How to Find Qualified Piano Teachers for Children

There are many resources to help you find a piano teacher whose personality, experience and approach are a good fit for your child. Take advantage of local schools, music teachers and other parents who can lead you in the right direction. Just because a teacher comes highly recommended doesn't mean he is the best fit for your child.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Assess your child's level of interest in studying the piano. If you have a piano in your home, be sure your child has exposure to someone in the house playing it or the freedom to play it on his own. However, don't assume your child isn't ready for private music lessons just because he doesn't display an interest in music.

2. Before investing in lessons and a piano, ask your child's school music teacher what would be a good age to start. Ask the music teacher if your child has displayed interest in piano if you haven't been able to observe it on your own.

3. Start searching for a teacher. Ask teachers at school and other parents for recommendations. Call local music schools. Search the web for "piano teachers for children + area in which you live." Look for ads in your local newspaper.

4. Interview potential teachers. Ask about their teaching philosophy and the kind of music they teach (classical, jazz, popular). When your child is young, her interest will stay piqued if her teacher can teach her songs she knows. Consider how the teacher sounded on the phone: serious, dedicated, too mature for your child. Shop around until you find a good personality match, as you'll be making a financial and time investment in this person's services.

5. Ask about rates for 30-minute and 60-minute lessons. Some teachers offer 45-minute rates. Ask if they accept cash or check, and whether they require monthly payments or more upfront. Ask what times they have available for a weekly lesson.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're shelling out money for piano lessons and don't have a piano at home, do not purchase one until you're sure your child will continue. When shopping for teachers, ask if it's OK to start with an electronic keyboard to learn the basics. Buying one of those is thousands of dollars less than buying the real thing. At some point, you and your child's teacher will make an assessment of whether it's time to purchase a piano.
• Some teachers come to your house for lessons. This is a plus if you have more than one child, and the value of not having to travel is probably built into the rate.
• If you're a musician and think you can teach your child how to play an instrument, it may not be that easy. Young children may not be able to distinguish between a parent relationship and a teacher relationship if one person is both.
• If you do plan to purchase a piano, you can start with be a relatively cheap one for under $1,000 (just be sure it doesn't need $5,000 in conditioning and repairs).

Resources

• Finding private music teachers