Am I old enough to teach piano?

[pianoplayer88]

I am going to be 15 in September. I really need a job so I can earn the money for other music lessons and a music camp that I want to go to. And with the price of gas, my dad won't take me anywhere to work. So I thought I'd try to earn it by doing something I love. I was thinking I could teach beginners under the age of 13. Do you think parents would be uninterested in having a teenager teaching their child?
I think I would be able to do it. I'm responsible and mature for my age. And if parents are interested but unsure because of my age I was thinking I could invite them to come see what I can play and see if that would reassure them.
I'm also planning on charging only $10-12 per half-hour. Regular teachers here charge between $15-25 per half-hour. 

[Bob]

Yes.  Go for it.  It will only make you better at teaching and if someone is willing to pay, they probably already have their expectations set.

[pianoplayer88]

Well, first I have to get my parent's permission...And then I have to figure out what my siblings can do to be quiet. (I'm the oldest of 6 kids.) I also have to make sure I get my school done in the morning. (Because I'm homeschooled, and my family usually continues some school throughout the summer.)

[Bob]

I still say go for it.  You don't have much to lose.  Even if it flops, you'll still get something out of it.

The people who would be hiring you would aware of the situation.  If you're 15 and you're probably telling them you're just starting out.  They take a chance that way, but probably save a little on the price of the lessons. 

Maybe get someone to mentor you on teaching.  Someone you can ask questions.  Beyond this website.

[pianoplayer88]

My parents are still questioning it. Do you know if you have to be qualified? My mom just read your replies and she said it probably would look good on my college transcript. I'm planning on going to college for music ed anyways, so at least I'll have some experience.

[pianochick93]

I wanted to teach piano, but my mum questioned it because she said that we don't have a clean enough house, and we aren't always home at the same time.

[Bob]

No one's going to teach you.  You learn pretty much on your own, by yourself, by doing it yourself.  The sooner you start, the faster you'll get better.  And if you've got someone willing to pay you, you make some money too.  You can basically use that student as a guniea pig.  Yes, you might mess them up a little, but that's how the whole situation is. 

Music ed?  Definitely do it then.  You'll get more out of all the ed classes if you've done some type of teaching.  Not to mention it will impress any music ed profs if you've taught.  You'll have that as a perspective. 

Except since it's before you graduate high school, you really can't use it too much for the actual resume for later.  If you're in an interview you can always say, "Why I've been teaching since I was 15," which is a bad thing at all.

What you will want is someone to ask questions to who can mentor your teaching.  Although that could really be someone here, not necessarily in person.  But someone who's doing that or has done that and can guide you out of a bad situation fast, if that happens.  That's good for the experimental studnet and good for you to learn from someone else's experience right away.

Maybe take notes too about what you're thinking about during the teaching process.  Later on you can look back and see what the challenges were.

Eventaully too, if you're going on teaching, you'll have to do this anyway.  You'll have to start somewhere.  It will be easier if you've already started.  It's not quite as easy to get actual teaching experience during college.

And if you document it, you might even be able to use it as observation hours for the music ed program, although I'm really doubting that.  Usually, you have to have someone sign off on a form, but this type of experience is a lot better than any kind of observation where you just sit and watch.

The only big negative I'm thinking of is that you might mess up a student, but I'm guessing this student or their parents can look at you and size up your experience, plus you're telling them, so they know what they're getting into.  Just from playing the instrument, you have a lot to offer them.  Whether you know how to teach it perfectly... You can probably get something across to them that's valuable just by demonstrating things.  Don't be afraid to mess up a few students.  You have to start somewhere and people after years or teaching still don't quite know what they're doing.

I would look at it like a teaching laboratory situation.  If the student/parent is ok with it, I might even try to video tape the lessons and then you'd have that to critque later too. 

