I am a new piano teacher and have had five pupils going since February/March time. However, I have only got them as far as the middle of book three of the John Thompsons Easiest Piano Course and wonder if anyone could give me a rough idea of how long it takes a new pupil to reach Grade 1. (Most of the pupils are 9/10 years old). In other words, am I going at roughly the right pace or not!

Any help much appreciated.

Kay

Kay they sound like their doing really well. Up to two years is perfectly normal to gets someone to Grade 1. But it does sound like they are ready to do a prep test. Try supplementing the John Thompson with some proper pieces and the Blue Dozen a Day book. The add the scales! That will give you a much better idea.

Have you thought of getting them to do a Preparatory Test as offered by ABRSM? It can be good for that age of pupil, in that it takes the sting out of the exam. It's a positive evaluation of their playing and the emphasis is on fun rather than assessment. Apparently the more frequently failed grade is Grade I and this is a way of letting them see the whole examination treadmill in a more friendly light before they actually set foot on it properly. The examiner does make suggestions if necessary about posture, hand positions etc, but overall it is a very encouraging experience and the beauty of it for the candidate is that they get their little feedback sheet to take away with them then and there. I wouldn't put a child of 11+ through a prep test as they usually find the idea rather insulting. However, maybe for the age group of your pupils...

All the best to you; it certainly sounds like you're doing everything right at the moment. And well on schedule.

LR

With my private pupils, with good support from the parents (I mean encouragement), the majority of children seem to reach the standard of Grade 1 between 18 months and 2 years. There have been some exceptions in either ways. The pupils I teach at schools, however, take longer on average, possibly because they only receive 30 lessons a year and if they missed lessons, it is not always possible to give alternative times. And the lack of regular contact with parents...

I am not so familiar with the method books you are using but in approach to Grade 1, I would introduce some other materials, as well as simple duets. They can start developing listening skills...

Enjoy teaching!

Sounds like they are doing well so far! I would definitely reccommend the Prep Test, like others have mentioned, especially for the younger ones. I have found it very useful with my students

Thanks for all your help and guidance. I will certainly be looking into the prep test.

K