HELP Finding Good Teacher

[mattzart]

How do I determine if a teacher is really good and how do I know what I should be learning so that I do not waste my time? I would like to follow some sort of standardized method so that there is no questions as to what I need to be doing so that I may one day become a great Pianist.

[mattzart]

I would appreciate any and all help.... thanks

[p2u_]

How do I determine if a teacher is really good and how do I know what I should be learning so that I do not waste my time? I would like to follow some sort of standardized method so that there is no questions as to what I need to be doing so that I may one day become a great Pianist.

I think you start off by limiting yourself unnecessarily.
1) Any teacher who says he/she can make a "great pianist" out of you is lying. Much will depend on you, not on him/her.
2) On the one hand, you want a standardized method, but on the other hand, you want to become a "great pianist". Those two conceptions contradict each other.
3) Becoming a "great pianist" is everybody's dream, but few achieve that goal, even if they have the best teacher they could wish for. Set yourself some more realistic goals and just see what happens.

Finding a teacher who is formally good (diploma's, recognized by Teacher's Associations, etc.) is not that difficult, but it's still like in the lottery: how can WE know in advance how YOUR interpersonal relationship with that teacher is going to be? A teacher whose students win local competitions *could* also be a parameter, but it could just as well be the wrong choice for you.

Paul

[mattzart]

@Paul:

Thanks for your reply. What I meant by "Pianist" was simply get to a point where I can pick up most sheet music and be able to play it. I guess I didn't choose the best wording. I am not trying to become some well known player and perform. I would just like to get to a level where I do not have difficulty playing sheet music and maybe (if possible) learning how to "play by ear"

[pytheamateur]

A good piano teacher needs to have at least 3 qualities:

1)Be a good pianist
2)Be able to explain things to students and help them improve
3)Have a decent piano on which to teach

I'm finding 3) to be very especially important.  You might take lessons with a concert pianist who is able to teach, but you won't be getting much out of him if he is struggling financially to have a decent piano to teach on.

[mattzart]

Where would you suggest a good place to look for a teacher would be? I have my own Piano so that is not an issue.

[chopin2015]

Ask people you know if they have a friend. Go to university, ask there. Craigslist.