The support for you is the only thing I would wonder about but really that type of advice you can get here.  It would be great to have someone actually watch your teaching, but... Actually I think that's pretty rare to have someone do that.  And if they aren't a music teacher, that advice can be pretty worthless.  The big point is -- You learn it mostly on your own by doing it and by thinking about it.  But it's mostly yourself.  No class or anything will do that for you.  And you've got a chance to get moving on that.  And you're going for music ed.  It's practically begging for it.  You don't have much to lose at all.

There are other websites and forums about piano teaching too.  You can get advice from them too.

Some of the critiquing is just common sense too.  Doesn't matter what age you or the student is.  Did the student understand?  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell that.

I'm thinking a more experienced teacher just has more confidence, doesn't have to analyze themself so much, already has a basic plan (curriculum) down in their mind, and already has their speeches about standard topics down pat. 

Good luck.

[pianochick93]

^^ it's after posts like that that I wish PS has a rep system.

[Bob]

A rep system? 


The situation sounds ike a gimmie.  Someone's going to pay you and let you use them to get teaching experience. 

I wouldn't go all out on it though.  You can analyze it to death.  Expect and do about the same amount of lesson time for planning.  30 minute lesson, 30 minutes planning.  At least.  Maybe an hour, but don't go overboard. 

I would just get the primer, recital, and theory books for the student and do 'cookie cutter' teaching.  Just copy someone's ideas.  Then figure what's good or not for you.  The downside for early stuff is, at least for me, that I bought the same set of books the student had, so that kind of knocked out some 'profit.'  But then they couldn't ever say they forget the book.  Lessons went on.  That way I had my own copy and could plan ahead for what they're assignment would be and what we would do during lessons.  I suppose it paid off with a few more students, but it was a pain at the beginning.   Before they even take a lesson, you've spent the money they would pay you and then some. 

Have a place lined up to get those materials.  A local music business probably has them.  Tell them to bring a notebook for their assignments.  Write down a quick copy of their assignment for yourself -- maybe -- because sometimes they forget their lesson book.  Soemtimes they "forget" stuff. 

Search around on this site or others for beginning lesson teachign ideas.  It's simple stuff.  Bubble hand, Hot Cross Buns on the black keys.  And getting to know the student.  After that, it's a matter of going through the book and teachign them how to practice.  The summer will be over before you know it.

[a-sharp]

If there is a jr. college nearby that has a piano pedagogy class you could take, you could probably earn credit for that - I know I did that same thing (art & dance classes) when I was in high school.

If you happened to choose to use the Faber books, they have a ton of info on their website to support their materials, including videos that you can get ideas from (NAYY).

Also - there is a LOT of info here:
https://www.serve.com/marbeth/piano.html ...

I wish I'd have started when I was younger. I have learned the most about teaching, by actually teaching, though I love to simply observe other teachers teach.

Anyway - good luck & keep us posted.

[pianochick93]

A rep system? 

Yeah, you give people position reputation points for a good post and negative reputation points for a bad post.

[pianoplayer88]

I actually already know which curriculum I'm going to use.

Piano Adventures   by Nancy and Randall Faber


They're the same books I used with my teacher. There's the Primer books, Level 1, Level 2A and 2B, Level 3A and 3B, Level 4, and Level 5. By the time I got to level 5 I decided I didn't want to do the books anymore and switched to classical music. Almost each level has a lesson book, a technique book, and a theory book. I learned a lot from those books and it's a curriculum I am already familiar with. I was going to ask students to bring a notebook, which is what I also do with my teacher. And Bob, I like that idea of writing down what I gave to them so I know what they practiced when they come back.

I've also decided where I am going to get the books. My favorite sheetmusic website is sheetmusicplus.com.

I also think that if a beginner over the age of 13 wants to do it, I'll teach them too. The only reason I said 13 and under is because I don't know if someone would like me teaching them if I'm younger than they are. But if they want lessons at a cheap price then that's what they'll get!

Thank you Bob and a-sharp for all your information and advice. I will definitely follow some of it. I will keep you posted and if you have any more advice, I definitely welcome it.

[dan101]

It's not too early for you to start some piano teaching. Try to stay organized, in terms of student payment schedules, and don't take pupils that are too close to your playing level (you have to be able to sight read your new student's work, after all). Best of luck and congratulations.

