All About Choosing Piano Schools And Teachers
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Dreamaurora:
Yeap well answered and explained Dreamaurora! :goodpost: in my own opinion, if I want a teacher to guide my kid in the long term, I would prefer a teacher with a Diploma in Performance/Recital or above (Licentiate/Fellowship level Dip/ Bachelor's/Master's Degree etc.) Again as what dreamaurora said, it would be important to see the teacher's track record and whether the child can click with the teacher.
DipABRSM Teaching is a professional qualification that certifies a teacher to be have working knowledge of teaching technique to prepare students comfortably up to grade 6. So yes, someone who possess this Dip is officially qualified to teach up to ABRSM grade 6. However, this does not mean not having this dip is not qualified to teach; there are quite a few popular and brand name teachers in Singapore who do not possess this certification. So a teacher who has in a Diploma in Performance could still possibly equal or better than the another who has Diploma in Teaching. At the end of the day, most important still have to see the teacher's track record and chemistry with the child.reiner:
is it the Tr need at least a dip in teaching then qualify to teach eh?
1 Tr - Dip in abrsm teaching n with Trinity grade 8 practical & theory
1 Tr - Dip in Music, Recital cert, with Trinity grade 8 practical & theory
are they okay??
Do note, even if you can get the best teacher (in terms of qualifications,track record etc.) but if the teacher's so fierce and demanding, always shouting/scolding, making your kid feel so lousy and demoralised, it will only make the child dread his lessons and in the worst case, lose his interest in learning. This is the last thing parents want to see. :shock: -
blessedpianist:
Yeap well answered and explained Dreamaurora! :goodpost: in my own opinion, if I want a teacher to guide my kid in the long term, I would prefer a teacher with a Diploma in Performance/Recital or above (Licentiate/Fellowship level Dip/ Bachelor's/Master's Degree etc.) Again as what dreamaurora said, it would be important to see the teacher's track record and whether the child can click with the teacher.
DipABRSM Teaching is a professional qualification that certifies a teacher to be have working knowledge of teaching technique to prepare students comfortably up to grade 6. So yes, someone who possess this Dip is officially qualified to teach up to ABRSM grade 6. However, this does not mean not having this dip is not qualified to teach; there are quite a few popular and brand name teachers in Singapore who do not possess this certification. So a teacher who has in a Diploma in Performance could still possibly equal or better than the another who has Diploma in Teaching. At the end of the day, most important still have to see the teacher's track record and chemistry with the child.Dreamaurora:
[quote=\"reiner\"]is it the Tr need at least a dip in teaching then qualify to teach eh?
1 Tr - Dip in abrsm teaching n with Trinity grade 8 practical & theory
1 Tr - Dip in Music, Recital cert, with Trinity grade 8 practical & theory
are they okay??
Do note, even if you can get the best teacher (in terms of qualifications,track record etc.) but if the teacher's so fierce and demanding, always shouting/scolding, making your kid feel so lousy and demoralised, it will only make the child dread his lessons and in the worst case, lose his interest in learning. This is the last thing parents want to see. :shock:[/quote]The interesting thing is that there are students who actually thrive under demanding and harsh teachers; generally they need to be highly self-motivated to achieve success and perfection. And some parents may prefer or do not mind this style of teaching; I remembered last time when I was working in music school some parents actually feedback to me that I was too 'friendly'. For parents whose children are under such teachers, if your children are doing fine and flourishing, that is good to hear. But if your child is clearly distressed, do not ignore it until it is too late.
Each student is unique; the best approach in my opinion is one that acknowledges each student's unique personality and approach towards learning. For example, towards students who are highly disciplined and wish to achieve high standard of playing, a teacher can be more strict, critical, and direct-to-point. Whereas for a student who is low on confidence and doesn't really enjoy music yet one can be more motivating, encouraging, and less critical. -
Dreamaurora:
The interesting thing is that there are students who actually thrive under demanding and harsh teachers; generally they need to be highly self-motivated to achieve success and perfection. And some parents may prefer or do not mind this style of teaching; I remembered last time when I was working in music school some parents actually feedback to me that I was too 'friendly'. For parents whose children are under such teachers, if your children are doing fine and flourishing, that is good to hear. But if your child is clearly distressed, do not ignore it until it is too late.
