A career in teaching

[zheer]

Haw do you know if you are ready to teach piano, what is the minimum qualification needed to be a piano teacher.

[pabst]

I would say
- perfectly trained ear
- flawless theory skills
- complete knowledge of music (as in, you can list the Tartini violin sonatas & Villa-Lobos string quartets by heart)
- having read Thorpe Davie, Sandor, Mark, at least.
- Functional Sight-reading
- Charisma.

That's the least I expect from a teacher. A phd is not a bad surprise either 
Well, this is what you need to get started. Now, for making a career out of it, it takes genius.

[zheer]

Well thankyou bapst, i might pass the minimum requirment one day.If i was a genious i would be performing and not teaching, haw many genious teachers do you know.I have met many teachers non are genious.Why would you need a phd to teach the piano its not that difficult.who thinks they are a genious on piano street.com, not many and what has the violin got to do with teaching the piano,its a little like saying to be a art teacher you must be advanced in tennis.

[xvimbi]

Well thankyou bapst, i might pass the minimum requirment one day.If i was a genious i would be performing and not teaching, haw many genious teachers do you know.I have met many teachers non are genious.Why would you need a phd to teach the piano its not that difficult.who thinks they are a genious on piano street.com, not many and what has the violin got to do with teaching the piano,its a little like saying to be a art teacher you must be advanced in tennis.

There is perhaps only one genius living in any given century, if at all. You would probably be a composer if you were a musical genius.

What concerns pabst's list, those are obviously very high standards. Not even one percent would fit that bill. It depends on what your target audience is.

Bernhard always says, the only thing that's required to make you a teacher is a student. I would expand on that slightly and say, as long as you have some knowledge to impart and actually CAN impart it, you can be a teacher.

What concerns the role of "violin" in piano teaching, pabst does have a point, which should be expanded, though. If you plan on teaching Mozart, you would indeed have to have a very good understanding of opera, orchestration, even singing. In a nutshell, the more music one knows, the better the piano playing (and teaching) will become. Because the piano represents many instruments, one should indeed know about those instruments, just as one should know about the composers lives and what was going on politically, socially and artistically during the times these composers lived.

If you plan on teaching young children, that would probably not be needed. So, it again depends on what your target audience is.

[mrdaveux]

I don't know where people get the idea that teaching is for missed and frustrated wanna be performers.

There is good performers and good teachers. 2 different vocations, 2 different skills. Good performer doesn't mean good teacher. Good teacher doesn't mean good performer (although in that case, a decent level of playing is required, even though you might nota have the level for a Carnegie recital).

I am a teacher. I admit that I don't have the level of a professional concert performer (simply because I can't spend hours practising every day). But even if I had the choice, I would still be a teacher. I love transmitting and sharing knowledge. I enjoy watching the growth of people to become musicians. And the lifestyle of an international virtuoso is just not what I want : always away from home, running from a place to another, dealing with the corruption of the business...

Be a teacher, and be happy to be one. If not, change your career.

[pabst]

Well thankyou bapst, i might pass the minimum requirment one day.If i was a genious i would be performing and not teaching, haw many genious teachers do you know.I have met many teachers non are genious.Why would you need a phd to teach the piano its not that difficult.who thinks they are a genious on piano street.com, not many and what has the violin got to do with teaching the piano,its a little like saying to be a art teacher you must be advanced in tennis.

It takes a genius to make a CAREER into piano teaching. If you just want to teach your occasional 10 years-old, then really all you need is your love for music.
There are plenty bad teachers in the world as it is. When I began piano 2 years ago I had the most awful teacher that pulled me back a lot, hence I do keep a grudge. And I dont think the list I put up is that unrealistic - both my actual teachers fit that profile and I myself am getting there, it's not impossible.

[leahcim]

There is perhaps only one genius living in any given century, if at all.

That's a pity for those born in the 1980/90s.

