All About Choosing Piano Schools And Teachers

[Dreamaurora]

I have just written another article, this time about nurturing average learners. It is targeted towards teachers but parents should find it useful too. You can download the article in the pdf format here.

http://charleswupianostudio.com/Nurturing%20the%20Average%20Student.pdf

Nurturing the Average Student

By Charles Wu, BA(Hons) Performance, LRSM(Performance), LRSM(Teaching)

Introduction – Nothing Wrong with Being Average

I am sure many of us have had videos of young prodigies or prize-winners shoved to our social media. It is natural to always want to show the absolute best fruits of our teaching and there is nothing wrong with that. But like it or not, majority of students learning an instrument are not natural superstars and for most of us these students probably make up the bulk of our student population. You know who they are; they chug along in lessons getting by with the minimum required practice. And when they took an exam, they would most likely get a Pass or if they were lucky a Merit.

But with increasingly higher learning expectations no thanks to the advent of social media, being just average is somehow getting more unattractive. Many of the teachers I know seem to resign themselves to the possibilities of most of their students not going all the way to Grade 8 or early advanced level. At best they might last two- or three-years. Besides these low expectations, the teachers also often complain that teaching these students feel arduous. They are often ill-motivated and hardly practice.

I am going to hazard a guess that most of you reading this article used to be these students yourself who persevered anyway despite of having no grand achievements to speak of. You might be able empathise more readily with the average students but evolving learning dynamics pose challenges that you might not face last time. If you are lucky enough to be one of the precocious ones, then as a teacher there is a good chance that you are perennially frustrated by your students’ “averageness”.

I want to challenge you to celebrate teaching these average students, because really there is nothing wrong with being average. They all deserve the same enriching musical journey that will culminate in a life-long enjoyment of music making. Let me share with you my teaching philosophy and teaching tips that have worked for me and my students over the years in this article.

Believe They are Capable!

I will be lying to you if I claim that teaching my average students are all sunshine. I know it is tempting to just go through the motions as teaching these students often feel draining and exasperating, but we need to be better than that. As a teacher we need to believe in these students that they are capable and could achieve far more than they themselves or their parents believe they could. The positive outlook needs to start with us teachers; we need to accord them equal dedication that we give to our better students. Only then they could start to believe in themselves and be motivated to improve.

I once had a student who failed his Grade 5 ABRSM before starting lessons with me. In those few years he studied with me he managed to complete DipLCM, a first level performance diploma from LCM exam board. The journey was not easy at first, but I believed in him and in turn he believed in himself as he began to see what he was truly capable of.

Be willing to set increasingly more ambitious long-term goals for your average students. I am not saying that you should push them to get Distinctions or win prizes immediately. Start small first by aiming for goals that might take slightly more effort but still doable like for example retaking an exam that did not go well. Then in the future you might challenge them to get better exam result or participate in a public performance.

I know it might not be easy but do try to be as encouraging and positive as much as possible in lessons. Displaying indifference or exasperation openly is only going to send the wrong signal to your student. As long they are willing to learn we should celebrate every little improvement and achievement. If they do not respond well to instructions or able to correct mistakes immediately, try to hide your frustration or displeasure. Be ready to be more spontaneous and to think outside the box when your tried and tested teaching methodologies do not work. It is also perfectly fine to occasionally close one’s eyes and revisit an issue later.

Address all Deficiencies!

Just like in a school where a student is not allowed to skip a core subject such as Mathematics or English, we should not compromise or neglect an aspect of learning when a student is weak in that aspect or ill motivated to improve on it. Like for example sight-reading. I am sure we all have fair share of students who are bad sight-readers. It is tempting I know to just ignore improving sight-reading for these students and to focus on their strong points instead. And hope that the additional marks from other sections are more than enough to offset the loss of marks when they take exams.

This exam strategy might work temporarily for the better and more motivated students; I know someone who managed to get Distinction for Grade 8 yet failed her sight-reading component! But even then, a good teacher would still have to address those deficiencies sooner or later as they would eventually impede even the better students. For the average students, the effect of uneven curriculum would rear its ugly head much earlier and the learning process would become frustrating.