[jaypiano]

Check out this blog, full of good advice:

 https://staff.missouriwestern.edu/users/bhugh/practicetips/

[rainthee]

yea..go for it!
and one will learn more when you teach.
I'm starting to teach next month too

[hunkyhong]

i see many people being extremely supportive, but i'm afraid that i'll have to burst your bubble. You're 15 years old. I don't know many parents who would send their children to a 15 year old student, for piano lessons. Granted, you're still taking lessons; but i'm not doubting your ability (because i don't know you). But i think it would be wise to learn more and PRACTICE before teaching anyone. Yes, teaching is nice, its pleasurable, rewarding, and it provides some mean of income. But how do you expect to get better and be a knowledgable teacher without practice yourself? many people don't realize that even as teachers, we need to practice and always improve ourselves. If teachers don't practice, then...well we wouldn't need them to teach us! so i suggest by first practicing like crazy and working your butt off, then start teaching when you feel ready enough.

[pianochick93]

But there isn't anything wrong with being 15 and taking on a beginning student. I would feel comfortable doing it, and my piano teacher would feel comfortable with me doing it as well, it's just mum that wont let me.

I say go for it. It's experience, and that's where learning comes from.

[a-sharp]

Pianochick ~

You're mum won't let you teach??

I had my first job at 15 I think... I *wish* it would have been teaching piano, instead of serving cafeteria food to elderly people (not that there's anything wrong with that, just that teaching would have been so much more useful for me to have started at that age).

Maybe give it a year or so - she'll come around, no??

[pianochick93]

Pianochick ~

You're mum won't let you teach??

It's not an experience thing, it's an organization thing. As a family we are all over the place, only adhering to schedules when we have to (and sometimes not even then!)

[concerto_love]

Oh, I see... But I'm teaching at elementary since I'm 12  , kinda part time I guess

[pianoplayer88]

Oh well, it doesn't really matter now. I talked with my parents and they don't think I'm experienced enough with life to do it. I'm kind of upset about it, but in a way I agree with them. I mean, what if I get a student who needs an easier way of learning something? Will I be able to come up with something on the spot? Hopefully you get my point...

So, it's not going to happen.   At least not for a while........

[concerto_love]

Oh, I see... yeah, I got it.... 

[a-sharp]

Well... one thing I've found is, the more I teach, the more I learn how to teach. It's part problem solving. You can read all day about how to do it, and watch other people teach, but you really can't grow until you're actually *doing* it. My guess is, you would surprise yourself, and them. I mean, I surprise myself all the time - and that is what makes it so much fun.

anyway - good luck!

[joyfulmusic]

Absolutely go for it.  One of the great advantages of home schooling is that you can start your real life before graduating from high school.  Why on earth do you need a degree to teach someone how to sit at the piano and find middle C?  And I totally agree with the post that you learn to teach while you teach.  i get students referred to me all the time who leave a teacher that is all structure and no heart.  Some students will actually do better because they can relate to you at 15 better than an adult.  Another advantage... you will become a better pianist along the way. 

[Bob]

Aw too bad.  I was just chekcing in to see what was happening.  I was thinking just teaching one kid would be fine. 

[sageev]

First, I would not be able to recommend to any person whether to teach or not without meeting them. And even then, I don't really know how they would be as teachers. So, most of this discussion is highly "theoretical".

