Too Old to Teach?

[haightjr]

I've heard it said many times that it's never too late and there are many posts here that question if someone is too old to learn to play the piano. Well, I've always loved music, played accordion as a child, and took up the piano about 4 years ago as a 45 year old. I seem to have taken to it easily enough and am progressing although slowly at times. Now I'd like to teach others, that is, share my love of music and the piano, with others. But AM I TOO OLD? I have a B.S. in business and am looking into getting an A.A. in music education. I even have a relationship with the academy where I take lessons where I will be allowed to observe others teaching and possibily teach there myself. I know it sounds like I've already decided but I haven't. Do I really have, or can I really get, what it takes to teach others at this late stage in life? Thanks for listening to me ramble, and thanks for any responses.

John

[sharon_f]

John,

It's incredible but I've been thinking about the same thing. And I am a bit older than you. I just started back taking lessons a little over a year ago, having not played in many, many years.

Some things have come up recently and it looks like I may be looking for a new job in the near future. I thought why not  do something I really love, why not teach music? It would mean going back to college to get a degree so I could teach. I even talked about it briefly with my teacher and she was very positive.

Of course there are a lot of practical matters to consider and I really need to sit down with my boyfriend and figure out how we can do it.

[haightjr]

Thanks Sharon,
                          I may go back to school to but I can't go for a 4 year degree, I can only go for an associate's. I do already have a bachelor's in business (did I say that already?).
I'm trying to ask this question in many forums, and to as many music teachers/educators as I can. I'm getting everything from 'Don't do it, you'll ruin the poor students' to 'Sure, you'll be a great teacher'. It's hard to decide which to believe. I know I want to do it because I love music and the piano. But I've also been in a boring, dead-end job for almost 20 years that I can't leave because of financial obligations, so this is going to be a part-time pursuit, for now anyway. Because of that, and my age, I'm not sure if I should try this. I don't think it can be a hobby, it has to be an avocation. But, if I can work it a few years down the road I might like to make this a second career. Again, AM I TOO OLD?
                         Thanks again for letting me ramble. I guess I tend to do that. Good luck in your endeavors. I know if I was forced to choose another job by personal circumstance, I would teach piano. I personally think it's never too late for you to achieve what you want. I hope you can gain the support of your boyfriend and GO FOR IT!

John

[Bob]

Of course you can teach.  You're never too old, just like learning to play.

Of course... you might not be doing things quite the way someone else would who started off teaching.

With four years of playing, you could probably teach beginners at least.  

As long as your certified, you can teach in the public schools.  There is a teacher shortage and you have "real world experience" to share with the kids.  Becoming a teacher later in life would show a true desire to teach.  (Don't forget there is a reason they have to pay people to be teachers though.  There is a whole world of bs that goes along with all the good things of being a teacher -- low pay, paperwork, supervisors, parents, bratty kids, being expected to do more than whatever you're job description is, teacher cliques, etc.)

[Bob]

You can burn out as a teacher too.  You definitely don't want to highlight burning out in the business world -- highlight how much you love kids and want to make a difference and that the business world wasn't doing it for you.

It will definitely be work to switch careers.

Do you want a piano teaching job?  Full time?  Search around here and see what that takes.  Anyone can teach private lessons in their spare time.  You can do that right now with four years of playing.  All you need is a student and there are ones ready to take lessons.  Building an entire studio of students is another story though.  You can't make a living just giving piano lessons without about 50 students.

[haightjr]

Thanks Bob both for your responses, and for giving me more questions to think about. I don't want to teach in a traditional school setting. I want to teach in a local music school, or out of my home or a student's home. I know burnout is a possibility in any field. That's why I want to go into music. It is something I would do for free (if I could). I love music and the piano and want to share that with others, pass it along, inspire someone. I know that sounds idealistic and is probably far from the reality of the business. I hope to get into teaching slowly and possibly make it a second career when I can retire from my first one, in about 7 or 8 years. If I do things right, it won't need to be big money as it will supplement a small retirement income. I don't expect big money anyway.
Most of all, thanks for your fast and positive response. So far they outweigh the negative ones, but not by much. Even though I already have a full time job, and family obligations (kids are 8, 11, 13), I believe I'm going to go for it. I have little to lose, and at worst might inspire my children to follow their dreams.

