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VanessaVH
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What ages did you start?
How did you find a teacher? Or do you teach yourself (if you teach, what would you recommend for someone with minimal piano knowledge I only took 1 summer of lessons when I was 3rd grade...)
What did you look for, ask about a teacher (are there certain methods to look for?)
DS1 is 5 1/2, showing some interest. (of course when I mentioned lessons to him, he told me matter of factly "Mom, I already know how to play the piano  ) We own a piano, and I think I would prefer a teacher that comes here...
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CatholicMommy
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I'm interested in age/timing as well.
I have a piano teacher picked out; we'll go to her house; but she's a close family friend and doesn't charge much 
When I ask my son (6 1/2) if he would like piano lessons, he says "NO!" very loud and clear, but in a tone of voice that says "yes, I would like to, but I don't want a big deal made of it; and I'm a little embarrassed by the whole thing and won't want everyone listening to me play" sort of voice. He LOVES to play, and seems to have a slight instinct with it - he has *always* had excellent rhythm and my grandmother has assured that he is very gentle on the keys and he picked up proper hand positions quite quickly (Grandma would teach him but she lives SO far away!).
The one thing I've been told with certainty is that it is best if the teacher is opposite gender of the student. I don't "get" the reasons for why, but I've heard it several times.
One method I've recently come across uses partial scales in the beginning of the first books; and it gets kids OUT of the basic finger position *very* quickly, really teaching them to move across the piano appropriately and smoothly. I think I would want my son to use this set if at all possible. I can't remember what it's called right now though!
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mamasue
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I started my 3 boys all just after turning 5.
They all reacted different. One did great with 15 minute lessons (and 2 yrs later still can only sit still for 15 minutes!)
another did great with 25-30 minute long lessons.
The other was begging for more after 30 minutes and is now up to almost an hour and sad when lessons come to an end.
It's amazing how different each child is!
The all also differ in how they practice. One I never have to remind to practice- he likes to practice several times a day. Another has to have me sitting right next to him to keep him on track while practicing. The other needs to be reminded but can do it his own.
I'd say give tell the teacher you would like to do lessons on a trial basis so you can get a feel of how it'll work for your family!
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mamasue
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Forgot to answer your questions..
I found a teacher by asking my local homeschool group for recomendations. I went with the teacher because she was cheapest and we started on a trial basis just in case I didn't think she was up to par! She was 16 which was great with the little guys! With the 5 yr olds I wasn't focused on finding the most accomplished teacher, butjust wanted to get them familiar with the piano etc
she used Alfreds basic and it seemed to be a good match
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stellamaris
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I took lessons for 10 years as a child, 2 as an adult. My dd's each studied for 6 years. I didn't let them start before about 7 years of age. Piano is challenging and takes a long time to learn to play well. Both of my daughters hit a "rough spot" after two years of lessons and wanted to quit. I told them to continue one more year and then if they wanted to, they could stop. They each decided to continue on, but if they had been much younger at that time I don't think they would have continued. On the other hand, a child needs to start fairly young as early piano playing affects the development of the finger bones which results in a better player later on.
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| How did you find a teacher? Or do you teach yourself (if you teach, what would you recommend for someone with minimal piano knowledge I only took 1 summer of lessons when I was 3rd grade...)What did you look for, ask about a teacher (are there certain methods to look for?) |
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I have both taught my children and had teachers for them. I would not suggest teaching if you are not a good player yourself. The best way to find a teacher is to ask around in your community. The gender of the teacher is irrelevant; I've never heard it mentioned at all as a criterion. More to the point would be the teacher's years of experience, whether or not they are a professional musician, and their teaching style. Some wonderfully knowledgeable and skilled players are way too critical and intense to successfully teach young children. You want a person who is positive and supporting, and yet can challenge their students. Most methods are fine for a beginner. However, I would make sure the teacher emphasizes the importance of learning notes early on. Some musically gifted children get away with learning by ear for a long time, and that is not so helpful later on.
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| DS1 is 5 1/2, showing some interest. (of course when I mentioned lessons to him, he told me matter of factly "Mom, I already know how to play the piano ) We own a piano, and I think I would prefer a teacher that comes here... |
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It is very nice to have your teacher come to your home if you can find one who does that. Your son's comment indicates to me that he may not be quite ready to start lessons yet. He needs to have a desire to work hard to learn more, but if he feels he already knows how he might not be willing to do that. You might encourage him to play a few simple songs, teach him a few basic notes and something about rhythm (whole, half, quarter notes, measure, time signature) and see how he does. Is he ready to listen and learn, or does he just want to "play" piano at this time? It's OK to let him "play"...there is plenty of time to work hard!