[pabst]

If i was a genious i would be performing and not teaching, haw many genious teachers do you know.

Teaching, as mentioned above, is an art. It is not for frustrated concert pianists. I would rather teach in a good music school than perform anything anywhere.

[zheer]

Hi bapst,yes you do have a valid point ,we do have many bad teachers in this world,and i am starting to see the connection between the piano and the violin.
All the best.Zheer

[Jacey1973]

I imagine the best way to become a better teacher is to get as much experience as you can. I mean, you can't become an amazing teacher overnight. I guess it takes years of practise - perhaps starting out with beginners first, if you're not 100% confident with teaching advanced pupils straight away.

I'm starting out piano teaching this week! I have my first pupil coming on Tuesday, i'm not charging her that much to start with - because i will get as much out of teaching her as she will having lessons with me. I need to start somewhere, so i'm looking forward to learning as i go along with a little advice from my own piano teacher if i come across any major problems! I also have an interview with the local music service who provide instrumental/singing teachers for all the local schools next week, so i'm hoping i will get to travel around various schools and meet many different pupils (if there is enough work available...i will have to wait and see)

[zheer]

Hi Jenni i think you are correct about the importance in gaining experiance.However am still not sure what the minimim qulification requirments are,is it a degree or a diploma in music .Anyway good luck with your teaching.

[leahcim]

Hi Jenni i think you are correct about the importance in gaining experiance.However am still not sure what the minimim qulification requirments are,is it a degree or a diploma in music .Anyway good luck with your teaching.

The minimum is no qualifications at all.

This thread has some more
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,3419.0.html

Although some academic places might require you to have certain qualifications to teach in a school / university. If that's what you're asking, it'll depend where you want to teach.

Other than that, any buffoon can stick an advert in the paper [or elsewhere] saying "Piano teacher" and teach piano.

But your first question was "How do you know if you are ready" - why not try it and see? IME, some teachers in other areas, with degrees and diplomas still aren't ready after 40 years of doing it

[oksanapianist]

to Pabst who said "It takes a genius to make a CAREER into piano teaching. If you just want to teach your occasional 10 years-old, then really all you need is your love for music"

I make about $60,000. a year teaching piano full time and I am not a genius. I am single and worked 4 jobs until I could afford to "just teach". This requires not only talent and charisma, but perseverance and discipline to make it work.  Kids love me- adults respect me, and the money is working for me. I have a master's degree in piano performance/pedagogy- and yes- you need the schooling to back up your rates and give you the credentials you need to be successful. It's a choice- I choose to be successful. For those of you who say you don't need a degree to teach- do you then go to a neighbor down the street who did not go to medical school to fix your wounds as well? what a comical statement to make regarding school not being important to be a good piano teacher- of course it is! Anyone who does not have a degree in music- should not be teaching music.

[leahcim]

For those of you who say you don't need a degree to teach- do you then go to a neighbor down the street who did not go to medical school to fix your wounds as well?

The fact you don't need one is that, a simple fact. The requirements to practise medicine differ though. I'm sure if you figure out why you'll answer your own argument.

That said, I'd expect most wounds would be treated at home or perhaps by some qualified in first aid [not a degree] or perhaps a nurse [a degree, but not a doctorate] obviously it depends on the severity [although even that's largely due to the fact that most people know enough hygiene to avoid as far as possible a relatively minor wound becoming life threatening as it once was]

Out of interest, what percentage of a music degree covers teaching skills? What did you play before you got the degree and how? Could someone without a degree play that piece too or were you special?

Although I guess there is an opinion behind the fact that, not only do you not need one, but that a teacher can be good without one. Bernhard doesn't have one AIUI. If that's right you've got your next 4500-odd posts to show us the difference

[oksanapianist]

Out of interest, what percentage of a music degree covers teaching skills? What did you play before you got the degree and how? Could someone without a degree play that piece too or were you special?

