Finding a teacher

[tessitura]

I'm considering taking piano lessons as an adult, and would like some pointers on how to find a teacher for my specific situation.  Any advice?

I'm stuck at the intermediate to advanced-intermediate level, due to being mostly self-taught after childhood lessons.  I can sight-read very well, and play expressively.  However, I have bad habits, such as over-reliance on sustain pedal, a tendency for my fingers to collapse while playing, and looking at my hands for leaps.  I also deal with occasional hand stiffness that makes rapid playing very difficult.  I want to be able to eventually play more advanced pieces, and play more consistently.

Are there teachers out there who have the patience for some beginner-retraining, but can address more advanced music, too?  My son's music school said nope, not there.  Universities, maybe?

[dogperson]

Yes, there are piano teachers that have the patience for re-training, while at the same time training for more advanced  music.   What is important is the interview you have with the teacher :   discuss your goals, your weaknesses, what you have identified as needing retraining.   Ask the teacher if they have taught other adults in a similar situation.  See if you can take a trial lesson.

I don't know where you live, but you might look at members of a local music teacher's association, the university, or recommendations from your piano tech (they are a GREAT resource about area teachers, IMHO!)

I know these teachers are out there--- as I found a great one two years ago:  able to help me correct bad habits while still progressing.   

[c_minor]

Yeah, try universities. I'm currently enrolled in an extension program by a conservatory and making good progress (I think  ).

You could also get a trial lesson as suggested, but note that it may not be sufficient to judge the teacher. One of my previous teachers was nice and all during my first lesson, but looked like he lost patience around the fifth lesson because I could not follow the metronome while playing Hanon (it was my first time playing with a metronome). Can't believe he locked me in the room with the metronome ticking at 120 bpm for almost the whole hour. 

[dogperson]

Yeah, try universities. I'm currently enrolled in an extension program by a conservatory and making good progress (I think  ).

You could also get a trial lesson as suggested, but note that it may not be sufficient to judge the teacher. One of my previous teachers was nice and all during my first lesson, but looked like he lost patience around the fifth lesson because I could not follow the metronome while playing Hanon (it was my first time playing with a metronome). Can't believe he locked me in the room with the metronome ticking at 120 bpm for almost the whole hour. 

Absolutely, one trial lesson may not be the end result but it should give you a general idea of teaching skills and whether she/he can give clear guidance on correcting at least one bad habit......  with the first lesson with my current teacher, it was easy and quick to determine that she had the skills to teach me.   I brought two scores which I played for her and she immediately had clearly articulated, valid corrections which she was able to also demonstrate corrections.  The pedagogical question of suitability was solved. 

BUT it took several months for us to warm up to each other.   I'm glad I didn't make an instant decision to leave based on personality.

[c_minor]

Agree with what you said. What I was trying to point out in my first reply was that other teachers may be inconsistent with their teaching. Like you, I also thought that my previous teacher was going to be a good fit, as he was able to help me address my bad habits during the first lesson. Unfortunately, he would go out during some lessons to do some errands or chat with his wife.  And I was stuck with him for 10 lessons!

OP may also want to stalk his/her potential teacher on the internet to find reviews. 

[louispodesta]

I have spent, off and on over the last ten years, looking for a Concerto Coach.  The basic problem was that most piano teachers do not have two good quality Grand Pianos as part of their (Home-based) studio.  And further, (after two highly credentialed teachers) they do not even remotely have the Pedagogical skills to coach me.

University Piano Professors "supposedly do," but if I wanted to degrade myself on that level (Again!), I would never do so.  Nevertheless, I have actually emailed two very qualified teachers (per their Department Chair recommendation) and neither of those "Professors" even replied.

However, in that my goal is to perform Piano Concertos at the same level as my solo repertoire, I persevered.  Accordingly, I have found a marvelous DMA, who actually knows how to teach on multiple levels, and her coaching skills are top level.

Therefore, per the OP:  Yes, it is possible to not only find a good teacher, but, to also find a great teacher.

[tenk]

What do you need a concerto coach for when you can sightread two concertos a day?

However, I came up with a methodology of my own which allowed me to then sight-read the notes to 47 piano concertos (two a day) in the next five years.

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=62528.msg668917#msg668917

[louispodesta]

What do you need a concerto coach for when you can sightread two concertos a day?

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=62528.msg668917#msg668917

Sight reading through a piece, or pieces, is nowhere near the same level of proficiency as performing/playing the notes in an "up to tempo,/ performance ready fashion" (especially Concerto Repertoire).

That is the level of instruction I have now, and, trust me, it is a true rarity and a joy.

I am doing things now at the piano that I never thought imaginable at my age.  She is that good!

Thanks for your question.

[timothy42b]

I'm considering taking piano lessons as an adult, and would like some pointers on how to find a teacher for my specific situation.  Any advice?

Teachers for adults are out there but much harder to find.

The only way I know is word of mouth, if you're looking for in person lessons.  Start making contacts with other musicians.  Go to concerts even if it's a community band or <horrors> orchestra.  Ask at recitals.  Talk to church organists. 

Honestly depending on your area you may have better luck with Skype.