Hi Everyone,

My piano teacher is about to retire.. and I need to find myself a new one. Whilst my teacher has been fantastic she doesn't know of any other experienced teachers in my area. So I am stuck. I've looked in the Yellow Pages but it's all so confusing. I am taking grade 8 year this and want to carry on playing maybe for diploma at some point but more importantly I want to carry on improving and increasing my repertoire. Also performing is important to me so I would prefer my teacher to organise regular concerts for their students. . So I want to find myself a really good teacher, someone who perhaps has had a performing career and a lot of experience in teaching. I'd also like to start accompanying singers/other musicians. Am I asking a lot? I don't think so. At least I hope not!! I did think that perhaps I should go to a newly qualified teacher who is full of enthusiasm for music, what is more important here? experience or enthusiasm?

Anyway any help would be appreciated. It's quite daunting really. I've been with my teacher a long time but it did take a while to get used to each other. I'll really miss my lessons with her - she really inspires me and this is what I want in a new teacher.

Hope someone can give me some advice on how to find myself a new teacher.

Thanks

Its awful when this happens, I had to find a new teacher at Grade 6.

The best place to start is www.ism.org which has a register of teachers in your locality and their qualifications.

Hi pianolady

Have you tried visiting your local music shop. One that sells pianos and sells music (abrsm) would be best. you will find that they will have a list of teachers.

Hi pianolady

Another good place to try is the music department in local secondary schools/university.

QUOTE

So I want to find myself a really good teacher, someone who perhaps has had a performing career and a lot of experience in teaching. I'd also like to start accompanying singers/other musicians. Am I asking a lot? I don't think so. At least I hope not!! I did think that perhaps I should go to a newly qualified teacher who is full of enthusiasm for music, what is more important here? experience or enthusiasm?

If I was in your position I would go for somebody with more experience. Let me add I have nothing against newly qualified teachers, we all have to start somewhere, but I think an experienced teacher will be able to meet your needs more.

Hi Pianolady,

Commiserations !! The ism idea is a good one.

You might also try www.musicteachers.co.uk

where you will find a list of teachers in your area, and in some cases a little information about them.

I agree with Lucia, experience is good to have at this level.

good luck in the search

Maggie

You could also look on the EPTA web-site - loads of experienced piano teachers in all areas. Also, are you anywhere near a music college or uni? The staff who teach the Saturday courses at music colleges can sometimes have time available during the week.
I would agree that an experienced teacher would probably be better for your needs. Ask any teacher who's been teaching for a while how their work now compares with that of 5 or 10 years ago. I think without exception that they'll all say their teaching gets better every year
Finally, you could be prepared to travel a bit outside your immediate area to find the right teacher for you. I think it's worth it .
Helen