What type of teaching skills were covered? Many- and you would know if you had the pedagogical training. Regarding piano skills that you attain in college- again- if you don't know- you cannot suport that argument. Before you set out to prove a statement to be correct or incorrect- make sure you have the credentials to back you up- sounds like you don't.

Good luck! 

[zheer]

I make about $60,000. a year teaching piano full time and I am not a genius. 

     Sheesh, haw many students do you have , haw much do you charge and haw old are you.

Many great teachers have had no degree in music, chopin for exampe, liszt and many more.

[pianistimo]

piano pedagogy is taken by most serious piano students at west chester university.  although some people are extremely self-motivated, most don't know HOW to approach learning something on their own - and speed up the process greatly by taking lessons from those who know.  even great composers never relied soley on their own experience and took theory - counterpoint etc.  as well as learning how a teacher works by watching them.  you CAN learn about teaching by watching and emulating.  and, if you have a lot of patience - it helps.  but the wisdom and knowledge that you are passing on should be ACCURATE.  this is where double checking comes in.  many teachers are too fast to pass off an immediate explaination - whereas students need someone that is like oksanapianist or bernhard - who will take the time to research and give a full answer.  and, that are aware of the levels of difficulty of each grade and won't overtax a student and get them all depressed.  also, knowing repertoire backwards and forwards is nice - so that you have a lessons planned ahead of time (what you are going to say, what you are helping them work through).

not that i'm an expert, but i always took 1/2 hr. to an hour to prepare for the lesson.  sometimes it would be a day ahead incase i couldn't find something that i thought they might be helped by.  you can't just 'wing' teaching and expect to get good pay.

the music teachers national association effectively weeds out teachers that don't measure up to national standards.  this is very much like school teachers passing exams, or even doctors - as mentioned.  i like the analogy of doctors because you are wanting a GOOD result after surgery - and not having to get whatever procedure performed all over again. 

now, just so you don't think we're all into money and nothing else - there ARE good teachers out there.  it's just that students have a hard time knowing at the beginning if what they are getting is worth their money.  to have a referral is nice!  students that play well.  things about the teacher's personality, even, that make them easy to work with and MOTIVATING.  perhaps the motivation side is equally important to the knowledge - since some very educated teachers can be kinda dry.  but, for the most part , music teachers are highly enthusiastic.  having a teacher that puts on recitals frequently is good - if you are looking to learn to perform as well.

[oksanapianist]

 Sheesh, haw many students do you have , haw much do you charge and haw old are you

I have 60 students- I teach about 32-33 hours a week- I have 6 weeks vacation, I charge $42.00 an hour- and younger that you may think-I am 33.  My clients that pay in smaller installments pay $45.00 an hour. (not bad- eh?) Like I said- this all comes with hard work- knowing what you are doing- performing and having your students consistently perform well. My students perform 3 formal recitals a year in addition to non formal opportunites of playing and competing. You need to be as good a business person as you are performer and educator. All three combined will bring you success. I conduct all business transactions via an accounting software program that I hired someone to teach me to use (quickbooks) and from there I do all invoicing and communicating via the internet. I send out newlsetters as pdf documents and highlight students and their activities as this really is eaten up by the parents. I also reflect on my philosophy of teaching and different situations that I have encountered in music making. My clients appreciate how "in touch" I am with them and their kids. I also send out a fall checklist in which my clients check off all activities they want to do within my studio. Belonging to a couple of professional music organizations affords me to offer more musical experiences to my students- and even further more gives me the credentials to do what I do. A career in piano instructing is very realistic to anyone who wants it and is willing to work hard to attain it. But- to get this far- you have to have the building blocks to start- a formal music education. From here on out- all my new students come as referrals. If I lose or fire a student- they are pretty much quickly replaced. It's a nice position to be in.