John (maybe my handle should have been 'rambler')

[Bob]

Yes, that could be an awesome way to stay active during retirement.  Your ideas sound realistic.

[arensky]

I AM I TOO OLD? I have a B.S. in business and am looking into getting an A.A. in music education. I even have a relationship with the academy where I take lessons where I will be allowed to observe others teaching and possibily teach there myself. I know it sounds like I've already decided but I haven't. Do I really have, or can I really get, what it takes to teach others at this late stage in life? Thanks for listening to me ramble, and thanks for any responses.

John

John,

 

 I thought why not do something I really love, why not teach music? It would mean going back to college to get a degree so I could teach. I even talked about it briefly with my teacher and she was very positive.

Old is a state of mind to be avoided!

Good for you guys, you have the right motivation; you love this and want to help the art survive. We need more like you, there are too many frustrated performers in teaching. Teaching is an art in itself; there have been many great pianists who could not teach, although they were good coaches for young artists who were already fully formed as pianists and just needed some advice about fine points.

Before I go on I should make clear that I am one of those who believes that to teach you must also do, or have done (Really done) at some point. If you are asked to teach the Rachmaninov 3rd Concerto, you should be able to play the Rachmaninov 3rd Concerto. Otherwise you are an "armchair Admiral". I know there are those who will disagree with me, but I know I am right.
Also, to be able to teach beginners or young people effectively, you have to be able to play their literature, a much easier task than Rachmaninov's Concerti. In my region, there are (were, one retired thank god) two teachers who bear out my statements. One always had over 50 students, she was very successful with children, but when the students hit late intermediate level the bad things started to happen; carpal tunnel, tendonitis, all that. But she was too proud to give them up and send them to someone who could play that literature. Many talented kids were lost, and were literaly crippled, because of her ego.You have to know  when to say goodbye. The other teacher is more insidious, because he's living vicariously through his students, giving them literature beyond their capability, and his. I just don't understand. This teacher sells himself as an advanced level teacher. Again, we have the tendonitis and CTS, and broken dreams.
                                                 

Put another way, I know what all the controls in an airplane cockpit are and do, but I have never flown a plane, nor would I try without an instructor. Nor would I teach someone else how too! Would you?

By the way, tendonitis and CTS are serious stuff; recovery can take years, and the painful surgery is no guarantee. This goes beyond piano into the rest of ones life, opening doors, driving typing etc.. There is a lot of bad technique being taught out there at all levels.

Something both of you mentioned I feel I need to address; why do you need degrees,unless you want to teach in public schools or a college or university? Teacher #2 above has no degree in music, but one of the best teachers in the area has no degree either although she attended a prestigious school for 3 years. Because of her lack of a degree, she was denied a postion she would have been wonderful in. That's the only reason you need a degree, is for career enhancement. It's like Cub Scouts, "got my Bobcat pin, now the Wolf Badge, and Bear Badge!" This has nothing to do with music. And everything to do with worthless academics creating their own Private Idaho; may they rot there.

Well that was a bit strong!  I'm not trying to discourage either of you, some academics actually have worth, and you might be hooked up with some of the good ones! There are other places  and people to learn from apart from what the academics will tell you(Oh, I'm one too, sort of.... ;)I have no idea what your rep levels are, but don't try to teach what you cannot do. You can fake that for awhile, but you will be exposed in the long run.


Also, do you like children? Is you don't, don't teach them! We need more teachers for adults, many children's teachers can't teach adult beginners effectively.You will only frustrate yourself and annoy the children if you don't like them. I think you should both take one or two students at the rep level andage you feel comfortable with and see how it goes; you might love it, or hate it! Find out before you alter your lives!

