist and music arranger at SAF Music & Drama Company
2. Arranged music for Our Xinyao Concert 2015
3. 2nd prize winner of Cristofori Piano Competition 2009
4. Finalist at 2011 National Piano & Violin Competition
5. DipABRSM (with distinction) and LRSM (with distinction) holder
6. Music director of RI(JC) Piano Ensemble back in JC

I conduct lessons from my home at Whampoa (nearest MRT - Novena/Boon Keng) but I'm willing to travel to students' homes if they're conveniently located.

Feel free to drop me a message at 9178 5243 if you're interested!
PS parents (adult learners) are welcome to sign up too

[Baileys28]

I am desperately looking for a piano teacher who can teach grade 3 and beginner to come to our place at Pasir Panjang / Clementi area . Please PM me if you know if anyone or have contact . Thanks heaps!

[Dreamaurora]

I am going to tell you now the tales of two students.


The first student had only a Grade 8 ABRSM Pass when she first came to me. She wanted to do DipABRSM to kickstart her teaching career. She worked hard, improved her playing tremedously and did well enough to get Distinction for her DipABRSM. And we decided to attempt NPVC Artist Category because that would be her last possible attempt at it. Amazingly enough, she got shortlisted for the Quarter Final. Watching her perform on the big stage of Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Hall together with some of the most accomplished local young musicians from Yong Siew Toh and NAFA, it was almost unbelievable that this young lady only had a Grade 8 ABRSM Pass one year earlier. It was definitely a proud teacher's moment.

The second student was only 5 years old when he first came to me. His parents had just auditioned him and his twin sister for a well-known local young talent development program. And they were rejected curtly. He worked hard as well, clearing his Grade 8 ABRSM with Distinction at the age of 10 last year. He was not a naturally flamboyant performer, but he was always diligent and meticulous. This year, he was one of the students I sent to join Asia Youth Piano Competition, a regional competition organised by Cristofori. He and his sister did well enough to place in the Finals of the Junior category; two of 25 students selected from various countries. Usually competitions like this could get fiercely competitive because of the rewards that come with the prizes. As a teacher I tried my best to give them a fighting chance, but even I kept my expectation low as there would be plenty of excellent competitors vying for those few prizes.

At the award ceremony, the non prize-winners finalists were called out first to receive their trophies. Even as this began, I was mentally prepared to hear the two kids' names any time. The boy's sister was indeed one of those being called up. But as the last child went up and the boy's name was not called yet, it dawned upon me that he was going to be a prize-winner. It suddenly became a nail-biting moment as the names of the prize winners was announced one by one starting from the third prize (there were two second prizes and three third prizes). He was one of the last two standing and finally the MC announced he was a second prize-winner. The same boy who was considered as 'not talented' many years ago proudly went up to receive his prize. And as a teacher, another proud moment.

These are just two of many wonderful tales of my students and ex students. And I am glad to be a part of these tales. The teacher can only do so much, the students are the one who have to believe they have the capabilities to achieve great things, even if the odds are stacked against them. I have taught piano for 7 years since I graduated from NAFA music degree program, and I had seen wonderful achievements by my students that probably would only happen after decades in most other teachers' studios. And credit goes fully to them (and their parents). Truly, a teacher is only as good as his/her students.

I want to create more of these tales in my studio. I want students who believe they can achieve great things, even if no one else believes in them. I am steering my studio to a high-performance competitive mode and invite ambitious students to join me on this exciting journey. To this end, I am starting a special performance training course for my studio whereby I will charge a special fee of $50 per lesson flat no matter what the level. There will be a required minimum number of participations in performance classes, concerts, festivals, and competitions. Entry is by audition only, but I am looking for drive and discipline rather than natural talent. The objective of this course is to produce accomplished and well conditioned performers who will be the best players in my studio; exams are secondary but for the young ones they should be able to reach Grade 8 level by 9 or 10 years old. Feel free to PM me for more details or email me at [email protected].