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Piano Teachers: Finding The Right One For Adults

By Andrew Stratton
Jul 9, 2009
Did you wear down your parents when you were twelve and they finally let you quit? Were you too busy with sports and other extracurricular activities to have time for music?

Maybe your parents simply could not afford the lessons or the instrument. There are many reasons why grown-ups are learning to play the piano and if you are one of them, you are probably looking for an instructor. Remember, not all piano teachers are created equal and if you are an adult wanting to take lessons, you should choose your instructor carefully to ensure you get the most out of your tutorials.

First of all, you want to look for piano teachers who have experience with adult lessons. While most cater to children, the growing popularity among adults has created a need and many instructors are specializing in only adult lessons.

The reason this is important is that children learn differently than grown-ups. Piano teachers for adults should be able to discuss and interact on a mature level, realizing she doesn't have to simplify the details of theory and method. You can understand the intricacies of harmony and chords.

Also, you want someone you get along with personally. This is a voluntary thing and you have a choice. Your parents didn't drag you there kicking and screaming, you sought out the tutorials yourself. If your personalities clash, just like with kids, the classes are not going to be fun or successful.

You will dread each session and may never complete the task. You don't have to be big buddies with your instructor (you want the lesson to consist of music, not gossip!), but you should have a good rapport and respect each other.

Piano teachers don't have the easiest job. In fact it can be quite frustrating, so perform the tasks she has set for you and practice. These are basics and everyone learning the musical instrument has to do it. Now, as long as you don't waste her time, she will likely be open to letting you experiment with arranging, sight reading, improvisation and other fun aspects that take kids a long time to arrive at.

Talk to your other grown-up friends who are or have taken lessons and get referrals. Interview several musical instrument practitioners before hiring one. Make sure she can accommodate your work schedule as you may need evening or weekend classes. Once you have found the right instructor, expect to do some work.

Yes, it is fun, but there is studying involved and practice. Luckily, adults are more likely to complete their assignments and practice than kids are. This is because it is a voluntary thing and they are paying for it out of their own pockets, not mom and dad's.

Living breathing music teachers are the best approach to learning, even for adults who think they can teach themselves. The feedback, demonstrations and hands-on instruction are essential to really understanding how you are progressing. You can go through the motions with other methods, but taking up a module allows you to share the emotion of the music, to feel it-otherwise, everything just sounds like Chopsticks.
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