Hello, I'm new to this all and hope I've done right so far, I am 23 and have a grade 8 certificate in Piano and would love some information on what qualifies someone to teach piano. Where do I start? If anyone has any information to help please let me know!
Thanx T

Hi Tanja, welcome to the forums! As there is currently no minimum requirement for teaching, there's no reason why you shouldn't. Some people think they are good enough with grade 3 (which I don't) others wait until they get to grade 8.

This is a popular topic here, so try a search and see the previous replies!
There's also a thread about minimum qualifications students expect their teachers to have.

Officially you can set up as a piano teacher at any time without any qualifications (not advisable...). Some qualities people might look for not in any specific order (I'm sure people can add others):

• Good solid piano technique and knowledge so that you won't pass on bad habits, and indeed have some good ones to pass on ;
• Good musical understanding and interest in music so you know how to get your pupils to understand things and play musically;
• To be introspective so that you can work out why and how you do things to explain them to your pupils;
• Good communication skills so that you can get your pupils to understand what you want them to do;
• Enthusiasm for teaching and friendliness to make sure your pupils enjoy things and keep them interested.

I've probably missed something terribly important from that list but someone will no doubt make an addition....

If you're interested in teaching and have these qualitites it might be good for you to start perhaps with the supervision of your own teacher (assuming you have one) so that you can ask him/her about anything you get stuck on. By supervision I don't mean they watch your lessons just that you can ask them for help and advice to make sure things are going okay.

Good luck .

I think a degree of flexibility is also useful - I make lesson plans for every lesson, but I often have to depart from it if a problem has been thrown up (no I don't mean school lunches!! ) or the pupil has a problem with something or an intelligent question etc. and also the ability to tailor lessons to the individual pupil, recognising that no 2 pupils are ever the same, so what works for one may not work for all.

Oh and of course, infinite patience and a good sense of humour.........!!

True! I'm in the fortunate position of having a teacher who has that and then some

And patience!!!!