Yeap well answered and explained Dreamaurora! :goodpost: in my own opinion, if I want a teacher to guide my kid in the long term, I would prefer a teacher with a Diploma in Performance/Recital or above (Licentiate/Fellowship level Dip/ Bachelor's/Master's Degree etc.) Again as what dreamaurora said, it would be important to see the teacher's track record and whether the child can click with the teacher.blessedpianist:
[quote=\"Dreamaurora\"]
DipABRSM Teaching is a professional qualification that certifies a teacher to be have working knowledge of teaching technique to prepare students comfortably up to grade 6. So yes, someone who possess this Dip is officially qualified to teach up to ABRSM grade 6. However, this does not mean not having this dip is not qualified to teach; there are quite a few popular and brand name teachers in Singapore who do not possess this certification. So a teacher who has in a Diploma in Performance could still possibly equal or better than the another who has Diploma in Teaching. At the end of the day, most important still have to see the teacher's track record and chemistry with the child.
Do note, even if you can get the best teacher (in terms of qualifications,track record etc.) but if the teacher's so fierce and demanding, always shouting/scolding, making your kid feel so lousy and demoralised, it will only make the child dread his lessons and in the worst case, lose his interest in learning. This is the last thing parents want to see. :shock:
Each student is unique; the best approach in my opinion is one that acknowledges each student's unique personality and approach towards learning. For example, towards students who are highly disciplined and wish to achieve high standard of playing, a teacher can be more strict, critical, and direct-to-point. Whereas for a student who is low on confidence and doesn't really enjoy music yet one can be more motivating, encouraging, and less critical.[/quote]I agree with DreamAurora. My son's teacher was extremely strict. My son's piano level progressed faster than his school friends thanks to this strict teacher. Without her, maybe he is still in lower grade. Although this teacher scolded and shouted at him until he cried countless times, the teacher did not kill his interest. She built strong technical skills and confidence instead.
Nowadays my son plays for relaxation whenever he is tired of studying for PSLE. I was so surprised when he asked me to find some new age songs for him to relax. To me, what I dreamed of him using piano as a way to relax has been achieved. I am not going to force him to take diploma. This is enough. Time to time my home is filled with nice songs that he plays :please: . Thanks to that very strict teacher.
However, to each his own. -
ngl2010:
Personally, I would not never scold or shout; for me being direct-to-point is more than enough (and peppered with sarcasm). In my opinion, Gordon Ramsay's style of teaching piano is increasingly become less relevant in this era, but I do acknowledge that it is a valid teaching approach.
I agree with DreamAurora. My son's teacher was extremely strict. My son's piano level progressed faster than his school friends thanks to this strict teacher. Without her, maybe he is still in lower grade. Although this teacher scolded and shouted at him until he cried countless times, the teacher did not kill his interest. She built strong technical skills and confidence instead.
Nowadays my son plays for relaxation whenever he is tired of studying for PSLE. I was so surprised when he asked me to find some new age songs for him to relax. To me, what I dreamed of him using piano as a way to relax has been achieved. I am not going to force him to take diploma. This is enough. Time to time my home is filled with nice songs that he plays :please: . Thanks to that very strict teacher.
