Q&A for How to Teach Piano

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Can you teach piano without a degree?

Michael Noble, PhD
Professional Pianist
Michael Noble is a professional concert pianist who received his PhD in Piano Performance from the Yale School of Music. He is a previous contemporary music fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation and has performed at Carnegie Hall and at other venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Michael Noble, PhD

Professional Pianist

Expert Answer

You can, but I would recommend at least getting a teaching certificate to show that you are qualified.

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Question

How much money can you make as a piano teacher?

Michael Noble, PhD
Professional Pianist
Michael Noble is a professional concert pianist who received his PhD in Piano Performance from the Yale School of Music. He is a previous contemporary music fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation and has performed at Carnegie Hall and at other venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Michael Noble, PhD

Professional Pianist

Expert Answer

This depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, pedigree, and availability as a teacher.

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Question

What age should you start piano lessons?

Michael Noble, PhD
Professional Pianist
Michael Noble is a professional concert pianist who received his PhD in Piano Performance from the Yale School of Music. He is a previous contemporary music fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation and has performed at Carnegie Hall and at other venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Michael Noble, PhD

Professional Pianist

Expert Answer

Ideally, start piano lessons between the ages of 4 and 8. You can always start later but it may be more difficult to learn.

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Question

How long does it take to become a piano teacher?

Michael Noble, PhD
Professional Pianist
Michael Noble is a professional concert pianist who received his PhD in Piano Performance from the Yale School of Music. He is a previous contemporary music fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation and has performed at Carnegie Hall and at other venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Michael Noble, PhD

Professional Pianist

Expert Answer

It usually takes quite some time. I’d say at least 10 - 15 years of experience as a pianist are necessary.

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Question

My beginning student memorizes (she's very good at it!) instead of reading the notes from the music book. She has a good ear and recognizes a wrong note. How can I motivate her to read the music?

Michael Noble, PhD
Professional Pianist
Michael Noble is a professional concert pianist who received his PhD in Piano Performance from the Yale School of Music. He is a previous contemporary music fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation and has performed at Carnegie Hall and at other venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Michael Noble, PhD

Professional Pianist

Expert Answer

Have her sightread during lessons -- preferably pieces she has never heard so that she is forced to read the notes and not rely on memory.

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Question

How can I motivate very young children who are easily bored and distracted?

Community Answer

Try having contests for practicing the most in one week. Give out points for learning songs; the points can then be traded in for candy or a treat or something.

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Question

What is a right-hand fingering technique?

Community Answer

It depends on the line in question. A common fingering for something like the C major scale is T-I-M-T-I-M-R-P or 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, with 1 being the thumb. However, depending on your hand size, just play what is most comfortable and easiest for you.

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Question

What if the student has never played piano before. How should I start teaching him?

Community Answer

Start by teaching the basics such as note names, how to read notes on a staff, how to read rhythms, etc. When a student understands the basics of music, he can apply them to the piano, where you should start with proper technique such as keeping your wrists straight and sitting up properly.

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Question

How old do I have to be?

Community Answer

There is no particular age requirement. As long as the teacher is professional, skilled at piano, and dedicated to their students, age shouldn't be an issue.

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Question

What should I tell my students when they get something wrong?

Community Answer

Start with the compliments. Give them all the good things, and tell them how they played the piece well first, then tell them some things they could improve on. Something like, "that sounded great, but there are a few things we could work on" is a good start.

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Question

Can my son teach piano to younger kids if he is under 15 years old? He has had six years of lessons and wants to start teaching.

KY_GirlatHeart

Community Answer

Sure! As long as he has the experience, patience, and skill, then he should go for it. When I was still in my tween years, I taught one of my younger friends how to play piano.

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Question

My student has started learning from a computerized piano, the notes light up to show her what to press. Now that she is with me, she thinks she knows everything, but she can’t even do a C scale. Can you help me?

Iforgotmyoldpass

Community Answer

Since your student is so sure that they know everything, make them sight read a classical song. These computerised pianos usually only cover pop/modern songs, so she’ll have to understand. This will bring her ego down and make her more enjoyable to teach.

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Question

This is my 5th year in piano can I teach others?

Abraham Marshall

Community Answer

The piano level is not about how many years you have played, but rather how good you are. Only you can be the judge of that, but remember to try to fit your price range around your experience level.

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