Teacher Dreamaurora - Piano Q&A

[phankao]

Dreamaurora:

Haha, phankao, quite a number of male piano teachers are actually gays, so you should be worried for the boys! Anyway, nowadays female teachers have risk also; lately got a lot of recent cases of older female teachers preying on young boys.

LOL. OK, must say I know my boys' teachers (not piano though).

[momresource]

Hi,


Hougang.

[Puzz.06109.06109.06109zzle]

Hi, may i know compare ABRSM diploma and Trinity Diploma, what is the difference?

Which is more recognize in Singapore ?

[gogoahead]

What is FTCL?

[Dreamaurora]

Puzz...zzle:

Hi, may i know compare ABRSM diploma and Trinity Diploma, what is the difference?

Which is more recognize in Singapore ?

That is a very general question. Are you asking about Performance or Teaching diplomas? Anyway, the general consensus is that ABRSM diplomas are harder to pass and have better quality control.

For the purpose of teaching, ABRSM diplomas are more recognizable here for the simple fact that for grade 1-8 ABRSM is the still the most popular choice here.

[Dreamaurora]

gogoahead:

What is FTCL?

http://www.trinitycollege.co.uk/site/?id=230

[SP Mum]

Dear Dreamaurora, I have been a silent reader of your posts and have learnt a lot from you. Thank you very much. I have a 8yr girl, she did MIM at Seimpi from 3-5yrs old, continued with a 1-1 lesson with Seimpi, but the teacher was always late and not very inspring. We stopped after 5 lessons. Lately, my girl has asked to start piano lessons again. She isn’t a hardworking person, but when inspired and motivated will put in effort to do her things. I am not sure if the interest is going to be short-lived, but would like to give it a go… Do you think it is better to start her on 1-1 lessons? Does she need a piano right away (she has a keyboard at home)? Any advice greatly appreciated.

[Dreamaurora]

SP Mum:

Dear Dreamaurora, I have been a silent reader of your posts and have learnt a lot from you. Thank you very much. I have a 8yr girl, she did MIM at Seimpi from 3-5yrs old, continued with a 1-1 lesson with Seimpi, but the teacher was always late and not very inspring. We stopped after 5 lessons. Lately, my girl has asked to start piano lessons again. She isn't a hardworking person, but when inspired and motivated will put in effort to do her things. I am not sure if the interest is going to be short-lived, but would like to give it a go..... Do you think it is better to start her on 1-1 lessons? Does she need a piano right away (she has a keyboard at home)? Any advice greatly appreciated.

It is always disheartening to hear a student stopping music lesson because of indifferent teacher. The fact that this does not deter your daughter from further learning means she has developed a degree of affinity towards the instrument. I would suggest this time round to go all the way since she's already past the 'trying out' stage. Get a good exam model piano and a teacher who is technically skilled and passionate about teaching. Understandably, cost wise will definitely increase but unfortunately when it comes to music lesson you do get what you pay for (though I have to warn there are very qualified expensive teachers who are mediocre teachers as well).

This time round I suggest that you deliberate carefully the teacher you are going to engage for your daughter. It is important that the teacher is passionate in BOTH teaching and music. The teacher should also be able to communicate on the same level as your daughter and develop a clear plan for graded progression. Whether your daughter prefers a more easy going or serious teacher is up to her, but most important she must be comfortable with the new teacher's teaching style. Ask for trial lessons to assess all I have written above. I wish you all the best for your daughter's piano journey; she is very fortunate to have a supportive parent like you.

[SP Mum]

Thank you very much for your advice. What are your personal recommendation for good exam model piano? What kind of budget roughlly?

I fully agree with what you said about quality of the teacher, I am looking for a teacher that can inspire her. Learning music should not be a chore but something she enjoys and want to put in effort herself… We reside near river valley, would you consider teaching my girl or have any recommendation? Many thanks.

[Dreamaurora]

SP Mum:

Thank you very much for your advice. What are your personal recommendation for good exam model piano? What kind of budget roughlly?

I fully agree with what you said about quality of the teacher, I am looking for a teacher that can inspire her. Learning music should not be a chore but something she enjoys and want to put in effort herself... We reside near river valley, would you consider teaching my girl or have any recommendation? Many thanks.

Piano preference depends personal taste and you should probably involve your daughter in the decision making. You will be looking at nearly almost 10K for good brand new models by the major brands such as Yamaha or Kawai; for second hand will be around half of that amount. There are of course other cheaper alternatives by more obscure brands such as Hailun or Moutrie if you do not mind China made pianos.

I stay at Lower Delta Road. Maybe you can drop by my studio one day for a chat. Probably better to continue this discussion through PM.