Level and skill at piano for teaching

[spamspam123]

Hello,  I have taught piano for about eight years and my students are strictly at elementary level.  I have a music degree in music education band emphasis.  I have played piano for 27 years a few lessons but mostly self taught.  I try to practice every day.  In the past I have practiced only my own compositions and improvisations.  At reading and playing, and sight-reading I am at late elementary level.  At playing by ear and playing jazz tunes I am much more advanced.  I have a very high level of theory knowledge.  I compose a lot for myself and for students.  I love piano music --I grew up listening to it.  I love Chopin, Liszt and Beethoven.  I can play Moonlight Sonata and Solfeggietto by memory as well as Blue Monk and several of the Kind of Blue tunes by memory.  I have had as many as 20 students.    ANYWAY....I'm wondering if I should continue to teach elementary level students or stick to just brass, which is my main area.
I guess I need reassurance or a flat out--"don't do it!"  thanks

[iansinclair]

Well... I'd never say don't do it.  However, what I would suggest is to make sure that your own technique -- and hence the technique which you are passing to your students -- is fully sound.  To that end, I would also suggest that you might want to find a piano teacher -- a real live body, not some You[seless]Tube video -- to at least check your own technique.

In most cases, at elementary level, you are not likely to be really challenged by some child.  However, it surely could happen -- and if and when it does, you also should be prepared to say to yourself "this kid is beyond me, or will be soon" and be able to send her or him to a technically and musically well qualified piano teacher.

[ajspiano]

Agree with above, -

Just be honest about it if you find you can't manage something effectively. And genuninely care about doing the right thing. Maybe consider reading 1 or 2 books on piano teaching.

For example:
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Piano-Teaching-Comprehensive-Elementary-Level/dp/0739032224

[okanaganmusician]

Great question.

I began teaching piano after I took my grade 7 piano exam.  My teacher at the time recommended to not take students past the grade 2 piano level.  He felt as long as you were at least 5 grades ahead (there are only 10 in total in Canada) you would be qualified enough to deal with any questions/issues a student might have on a piece.

That's a quantitative answer.  As for the qualitative answer (far more important in my opinion), it's more about having proper and sound technique to be passing on to students.

Take a band situation for example (your area of expertise).  Do you think it's more important that a beginning band teacher knows how to play all the notes on each instrument for all songs just a little bit better than the students, or is it more important that they teach sound mechanics, embouchure, etc.?

I don't think being a teacher is all about your personal level of proficiency and expertise (although that is important!)...instead, focus on your basics, technique and make sure that strong foundation is in place for yourself (even if there's not much beyond that)...if you can teach that to a beginner (which is the only level you should be teaching at this point probably) you've done them the biggest service you can.

Hope this helps.

[spamspam123]

Agree with above, -

Just be honest about it if you find you can't manage something effectively. And genuninely care about doing the right thing. Maybe consider reading 1 or 2 books on piano teaching.

For example:
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Piano-Teaching-Comprehensive-Elementary-Level/dp/0739032224
Thanks for the replies people!!  I am practicing very hard at piano and I ordered the book you recommended...haven't got it yet....I have had a few different piano teachers and I find each has a different approach to technique...I have found after doing some research I have come across things I am doing anyway...I have taught students before to use fingers wrist arm and shoulder torso and posture....wrist staccato, wrist and arm lift for phrasing...I'm looking for a piano teacher...I live in a small town so not to many here.