Good luck, write me anytime

arensky

[haightjr]

Thanks for your thoughts arensky. I agree, at least in this case, that to be able to teach you must be able to do. I plan on continuing piano lessons as long as I can. There will always be room for improvement, and people (like yourself), always willing to help. I was thinking about getting a degree for the very reason you mentioned. Although I currently have an opportunity to observe teaching, and then maybe teach, at the academy where I take lessons, that may not always be true. I don't necessarily want to teach at a university but If I try to get a job somewhere else they may like to see some education as well as experience. It seems getting an A.A. (Associate of Arts) at my A.A. (advanced age) will show them I'm serious about this. And there's always room for more learning. Even though I know music theory as I sit down to play, I want to learn it thoroughly enough to explain it to others. The staff at my local community college is very knowledgeable and I imagine I can get a valuable education just hanging out with them for a couple years or more. Anyway, thanks for the positive comments. I do love the piano and intend to make playing and teaching an integral part of the rest of my life.

[abell88]

This reminds me of someone who once wrote to Dear Abby. He was 30 years old; when he was young he wanted to study medicine but couldn't afford med school. Now he could afford it, but was concerned because it would take him until he was 40 to learn to be a doctor.  Abby's response: In 10 years you will be 40, no matter what you do. Do you want to be 40 and a doctor, or 40 and full of regrets?

Similarly, if you can get yourself to an adequate level in, say, five years (just a random number I picked), I believe you'll be about 55? You'll have many years of teaching ahead of you (you don't have to retire at 65 if you're self-employed and happy). 

[Bob]

Teaching is work too though.  You start off as a beginning teacher and progress just like you start off as a beginning piano student and make progress.

[bernhard]

Something both of you mentioned I feel I need to address; why do you need degrees,unless you want to teach in public schools or a college or university? Teacher #2 above has no degree in music, but one of the best teachers in the area has no degree either although she attended a prestigious school for 3 years. Because of her lack of a degree, she was denied a postion she would have been wonderful in. That's the only reason you need a degree, is for career enhancement. It's like Cub Scouts, "got my Bobcat pin, now the Wolf Badge, and Bear Badge!" This has nothing to do with music. And everything to do with worthless academics creating their own Private Idaho; may they rot there.

Beautifully put!

This reminds me of someone who once wrote to Dear Abby. He was 30 years old; when he was young he wanted to study medicine but couldn't afford med school. Now he could afford it, but was concerned because it would take him until he was 40 to learn to be a doctor.  Abby's response: In 10 years you will be 40, no matter what you do. Do you want to be 40 and a doctor, or 40 and full of regrets?

I must remember that!

I always thought that old age was an advantage when one comes to teach. It is the old guys who have the most to teach. In my day the question used to be: "Am I too young to teach?"

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[jeremyjchilds]

I've heard it said many times that it's never too late and there are many posts here that question if someone is too old to learn to play the piano. Well, I've always loved music, played accordion as a child, and took up the piano about 4 years ago as a 45 year old. I seem to have taken to it easily enough and am progressing although slowly at times. Now I'd like to teach others, that is, share my love of music and the piano, with others. But AM I TOO OLD? I have a B.S. in business and am looking into getting an A.A. in music education. I even have a relationship with the academy where I take lessons where I will be allowed to observe others teaching and possibily teach there myself. I know it sounds like I've already decided but I haven't. Do I really have, or can I really get, what it takes to teach others at this late stage in life? Thanks for listening to me ramble, and thanks for any responses.

John

Age is a state of mind, I would take lessons from an eighty-something "forty-year-old"

[stephane]

It is something I would do for free (if I could). I love music and the piano and want to share that with others, pass it along, inspire someone.

You can start with what you say. Find a (or a few) complete beginner. Be clear about what you can and can't, and do it for free besides your job. This way you can pass your knowledge and inspire someone.
At the same time you a) learn to teach, b) find out if this is realy what you want.
You have some years ahead of the beginner and are still advancing. So this should work for some time. At the same time you can get whatever lessons or education you want.
If you find out it works, go ahead. If not, you didn't loose anything, you learned a lot about your passion, music, and probably a lot more about yourself. So in both cases you come out as a winner.

