As soon as you have decided that you want to take lessons, you will need to find the teacher that best suits your needs. It can take extra time to interview several, but this is the best way to learn what each has to offer. Gathering helpful advice from several sources will give you the tools to make the right choice.
You will want to learn who teaches in your area first, and then expand your search further if necessary. Local colleges, universities and studios offer study programs with experienced or qualified instructors. Finding any local professional organizations whose members are dedicated to teaching music is often the best way to find those with the most experience. Some of the most comprehensive private piano lessons vancouver bc teachers offer will be through these various organizations.
Professional teachers often join together in associations to keep in touch with the newest instructional methods, to share best practices with students and to develop business contacts that allow them to offer excellent referrals for highly qualified members. Membership often requires instructors to hold degrees in music from accredited colleges, universities and conservatories. Many will have masters or doctorates from prestigious international institutions. Some will have extensive worldwide performance experiences to share with their students.
Two prestigious organizations are active in Vancouver. Piano Teachers Federation members and BC Registered Music Teachers Association members work to provide high quality lessons. Studio owners that offer their clients the opportunity to be tested within the Associated Board of Royal Colleges of Music program should be considered.
If your schedule is hectic, you may be able to hire a teacher who will come to your home for lessons. Some do, and often will add mileage fees to their regular tuition. However, should you find an instructor that seems perfect for your needs, then do your best to adjust the schedule when it means that you must travel to a local studio. It is often quite difficult to find a good match between any mentor and student, so once that problem is solved you will want to make things work.
Before you arrive for your first meeting, plan to ask questions about the following crucial items. Look for personality traits that seem to help your child readily work together with the teacher. Matching energy levels is good. Listen to what is offered in terms of lesson content. Ask what will be taught at a lesson, and what you might expect your child to be able to play after a month, and again after six months or so. Consider how this person can help your child to achieve musical goals. Find out how much practice time is expected, and also talk about tuition and how payments are scheduled.
Tuition and fees are a very individual thing for each teacher. Some collect an hourly rate at each lesson. Others ask for payment by the month, and it is common for corporate studios with many teachers to charge by the semester and in advance. Each business handles finances differently, so you do not want to have any surprises in this area. Most will provide you with a written copy of their studio policy so that you will know what is expected.
Try to determine if the studio follows a competitive philosophy or a holistic learning philosophy. In the first model, students may be expected to perform in recitals, festivals and competitions on a regular basis. Including exams, this can be a rewarding and challenging pursuit for engaged students. But if this path is not a match for your child, then find a studio that presents itself as not competitive.
You will want to learn who teaches in your area first, and then expand your search further if necessary. Local colleges, universities and studios offer study programs with experienced or qualified instructors. Finding any local professional organizations whose members are dedicated to teaching music is often the best way to find those with the most experience. Some of the most comprehensive private piano lessons vancouver bc teachers offer will be through these various organizations.
Professional teachers often join together in associations to keep in touch with the newest instructional methods, to share best practices with students and to develop business contacts that allow them to offer excellent referrals for highly qualified members. Membership often requires instructors to hold degrees in music from accredited colleges, universities and conservatories. Many will have masters or doctorates from prestigious international institutions. Some will have extensive worldwide performance experiences to share with their students.
Two prestigious organizations are active in Vancouver. Piano Teachers Federation members and BC Registered Music Teachers Association members work to provide high quality lessons. Studio owners that offer their clients the opportunity to be tested within the Associated Board of Royal Colleges of Music program should be considered.
If your schedule is hectic, you may be able to hire a teacher who will come to your home for lessons. Some do, and often will add mileage fees to their regular tuition. However, should you find an instructor that seems perfect for your needs, then do your best to adjust the schedule when it means that you must travel to a local studio. It is often quite difficult to find a good match between any mentor and student, so once that problem is solved you will want to make things work.
Before you arrive for your first meeting, plan to ask questions about the following crucial items. Look for personality traits that seem to help your child readily work together with the teacher. Matching energy levels is good. Listen to what is offered in terms of lesson content. Ask what will be taught at a lesson, and what you might expect your child to be able to play after a month, and again after six months or so. Consider how this person can help your child to achieve musical goals. Find out how much practice time is expected, and also talk about tuition and how payments are scheduled.
Tuition and fees are a very individual thing for each teacher. Some collect an hourly rate at each lesson. Others ask for payment by the month, and it is common for corporate studios with many teachers to charge by the semester and in advance. Each business handles finances differently, so you do not want to have any surprises in this area. Most will provide you with a written copy of their studio policy so that you will know what is expected.
Try to determine if the studio follows a competitive philosophy or a holistic learning philosophy. In the first model, students may be expected to perform in recitals, festivals and competitions on a regular basis. Including exams, this can be a rewarding and challenging pursuit for engaged students. But if this path is not a match for your child, then find a studio that presents itself as not competitive.
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