Any young teachers out there?

[Alison]

Hey!  I'm new to this forum and I was just curious to see if there were any young piano teachers out there.  I'm 17 and I've been teaching for almost 2 years.  I now have 10 students between the ages of 5 and 15.  I love my job!

[MzrtMusic]

Alison,

I'm 16 years old. I've been teaching for about 3 years now, and I also love my job! I have 15 students, ages 5-mid-50's.

Love,

Sarah

[PoSeiDoN]

   I'm 19, and I can't say as though I share your enthusiasm regarding students.  I had a rather negative experience with younger kids who were spoiled brats.  The only reasons they took lessons was that they're parents wanted them to be "well-rounded."  But they never practiced, never put forth any effort.  In the lessons, I was more like the babysitter/disciplinarian than the piano teacher.  And to be honest, seeing these kids so unappreciative of the piano lowered my own motivation to practice..
   So, needless to say, that left a rather bad taste in my mouth of teaching.  I know one shouldn't base ALL students on this case, but still..  Anyway, I admire you both for enjoying your task!  Keep it up..

- Ken

[xenon]

poseidon, i hear you.  i am 16, ive been teaching for 2 years, and i dont really like it.  my sister has better luck with teaching, but not me.  i taught some younger children who were dismissed by previous teachers.  i found the reason why they were dismissed! i tried my best, but i couldnt get anything through to them.. they were spoiled, didnt listen, and didnt practice.  their parents finally accepted the fact that their children will not become the next Franz Liszt, and pull their children out.  meh...

[R.Q.]

I'm 14, and teach and perform extensively. I like teaching advanced students, but nearly flip out trying to pound basic musical knowledge into the heads of five year olds...

~ Young Virtuoso

[Hmoll2]

I'm 14, and teach and perform extensively. I like teaching advanced students, but nearly flip out trying to pound basic musical knowledge into the heads of five year olds...

~ Young Virtuoso

Young Virtouso-so,

As a father, I can't help wondering what idiot parents have their kids taking lessons from a 14 yr old. Especially from someone self absorbed to the point that they constantly refer to themselves as a virtuoso.

[classicarts]

Congratualtions, Alison.  Way to go.  My piano teacher is a little bit older but I'd mind getting one that's younger.

[Jacey1973]

Young Virtouso-so,

As a father, I can't help wondering what idiot parents have their kids taking lessons from a 14 yr old. Especially from someone self absorbed to the point that they constantly refer to themselves as a virtuoso.

Hmm yes i quite agree, i think it's great if you can do a bit of teaching when you're so young but to become a really successful teacher and performer i guess it does take experience and many years. But then there's no harm in teaching the basics i'd say.

[sonatainfsharp]

I have a strong concern reagarding people who are teaching without a formal education in teaching...

...I end up with your students and pull my hair out reteaching everything and putting up with bad habits and spoiled attitudes.

No offence to anyone here, but I have NEVER, EVER met a teacher who didn't have some type of formal education/degree in teaching who was any good.

Just 'cause you can play certainly does not mean you can teach. That is a basic law of academia.

I understand EXACTLY where Hmoll2 is coming from.

BTW, young teachers, do you know what "h-moll" even means? Hint: Think German.

*Edit:* I am talking about "how to teach," which you don't learn just from immitating your own teacher. There are philosophies and theories of pedagogy that a young person simply cannot comprehend let alone understand well enough to put into practice-- this is why people get an entire degree (including master's and phd's) in just HOW TO TEACH.

[classicarts]

Let me know if you have a young sexy piano teacher. thanks.

[Etude]

For ***'s sake, will you please STOP bumping threads from 2003.

[zheer]

OH MY GOD, 14,15.16 and 17 that is very young to be teaching the piano, my piano is 14 years old. I will only teach the piano when am sure that what am teaching is of high quality, yes one day. All the best.

[nastysanta]

i am 16 and i have toyed with the thought of teaching from time to time and have come to following conclusions:
1. my teaching would not be as good as that of a more experienced teacher.
2. therefore i would charge less than other teachers and let the parents and/or students know this from the beginning.