Starting Teaching Part-time Options

[William]

Hello!

I am a pianist and have finished the grades, currently working towards AB's performance diploma for Summer 07 and due to start studying Music A-Level at my local college in September, and I would like to teach piano part-time. I am 17 in December (I know, this is young to teach!) and am aware of the advantages and disadvantages this gives me, one being that I can't take AB's teaching diploma until I am 18 - quite some time away - and thus I will be less qualified and skilled than I/pupils/pupils' parents would like. Hopefully this shouldn't be too much of a problem, considering I will take this seriously and maturely? Not to blow my own trumpet in any way, but I am told I have 'an old head on young shoulders' - surely something important in the teaching field!

I taught 2 young boys about a year ago and they progressed remarkably (due to being studious Taiwanese/Korean lads and, hopefully, due in part to me...! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ). They had to return to their home countries, but I have started teaching a (difficult, non-practising) pupil. I have prepared for the lessons and used the Pianotime books and Dozen-A-Day technical exercises amongst others but I'm still nervous about where to take any future pupils. I'm fairly confident on knowing how and what to correct as far as playing technique, practising technique, etc. but the idea of introducing someone, often young in age, to music is a scary thought. What should be the first things to talk to them about and how? If I do some 'trial lessons' with children or adults who have no previous knowledge of music, what should I do??? Surely some light theory before sitting at the piano?

Also, would you perhaps recommend sitting in on my teacher's lessons and try to learn as much as possible from his technique, provided he is happy about this?

Sorry if I am being a forum noob and asking common questions, but from a search through the forum I thought this seemed a rather more unusual topic! Hope you agree (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Any help would be fantastic! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[arabesque]

Hello!

... If I do some 'trial lessons' with children or adults who have no previous knowledge of music, what should I do??? Surely some light theory before sitting at the piano?...

Hi William, I usually do a few trial lessons before taking on new pupils. This can assure you that the pupil is eager, likes you and willing to work. You can get kids/ pupils who just don't take to you. As far as content goes I generally test their aural with some simple music games similar to the Prep test, clapping pulse, copying rhtyhms, even singing/humming (i find this good as if you do it from day one they are less likely to be nervous about it later). We talk about our hands, finger numbers layout of keyboard, groups of black notes etc. (See if they can already read music, background etc.) see if they can copy simple tunes on the keys - do they recognise tunes. Notes higher + lower. etc etc i could go on if you like!!!! This cna take up to 1/2 hour to get through. Find out what they like.

Hope this helps

[SuzyMac]

Hello!

Go for it. You sound keen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) If you can instill a love of the instrument into your pupils as well as help them to learn the physical bits (playing, posture, etc.), the mental bits (listening, appreciating, etc.) and the theory bits (which dot does what and why, etc.) then you'll be swimming (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

By all means sit in on your teacher's lessons, but remember that (s)he won't be perfect!

[JudithJ]

I'm not a teacher, and don't know the answer to any of your questions. However, I am filled with admiration for your desire to start away from the keyboard and be a music teacher rather than 'just' a piano teacher.

Bravo.

[William]

Thanks a lot everyone - very encouraging!
I'm studying some piano teaching books I got from the library and they're proving very useful, echoing the bits of advice you're giving me. And thanks Judith J - while the thought of teaching someone 'music (and musicianship!)' rather than solely 'piano' is scary and slightly humbling, I think it's something that must be taught eventually when learning an instrument and, as with most things, starting early is better. nonetheless, eeeeeeeeeeeeek! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

So to what degree should I implement the listening, appreciating, etc. to a young child? Perhaps just ask them what it sounds like? Frilly? Happy? Sad? etc? I don't want to snow them in big words (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[AnnC]

Do you still have a teacher? I guess you must if you are working towards a dip. Why not ask them for advice? I still use my teacher as a mentor (am still having occasional lessons), as I have since I started teaching, and act as mentor for my students who are teaching. That way there's no guessing and good quality teaching coming down "from the top".
Good luck.