All About Choosing Piano Schools And Teachers

[waterfall]

pianojazzy:

Hi Waterfall,


By right the teacher should correct the posture and finger position. However there might be some reasons why the teacher didn't do it. Do talk to the teacher to see if she has her reasons or she overlook it.

tks

[GreenQ]

pianojazzy:

Hi GreenQ,


Care to share which music course it is? So that i can advise further.

Generally a keyboard can last for a few months only as they will need to build on finger technique. However that is for 1-1 as the pace if faster. For group lessons, generally the pace is slower hence will be able to last longer but try not to use till grade 1 as it will really affect the finger touch and technique etc.

Thx pianojazzy.. Initially I thought can use keyboard for 2 yrs... hah.

I registered her at Musikinder ArtSkool in Yishun. Heard it b4? If so kindly give some comments especially their plan for students...

She will start at KeySteps 1 (then steps 2,3,A, B, C)at group appreciation level b4 proceed to 1-1 classik standard exam module (grade 1-8) after 2 yrs.

Im not sure whether she will continue to learn piano. So thinking to invest in keyboard 1st... hehe.

Btw... few more qtns... 1) is it ok or too long to learn in group appreciation level for 2 yrs? I know it shd depends on the kid. But generally is it ok for the sch to plan like that for a kid? Or its common to do so?

2) my gal is 4 yrs 4mths now - K1 student. Is it ok to let her starts in 1-1 w/o attending any group appreciation level?

3)What is the benefit & disadvantage to start in group appreciation level compare to start with 1-1 w/o attending group level? I mean fr the point of view of my gal.

The sch said I can register my gal in individual level too. But I decided to let her start with group appreciation level. Not sure whether I would have made a right decision? :roll:

[corneyAmber]

1) You don’t have to let her learn for 2 yrs if you think its too long. As and when u feel that she is at a faster or slower pace then other students in the group then maybe you would like to pull her out. Music appreciation is just for them to enjoy and cultivate the interest.


2) It is ok to start 1-1 at her age. Music appreciation can still be included in the 1-1 lesson. Just that she will miss out having fun with other kids

3) Group lessons is more fun for them. Not so much on formal lessons. 1-1 is more serious learning and at her pace. So if she is faster, she can progress faster etc.

[GreenQ]

Many thanks to piaonjazzy!

[corneyAmber]

You are most welcome

[barney]

Need some advice here from parents with kids learning piano.


Any idea what’s the ideal age for the kids to make an attempt for the theory or practical exams? I’m not sure if 6 or 7 is the right age to start them with exams as it may kill their interest in learning or is there a right age at all? I have a friend who told me not to start too early as kids that young will not know how to handle exams, especially if they have not gone through exams at all in school. Any advice or any one can share the age of their kids taking the grade 1 practical and theory exams would be much appreciated.

[Lucky]

hi GreenQ


I also just started my gal (5 and half years) on 1-1 piano lesson at Yicha Music school (Katong Mall).

The teacher told me that student will progress faster with 1-1 lessons instead of group ones.

I also have no intention to buy a piano until maybe after a few months later when I know that she is really interested in pursuing the art. Otherwise, it may be a white elephant after a while.

Yicha allows its students to practice using their pianos on weekdays afternoon and evenings when they are less packed with piano schedules.

Also, they told me not to purchase a keyboard as the feel and touch is totally different from the piano.

[corneyAmber]

Hi Barney,


Preparing them for music exam is the same as school exam. When they just started pri 1 they also won't know how important or serious the exam is.

So it is just pre-preparing them for exam. Of cos it will be difficult as most parents do not have music background and it will be difficult to help them, not like sch work which parents can help. Hence it is recommended to take later.

However, if the child is ready and his/her parents and teacher are willing to take the resposiblilty and go ahead wth it, there is no harm.

Of cos taking exam is stressful and if not dealt with it well, it will definately make an impact on the child's passion on music. Hence parents and teacher will have to monitor closely.

My youngest students who took gr 1 practical is 5 and theory is 6. Normally during registation period, i will let the parents know they can take the exam and discuss with them first as they see the child everday and they are the ones who see them practise and do the homework etc.

Hope this helps

[barney]

Hi pianojazzy


Thanks for your reply. I have friends who send their young kids for grade 1 theory and/or practical and some have regretted it. No time to coach their kids, kids have homework and school test on top of it.....and everyone feeling stressed. I think that's not a good sign, think got to wait till the child is ready and willing to take up the challenge.

Wow you have students who take grade 1 at 5 and 6, that's impressive. You mind sharing how they fare in the exam and how do you prepare your students for the exams. Do you have students who sign up for exams but do not want to prepare for it? I'm still considering if I should let mine take the exam, very worried that it will kill her already very little interest in music. :?

[H2O]

my son has been learning panio for more than a year and he is nowhere close to take grade 1 exam.

He went for his 1/2 hour panio class every week, never bother to practise at home.

Thinking that he has no interest and wanted to stop him, he refused and insisted to continue.

how? :?