Your curriculum should ideally be iron-clad and well-rounded, even more so for your typical average students. Ideally all the aspects of learning need to be at equal level and progress simultaneously. It is perfectly fine hold back a student to fix their weak points first if necessary. For example, if the student has bad posture and technical issues, you might hold on giving more difficult repertoire or preparing for the next graded exam until the issues are fixed. It is also good idea to start from a level a student is comfortable with and gradually work their way up. For example, if a student had passed Grade 5 ABRSM but could only comfortably read sight-reading extracts set for Grade 2, then they should start improving their sight-reading using Grade 3 materials first.
All these need to be communicated clearly to the student and their parents as they might not be able to see the overall big picture and wonder why suddenly their progress seem to be slowing down unnecessarily. Explain to them that if the learning is not well-rounded, they would soon hit the learning ceiling and progress would be glacial.
 
Set Clear, Realistic, and Flexible Learning Goals

I know of teachers who conduct purely recreational lessons for their average students. The students attend every one of their lessons without any clear short- and long-term goals; in each lesson they are free to learn and prepare whatever they fancy. The reasoning is that setting goals such as performing for a concert or taking an exam is only going to stress these students and cause them to be less motivated. Keeping their stress level low should in theory keep them learning longer.

On the other side of the fence, there are teachers who force their average students to follow a standardised curriculum rigidly. Like for example, taking an ABRSM exam once a year. And when these students could not keep up or get demotivated, their teachers just chalk it up that their students are simply not talented enough.
I think both instances described above are equally misguided and dangerous. Without any goals, they are likely to be stuck in a learning limbo. At best, their progress would be glacial. A lack of sense of achievement is far more damaging to morale and the students might actually throw in the towel sooner than expected. Overly demanding and rigid goals basically have the same effect too.

Before setting the learning goals for an average student, it is important to analyse their immediate learning needs and motivation level. You do not have to necessarily create another set of learning goals exclusive to the student, but you might need to set a longer timeline to complete the goals. It is perfectly fine as long that you spell out your expectation clearly to your students and their parents. Then depending on how the student progress and improve you might adjust these goals or set different ones.

Make Them Discover the Joy of Music

I was deeply enamoured with piano and classical music way before I started formal music training despite being born into a completely non-musical family. None of my parents played instruments or listened to classical music, but ever since I first listened to classical music in a CD shop, I was instantly hooked. When I started learning piano, really, getting myself motivated was a non-issue. Most serious teachers I know of probably share the same connection to music as I do. So, it might be mind-boggling when our students did not warm up immediately to music as we did.
The average student most likely has little or no prior exposure to music; their family might be completely non-musical like mine too. Some of them might not even show the slightest interest; they are simply there because their parents ask them to attend lessons.

Nothing is more contagious than your own love for music. With these students, I take more time to explore the music they are learning. You can afford to spend more time to get them to connect with their pieces than just simply teaching them how to play their pieces. Like for example, if you were teaching a student say a Bach’s Minuet, you could show them how a Minuet might be danced and other similar Minuets by other composers. You might even want to dedicate a section of your lesson just for your student to explore new music.

[Dreamaurora]

Hi all,


I will be launching a flexible piano course for older learners and I am looking for volunteers to try out the first month FOC and give me feedback. The course would only require you to come for in-person lesson once a month. For the rest of the month you will either send me videos to comment or brief Skype/Zoom sessions. This course should be suitable for learners who are independent but cannot really commit to regular lessons or find them too expensive. It can also be used by young students with a knowledgeable parent to complement their weekly piano lessons. No obligation to continue afterwards and first month is completely free, all I ask is that you give your honest feedback to me. P.S. a couple of my regular slots on weekends have opened up due to students completing Grade 8, so do contact me also if you want regular lessons for yourself or your child.

For this tryout, I am looking specifically students that fit any one of these descriptions:
- You have completed Grade 8 from any of the exam board. You would like to continue to learn pieces that you like and maybe gradually work towards a performance diploma.
- You took lessons and might have completed a few lower grade exams when you were younger and now you would like to finally complete Grade 8.
- You are a self-taught adult and you want to be more competent technically.
- You are a piano teacher and would like more assistance on teaching pieces and also maintaining your own playing.
- You have a child who learns piano already with a regular teacher but you would like second opinion.

