Why a good piano teacher is important (even for a beginner!)

Learning the piano is a very complex process and takes a lot of time and effort in practising and mastering the techniques. A good teacher will make or break your experience but unfortunately many prospective students don’t often take the time to select a suitable tutor; many seem to sign up for lessons with the first one they stumble upon. Often, this causes students to give up the beautiful instrument after some time in their journey.

So why is it important to select a teacher who is well qualified and experienced? There are many who believe these facets to be totally unnecessary when teaching a musical instrument; there are also those who think music qualifications are not important. Some just want the cheapest rate in the market. But parents want to get a good teacher so that their child can get a good headstart and achieve good piano proficiency.

1. Foundation

Many basic technical aspects of piano playing are set in stone from the first few lessons; these include basic posture at the piano, hand and finger positions, and general movement around the keyboard. If these aspects are not addressed from the outset then piano playing will eventually become uncomfortable and difficult.

2. Note reading

Note reading needs to be guided correctly from the beginning too especially with regard to the left hand. Many students aren’t taught to read the Bass and Treble Clefs (right and left hand lines of music) concurrently. If both lines of music are not learnt together and one subsequently gets left behind, then this becomes a problem later on and many never learn to read the bass clef correctly as a result.

3. Rhythm

Basic rhythmic grasp has to be understood from the outset. The rhythmic pulse can be a taxing element for some students to comprehend. Whether a student is guided to count whilst learning to keep time or use a metronome (or both!), this is fundamental to good playing and is much easier when coached and encouraged correctly from the first few lessons.

4. Coordination

Piano playing demands good coordination between both hands and feet, and a good teacher will have many different methods or ways of encouraging students to grasp this multitasking element.

5. Tension

Tension can be a real problem when learning to play the piano and the higher the grade or level a student achieves, the more likely they are to have some tension problems. The wrong kind of tension kills piano playing completely making it impossible to play fast or with a proper sound, so a good teacher will address these issues early on. Hopefully they will encourage excellent hand movements and proper use of the arm to enable excellent tone production and finger movement. If this element isn’t addressed then the pupil could potentially experience pain or repetitive strain injury too.

6. Sustain Interest

Most importantly, a good teacher will not only spark a real interest and love of music, but they will also be able to incite interpretative qualities too. Interpretation is a vital aspect of piano playing and all pupils need to master how to play musically or expressively.

Apart from being patient and kind, your teacher needs to really know the best ways to get you or your child to make good progress. Take time and select a well qualified, experienced teacher.

If you are looking for a good piano teacher, please chat with us and we will be able to guide you.