Students without pianos

[kriskicksass]

I have a few students now who don't have real pianos and aren't in an economic situation to get one. I've tried to be understanding, but I constantly notice the lack of progress from students with only electronic keyboards as opposed to those with actual pianos. Now I just got a student whose only means of practice is an electronic organ with two two-octave keyboards. I teach out of a music shop and therefore can't turn away students, but this is getting ridiculous! What do I do?

[pianoannie]

Hmmm....you don't have the option of turning away students, and you certainly can't force someone to buy a piano.  But here are some options I can think of:

Option #1 would be for the music shop to have as a requirement that all piano students actually own pianos.  But, that is unlikely to occur, as the music shop is probably willing to accept money for lessons from anyone, regardless of what kind of instrument they own.

Option #2 is teach piano the best you can, and know that slower progress because of practicing on a keyboard is no reflection on you.  Keep on dropping hints to parents about this impaired progress.  I also like to explain to parents that buying a piano is an excellent investment, and that they can likely resell it down the road, if need be, for nearly as much as they paid for it.

Option #3 (which I think is your best option) is to realize we live in an electronic age, and that you can expand your potential market if you offer not only "piano lessons" but also "keyboard lessons."  You said you work in a music shop, so I assume keyboards are sold there, giving you ample opportunity to become familiar with the numerous settings and options on keyboards.  There is no point geting yourself frustrated in trying to teach technique for piano to students who will be practicing on keyboards.  It's as futile as a golf pro giving golf lessons to someone who will be practicing only on a miniature golf course. 

[sarahlein]

I don't know how it is in other countries but here where I live music shops offer the possibility of renting pianos.
They will transport it for you, tune it 2-3 times without charging and if you decide later on to by the instrument then all the rent you payed up to that time will count towards the price-not a bad deal if you can't afford a piano right away.
Many of my students have done it this way to everybody's satisfaction!

[galonia]

If you teach in a music shop, doesn't the music shop rent out rooms for practice?

[RealPianist]

If there is no music shop that can send the piano to your house, how about if you ask for renting the piano there? As I know, usually there are music shops that provide that. So, just ask your student to rent near their house.

[kelly_kelly]

I didn't get a piano until 2 years ago, but I don't think my progress was unduly slowed by it. Of course, it probably depends on what keyboard...

[clariniano]

I had one family in that situation, mom has been out of work for several months now and dad only works part-time, and are barely making ends meet. Fortunately I found someone in one of the local papers giving away a decent piano for free if they were willing to transport it. They could not even afford an inexpensive rental or a really inexpensive used instrument. Before then their son was practicing at school and his friend's house, and was having his lessons at his friend's apt, where I happen to teach three students in one building.

I,however,normally refuse to teach students on electronic keyboards,this family came before I changed to the no keyboards policy, and was hard for me for a while, as the boy has just started Faber 2B in a little over a year of lessons. (he practices at least 45 min a day.)

Meri

Hope that helps!

Meri

[keyofc]

Well, my parents were pretty poor when I was small and we couldn't afford a piano until I was  11-13.  And even then, it was a big sacrifice.  But they observed me long enough to know I was serious about it.  Whenever I was at someone's house who did have a piano, that is all I did.
I learned on a real piano at school, but I did all my practicing on a cardboard keyboard.  I learned all of my fingering that way, too, except when I was able to use a friend's piano.
  Of course, the control for dynamics and learning to press deeply in the keys, etc, can't be learned without the piano, but I learned a lot of basics and scales that way. 
   I never turn away someone that doesn't have a piano.  Kids today get interested in so many different things - that it takes a while to see if they are going to stick with the piano.  It's a pretty big investment  until you're sure they are serious.
    I had a couple kids without a piano take lessons and their parents eventually bought them one.  I'll never forget the day my student called me up and said, "I just got my piano, want to hear me play?"
    I think the problem in progress lies more in how serious a person is about learning.  I have kids without pianos practice more on the keyboards sometimes than the ones that have them.
    When I go to a music store, I use the empty studios to play a piece before I buy it - does your music store have empty studios at certain times?  I would think that might be a way the music store could help them.  Why charge them to use an empty studio especially when they are taking lessons there?  Is that an option - to have slated times on a first come - first serve basis?
  Good luck!

[kriskicksass]

The store does have a second piano studio. The piano is no where near as good as the one in the primary studio, but it would do for practice sessions. I'll talk to the store owner and my students about it.

[keyofc]

Hope that works out - it would sure be to the store's benefit.  Other's would hear your kids playing too - even if they are not that great yet - other kids would be attracted and who knows - it could drum up more business.