However, to each his own. -
Dreamaurora:
Young children don't understand sarcasm. Earlier this year, my son's teacher was sarcastic to him but my son just looked blur. He did not get it. I feel it is better that he is scolded. In my opinion, sarcasm is more hurtful than scolding (I am a sensitive person so I take sarcasm more seriously than scolding
Personally, I would not never scold or shout; for me being direct-to-point is more than enough (and peppered with sarcasm). In my opinion, Gordon Ramsay's style of teaching piano is increasingly become less relevant in this era, but I do acknowledge that it is a valid teaching approach.ngl2010:
I agree with DreamAurora. My son's teacher was extremely strict. My son's piano level progressed faster than his school friends thanks to this strict teacher. Without her, maybe he is still in lower grade. Although this teacher scolded and shouted at him until he cried countless times, the teacher did not kill his interest. She built strong technical skills and confidence instead.
Nowadays my son plays for relaxation whenever he is tired of studying for PSLE. I was so surprised when he asked me to find some new age songs for him to relax. To me, what I dreamed of him using piano as a way to relax has been achieved. I am not going to force him to take diploma. This is enough. Time to time my home is filled with nice songs that he plays :please: . Thanks to that very strict teacher.
However, to each his own.
). There is meanness in sarcasm while scolding is straight forward. Just my 2-cents.
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ngl2010:
:please: how lovely! that is my hope too. I wait for my turn.
Nowadays my son plays for relaxation whenever he is tired of studying for PSLE. .. To me, what I dreamed of him using piano as a way to relax has been achieved. I am not going to force him to take diploma. This is enough. Time to time my home is filled with nice songs that he plays. -
ngl2010:
Speaking of hurtful comments, I feel the most damaging comments are those said without any constructive comments attached afterwards. I think it's fine from time to time to use some strong words/sarcasm/scolding to put across a point if student is exceedingly stubborn or delusional, but support and encouragement must be followed afterwards. It is a delicate balancing act of being firm but yet still loving.
Young children don't understand sarcasm. Earlier this year, my son's teacher was sarcastic to him but my son just looked blur. He did not get it. I feel it is better that he is scolded. In my opinion, sarcasm is more hurtful than scolding (I am a sensitive person so I take sarcasm more seriously than scolding ). There is meanness in sarcasm while scolding is straight forward. Just my 2-cents.
I had a teacher (a famous one) once who actually proclaimed in a lesson that I should stop learning piano because I started way too late and had formed too many bad habits and therefore I was unteachable. So, instead of analysing and helping me troubleshoot my problems, he just proclaimed I was basically hopeless; what an extremely encouraging teacher eh. Needless to say, the next day I requested for a change of teacher. -
Dreamaurora:
What???!!! So mean....
I had a teacher (a famous one) once who actually proclaimed in a lesson that I should stop learning piano because I started way too late and had formed too many bad habits and therefore I was unteachable. So, instead of analysing and helping me troubleshoot my problems, he just proclaimed I was basically hopeless; what an extremely encouraging teacher eh. Needless to say, the next day I requested for a change of teacher. -
ngl2010:
Well, to be fair to him, he didn't ask to teach me as the institution assigned him to me. He has a stellar track record producing well-known students and he is very selective when it comes to selecting his own private students, so I guess teaching me must had been way out of his comfort zone. Can't blame him though, I was quite terrible (but somehow still miraculously admitted into NAFA) thanks to my self-taught regime.
What???!!! So mean....Dreamaurora:
I had a teacher (a famous one) once who actually proclaimed in a lesson that I should stop learning piano because I started way too late and had formed too many bad habits and therefore I was unteachable. So, instead of analysing and helping me troubleshoot my problems, he just proclaimed I was basically hopeless; what an extremely encouraging teacher eh. Needless to say, the next day I requested for a change of teacher. -
Dear all,
I am going to start a paper analyzing various factors that contribute to poor learning and ways to rectify them. To this end, I am looking to accept students who have attempted grade 3 or above practical exam and scored either a fail or just slightly above pass (100-110 for ABRSM). If your children fit into this description or you know anyone who does, I will be more than happy to accept you and help you out. As a token of appreciation, I will provide discounted fees for 3 months worth of lessons.
Charles Wu
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