Please email me first at [email protected] if you are interested to take part in this tryout. You can check out more about me at charleswupianostudio.com

[Lee Choy Fong]

Hello,


I am a patient lady piano teacher with more than 20 yrs of experience teaching both piano, organ & theory at Lowrey Music Sch, Yamaha Music Sch & Private Coaching at students’ place. Pls message me at 91773290 for more details of the lesson plans. Thank you. Ms Jolin Lee

[Lee Choy Fong]

Hello,


I am a patient lady piano teacher with more than 20 yrs of experience teaching both piano, organ & theory at Lowrey Music Sch, Yamaha Music Sch & Private Coaching at students’ place. Pls message me at 91773290 for more details of the lesson plans. Thank you. Ms Jolin Lee

[serenewt]

Full time female Music Degree piano teacher, from Australian Conservatorium. Passionate about instilling interest in music and bringing out the best in students. Almost 10 years of experience in teaching children, preparing students for ABRSM piano exams, as well as teaching students learning for leisure. She has taught in Music Schools, and MOE School. She has given piano instructions to over hundred students to date.


With her latest ABRSM Performance Examination lesson plans, she helped her student score 145/150 in her Grade 5 Piano performance recording examination. Apart from guiding students in scoring HighDistinction/Distinction/Merit in ABRSM Piano Examinations, she has also guided students in attaining Gold/Silver in Piano Festivals reviewed by renowned adjudicators. Her students will also get a chance to explore and play different genres of Piano Music that they enjoy, eg. Popular, Disney, Church, Jazz, Yiruma, Japanese Studio Ghibli etc.

Travels to students' place mainly at Bukit Timah/Upper Bukit Timah/Holland/Hillview or nearby areas.

Mid year intake is now open! With limited slots available. Students who previously couldn't get a slot could also enquire now.

Message 9653~1568 to enquire, or arrange to try a lesson

Website: http://pianoteacherwt.wix.com/pianolessons
https://postimg.cc/rRm8BHk9

[louislzr]

I think my daughter 's piano teacher is one of the best. She has been learning from him for past few years, always enjoying his lesson weekly. quite funny and patient. check out his website : https://pianoteachersingaporesite.wordpress.com/

[Whenpigfly]

Hi,


If there are any recommendation for existing learner who have learnt for 3 years. And coming 6 years old now. We hope to get recommendation for professional pianist or good Teachers who will be able guide my daughter on a professional level.

[FoochowTiong]

Hi there, I am looking for a teacher with experience teaching mature adults, and who can put together a customised program. I am a soon to retire male with close to 2 years lessons using the Faber’s adult piano adventures Books 1 and 2. Current teacher is quitting. I have own piano , but need to take lessons at teachers place or music school . Don’t mind a private teacher or teacher at music school. Prefer walking distance from Toh Yi estate in Upper Bukit Timah area. Can attend lessons on Saturday mornings. Not going for graded exams. But hope to eventually attain grade 8 like skills. Genres are light classics and movie sound tracks. If anyone interested please WhatsApp me Mr Tiong at 81111510. Or email me at [email protected]. Thank you very much.

[agneshui]

:rahrah: :rahrah: :rahrah: 🎼🎹

Experienced, patient, dedicated, passionate, highly responsible Yamaha Lady Piano Teacher with more than 15 years experience looking for students.
* Diploma in Piano Recital Trinity Associate ATCL and Master in Educational Psychology.
* All ages are welcome.
* Patient and good with little children.
* Believes in quality teachings above quantity with constructive and detailed teaching.
*Willing to travel or student can travel to teacher’s studio.
* Feel free to sms or call Teacher Agnes 9099 5519.

[cse1217]

Friendly, patient and fun piano teacher available at Newton


My Bio below:
Miss Choo has more than 10 years of teaching experience, teaching students from 3.5 to 70 years old for classical exams and leisure. She plays piano by ear and is able to create scores for students to play their favourite songs outside exam pieces.

She is a passionate, dedicated, patient and committed teacher. She had experience in playing in church and concert band, bring a wedding pianist and exam accompanist. She also records her piano arrangements and compositions on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/cse1217. She teaches useful techniques for graded exams and accompaniment skills on songs for leisure. She believes that learning piano has no age limit and her mission is to inspire student interest in music and nurture them to play piano in an enjoyable manner.

For students interested in composing, she is also able to provide insights to their composition as she has been through composition class in schools (in O and A level as well as in University).

She also plays other musical instruments such as drums, ukulele, acoustic guitar and other percussion instruments.

Hi all who are interested in learning piano or finding a FUN, Experienced, Patient, Flexible female piano teacher for yourself or your child, please PM me at 91468438.