Note for oksanapianist

[cora]

I certainly admire the work you have done, and agree that piano teachers should have as much knowledge as possible. I have a BMus degree with a high mark, but I wish I didn't have it sometimes. That's because I learnt so much more about piano teaching from my own piano teacher. I guess that about 95% of my useful teaching knowledge came from her and my harmony teachers at the conservatory college. 

University interested me, but did not significantly contribute to my success as a piano teacher.  My education cost me about $70 000 including tuition, and living expenses that I could have covered by working instead of studying. This huge sum of money would have been better spent on buying a house. I would have been much smarter continuing private piano lessons, perhaps from several teachers,  as I taught students as well.  University helped me to communicate effectively and perhaps puts me on par with my students' parents, who are heavily degreed individuals. But it taught me little about piano teaching. And I had precious little time to really study anything at university. There, strategy is what counts, not useful knowledge. For example, I wrote an essay on hindustani music, which was an interesting subject. But let's face it, hindustani music doesn't teach us much about classical western music. I did a directed study on first world war popular songs, but again, most of my students aren't about to play "When we wind up the watch on the Rhine." Again, it's all interesting to me, but not directly related to teaching success.

Sometimes teachers like you do better than me because you're more discriminating about the students you choose in the first place or you make them practice a certain large amount every day. I happen to take anybody and his dog, just because, and I accept their lives are busy and therefore don't have many practice requirements. I could teach for more money, and will soon go up to $40 an hour. But at some point, you can make your price just a bit too high for the average student. Then you end up with rich kids, and that's perhaps a good choice to make for you, but maybe not such a good choice for the middle class kids. I also don't think I could handle your schedule. But I admire you for being able to keep it all up.

I just don't think you can state that a person who doesn't have a degree should not teach piano. And unfortunately, I do have the credentials to back this up.

[oksanapianist]

Cora-

I am sorry to hear that you feel your education was a waste of your money and time. I have a few friends who feel the same- but not music teachers- they studied other subjects. I loved school- had an awesome experience, and I too am paying off school loans, but if it were not for my choices- I wouldn't be where I am today. I had some natural affinity for the piano- as I am sure most of us here have- but would NEVER have developed into the musician and teacher I am were it not for my professors whom I revere greatly. I owe my success to them and to the liberal arts education I received- as it really opened my eyes and mind to more than just piano. I would not be a good teacher or pianist if I merely relied on my own knowledge (or lack of) had I not gotten a degree in music. All of my colleagues would conquer. I base my statements on my own experiences and wouldn't change a thing. ........and it's ok if you do not agree 

All the best!