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stellamaris
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CatholicMommy wrote:
| One method I've recently come across uses partial scales in the beginning of the first books; and it gets kids OUT of the basic finger position *very* quickly, really teaching them to move across the piano appropriately and smoothly. I think I would want my son to use this set if at all possible. I can't remember what it's called right now though! |
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Could this possibly be The Stewart Method? I have seriously been considering using this for my younger boy, but have never actually seen the materials.
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Caroline
Wife to dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
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CatholicMommy
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stellamaris wrote:
CatholicMommy wrote:
| One method I've recently come across uses partial scales in the beginning of the first books; and it gets kids OUT of the basic finger position *very* quickly, really teaching them to move across the piano appropriately and smoothly. I think I would want my son to use this set if at all possible. I can't remember what it's called right now though! |
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Could this possibly be The Stewart Method? I have seriously been considering using this for my younger boy, but have never actually seen the materials. |
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Found it! It is The Music Tree (this article mentions it) - Amazon has the books on their 4-for-3 deal too.
The gentleman courting me uses this with some of his piano students, including his own daughter (who knows music having been in choir for 4 years). He really touts its benefits of getting the children out of the basic positions, in addition to other benefits I can't recall right now.
Here is the Amazon link
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Christine
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My two eldest started when they were 8 and 7. My oldest is still playing the piano.
The best piano teachers that I have found have been through our state's music teacher's association. The National Music Teachers Association provides links to state organizations. The MTA's teachers have recitals, adjudications, and opportunities to participate in piano-related activities.
I would recommend that you and your child meet with the prospective teacher beforehand.
Good luck!
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VanessaVH
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I spoke with a teacher who is a homeschool dad. He suggested I use the Bastien Primers with my son myself for another year or so and then start lessons.
He also said he would charge me $15 per lesson to come here because he is close to us (2-3 miles away) Is this reasonable??
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mom2mpr
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I only skimmed the responses above due to time but wanted to make a few suggestions.
Ds has been taking piano on and off since 7 years old. He was begging for lessons at 7 and we stumbled upon a wonderful female teacher for him. She was a 40 minute drive though. He outgrew her and we just played at home for a year or two. Then he seemed ready for more lessons again. I really didn't want to have to drive far again. There is a little college up the road with a music school. One day we took a "field trip" to the music school and were blessed with our current teacher by poking around in the office and classrooms and talking to people. His new teacher has been a great role model and is very laid back and flexible, inexpensive--and only 5 minutes away.
Some of the points I am going to throw out there FWIW:
Dh and I promised we'd never make our kids do lessons if they were truly miserable. Why? They don't need piano/violin to to get ahead in life. If music wasn't their talent, or they didn't at least enjoy it, why spend the money and time. Look for a new interest to develop.
Try to find an instructor who will work where the kid is with some variety. It is nice to go through a book but it is also nice to have them work on some "real" music that will teach the skill they are currently working on. Following a book totally, can be quite boring. Also, "having" to do a song they are just "toasting" on can cause a bad attitude. Ds's current teacher is awesome and realizes when he is pushing too much and backs down and finds a replacement song. It makes a world of difference.
Be creative and ask around at church, neighborhood, the high school, area colleges, etc.
For younger kids you need a special person. One that can make it fun. Has a playful nature.
For older kids, I have found around 10 or 11, they want to "use" their skills. Recitals are fun. Playing at a nursing home for the residents is wonderful. We are going to try a competition this year. My ds enjoys his lessons more when he can "share" his music.
I hope my insight helps. Ds does have some talent and we work hard to nurture it and not snuff it out. When he does finish with piano lessons we know he will use it as a lifelong tool for stress relief and enjoyment. That is if he doesn't become a famous concert pianist-which we doubt. Sports are a little more fun for a 13 year old boy-sigh....
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atara
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There is a new series for 5-6 year olds, but I've used it with four year olds. I love it and the CD is so cute and current.
http://pianoadventures.com/myfirst/My First Piano Adventure
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4Real Forums : The Arts in the Everyday
Topic: Piano Lessons