But once again, be clear about where you are to the beginner (or the parents if it's a kid). This must be a mutual agreement: you teach the beginner the piano, he helps you becoming a teacher.

Also know when to pass the person on to someone with more knowledge/experience than yourself in time. The beginner might advance faster than you. Once he gets near your level or starts asking things that are out of your reach, you should be honest to him (this counts for any teacher in any domain).

I believe it's never to late to start working on the future you want. Go the way you want and enjoy the road.

Best regards,

Stephane

[allthumbs]

Greetings

I've heard it said many times that it's never too late and there are many posts here that question if someone is too old to learn to play the piano. Well, I've always loved music, played accordion as a child, and took up the piano about 4 years ago as a 45 year old. I seem to have taken to it easily enough and am progressing although slowly at times. Now I'd like to teach others, that is, share my love of music and the piano, with others. But AM I TOO OLD?

I am in almost the same situation that your are in!! I too started taking piano at the age of 46 after not taking lessons as a kid and not touching a piano in 20 odd years.

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,6863.msg83696.html#msg83696

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,7648.msg83048.html#msg83048

As I stated in my posts, I too am thinking of teaching piano when I retire sometime in the next 2-6 years.

I used to be a high school teacher and did teach guitar, an elective subject within the music curricula. I left teaching to pursue a different career path, but I was able to maintain my teaching certificate in good standing. When I retire, I am thinking to go back and be a “teacher on call” as well.

I guess the bottom line is that if you have the passion to teach, go for it. That’s what I plan to do. I do agree with arensky and stephane’s posts that you should be able to play at least at a level higher than your student and be willing to admit that when  you can’t teach them any more, pass them on to a teacher who can.

It is good to see there are others my age with similar stories and goals for their later years. Oldies rule!!!!

Cheers

[lostinidlewonder]

So long your teeth don't keep falling out onto the keyboard you should be young enough

[haightjr]

     Thank you all for the positive and thoughtful comments. I guess my question wasn't so much am I too old to teach (now), but am I too old to begin learning to teach, a process which I thought might take 10 years or more. Now I see that teaching is an ongoing process, and I already have a lot to share. In reading your responses I got my answer. Go for it.
     I've been doing a lot of reading, both online and in books, and thus have learned a lot about how to prepare and what to watch out for. I've decided to put off the formal education for now at least and just start teaching. I'm not going to teach for free but it will be reasonable, and I will make sure the students know what they're getting from me. I am currently taking lessons at a studio that will also let me observe others being taught, and eventually teach there, so I don't want to undercut or steal their business. I plan to refer all students there eventually. I've made up some flyers and plan to distribute them throughout my neighborhood and try to get a few adult students. I feel at this time that I can relate to them better having begun learning as an adult myself.
     I'll continue reading and studying as much as I can, and visiting this forum with many more questions. From reading many of the posts here I get the feeling that there is a true comraderie among piano teachers, and I plan on being a part of that. Thank you all again.

Sincerely, John

[dinosaurtales]

I truly don't get how you could "ruin" the students 

it seems to me that if you think you would enjoy teaching, that taking some pedagogy classes where you can student teach and observe others is a superb idea. You could just discover it isn't as interesting as you thought.  OR you could discover you have an incredible talent for it!  I am sure you will discover your stronger points and find ways to highlight those - such as excelling with a particular age group (I, for one, would be TERRIBLE with little kids, but maybe better with teenagers and adults?)  But you won't know for sure without digging in at least a little bit.  I am looking forward to second year theory (as a 49-year old pianist!) in a similar, albeit weak attempt to pursue a degree. 

I say go for it!

[bernhard]

And have a look here for a discussion of the opposite problem (too young to teach?), since much there can be related to here:

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2246.msg19041.html#msg19041
(Young teachers – why young/bad teachers are not a problem – When the student is ready the right teacher will appear)

Best wishes,
Bernhard.