By the way- I don't share this information to "brag"- but to inform others that it is possible. I am trying to raise the bar in the piano teaching profession and often write about it in a music journal that I am an editor of. If all piano teachers came together and shared - I think it would put an end to the many difficult situations we encounter with those who don't repect our profession- which is about 99% of our clients. It's a shame that I hear from clients  how "surprised" they are by my "professionalism". Would they say this to their accountant or lawyer, or doctor? no- so why do they say this to me? It's because there is a generalized disrespect for the profession.

[leahcim]

What type of teaching skills were covered? Many- and you would know if you had the pedagogical training.

If I knew I wouldn't have asked you Although I'll accept that the answer suggests I didn't ask the right person. Mea Culpa.

There are questions in here about starting teaching from students that must have missed those classes. Certainly I've had the impression [from previous questions and discussions in here] that their education has focussed on their own playing and so on rather than teaching others. Which is a different thing.

Although I'm aware that higher level students in other areas tend to teach lower students, certainly in science and maths, it wasn't clear what form of degree level you think is enough.

w.r.t business 101 stuff and buying quicken. I think you're right to note that it's missing from some, with and without degrees. However that's not something that I learnt from piano school [not the least because the limited companies I have run don't teach piano] I suspect you didn't learn it there either? If not, nothing in your response about why you are professional because you can do basic book-keeping suggests that a teacher without a degree couldn't do the same.

w.r.t being good with kids and so on. Did you learn that at college? If not, again, I can't see why that aspect couldn't be true of someone without a degree.

w.r.t to pedagogy. What material did you get that isn't available outside college?
AFAICT, the various piano methods and techniques aren't secret documents available only to universities and colleges. The subject is widely discussed in here in much detail. So again, I find it difficult to comprehend what a teacher without a degree couldn't have learnt elsewhere. Indeed, when you are teaching, and I'm assuming that you teach outside of college, should I assume that your teaching is inferior because it wasn't done at a college? Do you hold back the college-only secrets from your students?

Anyway, the point was, there are a few folk that post here that teach and don't have degrees afaiaa. In your opinion some of them shouldn't be teaching. which is, imo, laughable, not because of any credentials or words that I have to say, but because of their words. I invite you to go and read them.

Your response when asked what you know that a teacher without a degree couldn't possibly know was just to say "If you went to college you'd know" Which is hardly a stunning argument is it?

[pianistimo]

many young people today seem really burned out by the tuition prices of the modern college and university.  if you don't or can't go - form your own group with pianists that you want to in the area.  basically sharing teaching information is what mtna is all about.  teachers get together and share 'what works.'  and, there are seminars in the summer and things to read (journals and books). 

teachers (like any profession) have to be up on what is available each year to students.  if you have taught from john thompson for 30 years and it works for you, fine!  but, many students DO compare what they are learning with what their friends are learning from another teacher - and you don't want to be thought of as a 'dark ages' piano teacher.  as you said, it's not impossible to research many pedagogical topics - but harder to perform mass experiments as one does in college to get the best statistics on what works.  in college you have the opportunity to test your skills (in FRONT of someone else who can give you some pointers and critique).

i wanted to do this simply with my own piano teacher.  to maybe just pretend he was a beginner and stop me whenever i was teaching a concept that he thought was wrong.  his profession is mainly teaching lessons to the higher grades - and mostly advanced students - but you'd be surprised at what expectations very good teachers have for very young students.  for my own teaching, i would like to improve my antennas and pick up quickly on what is appealling to students (using it for bait) and what is necessary to learn at each stage - and add in the appropriate theory when there is time.  you can hone your antennas best by evaluating lots of teachers and their students - and gaining  access to the information.  of course, there may be stuff to read in your local music library about pedagogy - and also journals.  i like tremendously oksanapianists idea of having her own bulletin that parents can read and document and show to relatives or schools proof of their childs participation in music lessons.