Second, the business about having to "practise really hard" before you earn the right to teach is interesting but not always true. if a person has something to offer a student, and is aware of the limits of their knowledge, then i trust them to teach (in that regard). i'm inclined to be much more concerned about teachers who think they know a lot more than they know, regardless of how hard they practised. I don't know you, but the fact you are asking so many questions, and open to input, suggests to me that you are confident in a healthy way and not overly-confident. that's awesome. congrats to you and to your teachers! I do agree, though, that if you have, e.g. 2 hours per day to spend on music, and you spend 1.5 of those hours on teaching, then you might reconsider your priorities, but that doesn't sound like it is the case.

finally, i imagine the worst that can happen is that you are mean to people (turning them off of music permanently), or forcing them to do something unhealthy (eg. "practise this single exercise every day until your muscles burn"). both of those seem unlikely. so in that case, the worst might be that at some point the lessons do not feel successful in one way or another. that's not so bad, and learning to deal with that honestly is not a bad skill either. you could even offer to give the first lesson or two for free depending on the students' satisfaction, and take pressure off yourself at the same time.

again, i don't know you, so all i can go on are the emails you sent and my default "biases". so, take this advice for what it's worth (maybe very little!). further, i just saw the last posting indicating that perhaps this is not even up for discussion at this point, as well, but perhaps these thoughts will be of value in the future.
all the best.

[morningstar]

It's never too young to start. I started at 13 and had 6 students by the timei finished school and only cut back because of TAFE and other commitments. Go for it, get advice from other teachers maybe and forums. Utilising your teacher's teaching methods will help too, ask around as well.

[pianoplayer88]

I really want to do it...My parents won't let me though. I've talked with my piano teacher about it and she was willing to give advice and stuff if I needed help...

[morningstar]

I really want to do it...My parents won't let me though. I've talked with my piano teacher about it and she was willing to give advice and stuff if I needed help...

Ever notice how when someone wants to do something the parents are in the way? lol. Guess there's nothing to do about it then

[Bob]

I don't see anything wrong with taking a few students.  If you go on, you'll want that beginning teaching done, the sooner the better.

Ask your parents when you will be ready to teach.  Do they want you to wait until after college and not be competitive with other people?

Whoever signs up with you knows what they're getting into, or has some awareness at least.  But you're cheaper than someone with experience which is probably way they would sign up.  Cheap and convenient.  These people won't care or even notice if you make some mistakes teaching, so it's not a bad way to start.  The kid might not practice though if they're not serious about it, but hey, you still get to break in your teaching skills that way.

And you've got a piano teacher above you to help guide you.  Another positive.  You've got them and then this forum for advice.  That's great stuff.

I see it as being equivalent to doing some tutoring.  Would your parents have a problem with you doing that? 

From what I've seen, you basically dive in and figure things out on your own.  Even with all the training in the world, you still have to work out what works for you and make some mistakes along the way.  It's better to get that done as soon as you can. 

[tompickle]

I think you are definitely old enough to teaching piano at 15, as long as you can set your mind to it. My mother-in-law has been playing the organ for her church choir since she was 12, and teaching piano full time since sometime shortly after that, so it can definitely be done.

Good luck!

[keypeg]

There are two things that I take very seriously.  One is being a music student, and the other is being a teacher.  A music student is not an object which you use to make mistakes on until you know how to teach.  A carpentry student can throw away a dud piece of wood, but students are people with hopes and aspirations.  Above all, not a beginner!  This is where you set up the foundations for everything that comes afterward.  That student will be stuck with crooked foundations and struggle with that in anything else they do.  An intermediate student who is below your own level but does have some kind of decent foundation which you, as teacher, can use, instead of building, would be much safer, no?

I understand that method books are written by people who have some idea of pedagogy, so they have done the planning for you.  They explain things and organize things, and as a teacher you can continue that explaining.

Can there not be some kind of informal apprenticeship system?  What if a student gets one student with a teacher's supervision and advice, so he starts learning how to teach?  Would that not make sense?  Or - I once heard of an idea called "practice buddy", where a good and advanced student is paired with a beginner and they literally prctice together.  The teacher tells the "buddy" what his goals are for the beginner, so the "buddy" is actually helping to teach, getting insights into some of the difficulties and confusions beginners have, and getting insight behind some of his teacher's methods?  Wouldn't that be a good stepping stone?

I have received valuable advice and insights as well as guidance by a teen, though I was some 30 years older, so that is possible.  But you want to know what you are doing, know how to set goals, plan for them and carry them out  - that kind of thing, no?