Could I Teach??

[sunshine_keys]

Hello!

I've been playing for about a year and a half and just finished level 4 of Bastien piano series. I was wondering if you guys think I would be able to teach? My cousin was taking piano, but her teacher wasn't teaching her to read.. she was just teaching her to memorize. And from what I can tell was not teaching her in a good way. My aunt would like me to sit down with her and see where she's at with piano, because she thinks she has the ability to learn and play good. I would like to start teaching, just to bring in some extra money, and I think it helps out a pianist too. What do you guys think?

I think I could do it...but I just wanted to know what you guys think first..cause maybe I'm completely crazy. haha

[Bob]

Yes, go teach.  You don't have to be an expert about it.  No one ever is.  You just pick up more as you go along. 

You'll make some money (although not much because it will extra time at first to figure out what to do).  You get some experience, see if you like teaching.  And if the parent is willing (dumb enough) to pay someone with no experience to teach their kid, they get what they get.  Most likely the parent will be trying to give their kid a taste of music and see if they're a great prodigy... Or just to give a taste and be able to say their kid took piano lessons.  With the number that quit after a few lessons, a few years, or that most people stop playing after high school I wouldn't worry too much about messing people up. 

So yes, teach.  What do you really have to lose?  The worst case scenario is that you scar someone for life and they don't become what they might have on the piano, but that's fairly unlikely I would think.

[sunshine_keys]

Thanks for the encouragement. I doubt I will be paid at first.. since she is family. And I don't even know if I am going to do it. I was thinking about letting my little sister be my guinea pig. 

[Bob]

Do it for pay.  It's more professional that way.  The parents will take it more seriously.

[sunshine_keys]

Yes, I would if she wasn't family. I don't expect to be paid at first with them. I am sure if I start teaching then they will pay..

Plus I'm young...so.. like I said before I don't expect it.

[Bob]

Whatever minimum wage is or find out what the going rate for the area is (just call/email/contact other music teachers and ask, asking as if you wanted to take lessons or someone you know wants to take lessons, and leave out that you want to teach -- You're their competition.) 

Either way, for someone in the future, you can advertise yourself a little as already having taught.  Just leave out if you didn't get paid. 

[sunshine_keys]

I definitely agree with you! Thanks again!

[quantum]

Be honest with your experience when asked.  There may be a pool of students and parents that are weary of going to a more "serious" teacher.  Many times these folks are put off by the long term commitment and dedication it takes to learn an instrument. 

I would be cautious about teaching family, especially for a first student.  Family can be much more difficult to teach and enforce discipline due to the already established kinship relations.  Search the forum for topics on teaching family.  I would recommend you start with complete strangers as opposed to family. 

Teaching requires a different skill set than playing.  Be prepared to learn these teaching skills as you go along.