[pianistimo]

as to zheer's question - what are the minimum qualifications - there aren't any - as someone above said.  BUT, you have to tell parents that.  (*i taught when i was 16-17 - and bicycled to their home and taught 1/2 hour lessons - telling the parents that i was a STUDENT of piano myself - that i had limitations...but my prices were good).  i also informed them that i was currently taking piano lessons and that if i could, when their students had learned enough of beginning piano, i would refer them to my own teacher or another teacher who had more qualifications.  many of those teachers didn't want to take beginners. 

i have taught beginning and intermediate piano lessons.  one thing i have learned is to talk less and be able to understand their questions better and give better responses.  sometimes you have to go back to a question later and explain so you don't give an initial response the final answer (so to speak). 

in terms of yearly advancement - it is nice to do a once  a year 'mini-testing' if you are not part of mtna.  you could formulate it similarly with a theory test, piano test (playing appropriate scales, arpeggios, chords, sightreading, performance pieces) and even sight-singing if you wanted.  students probably favor the private testing vs being compared to others - but sometimes being compared is more motivating.  it depends upon the student.  anyway, knowing what level of piano your students are on really helps them AND you. 

also, with younger students - don't leave out the reward incentives.  kids really like those little things (stickers, pencils, erasers, and stuff).  my four year old always asks about lollipops (*mom, will i get a lollipop there?).  once i gave out a music bag to a really motivated student.  they seemed to appreciate that i noticed they were making good progress and rewarded it with something extra.

bookkeeping IS essential when you are keeping a business int he home.  as oksana mentioned, gas, lessons (keep a calendar and put an X on lessons that are missed - so you don't accidentally forget how many were taken), music purchased and sold, and even your prizes.  keeping receipts is what it's all about.  pockets for them, and for writing down your income.  go to a music store and obtain a music teachers record book!

[lostinidlewonder]

Aside from what others have mentioned I think to be a good music teacher you have to know how to get into the heads of your students. You have to understand how they think when it comes to the instrument, you have to be able to constantly encourage and support them. Teaching piano is like coaching a champion soccer team, a lot of it has to do with pushing them in the right direction instead of telling them what to do, and a huge amount has to do with motivation and giving them confidence in their own musical ability. You have to be extremely patient and notice constant improvement in your student, nothing should be left in the air and with a topic as subjective as music it is easy to fall into the trap of saying, "give it time you will eventually work it out."

[pianowelsh]

I deal with a lot of transfer students.  I can categorically say there is NO minimum level for piano teachers I had one boy come to me who had studied with 4 teachers for more than 6 years and still couldnt reliably read the notes contained within the treble clef - which is something my students do in lesson one by lesson two they can already read of the score basic melodies within a a month they are reading small pieces hands together with accidentals and know the fundamentals of tone production, dynamic control and how the pedal works.  It depends what you want to get out of the students.  I firmly believe in getting the best possible out of each one and teaching them to teach themselves so that they can apply their learning to all their practice sessions because this way they progress much faster and become autonimous learners much more quickly.  I have a music degree centered in performance and a teaching diploma and i find that being able to draw on all that knowledge helps me immensely it should also be said that i specailise in teaching mature students who i find are much more open to a holistic study of the instrument. They want to know why/how and all the surrounding information which having studied extensively i can give them.  Young beginners need a much more practical approach - do this, try that, learn page __ generally speaking and so you can get away with being a bit more formulaic in your content/delivery.  When teaching more advanced students you do need a sophisticated playing ability too with a serviceable technique for demonstrations.  A sound knowledge of musical history and a good reference library are also invaluable.  One essential no matter what your level of teaching or expereince is PATIENCE for the million and one trying incidents that occur during a day of teaching. You must Love music and be passionate about the piano - even when faced with introducing middle C AGAIN! and again and again. You must be really motivated to help people suceed and forfill their ambitions.  Teaching is not carried out for the benefit of the teacher but for the students advancement and you have to care about that or your students will soon start looking elsewhere and thats not good for sustainability - so in a word comitment and a willingness to learn and constantly be impooving your own skills for the good of your students.