I do not like strict teachers!!! They can take the fun out of it. I love your style of teaching... it's non-intimidating and very encouraging.. One powerful tool for motivation s finding the right carrot for a student, the one piece that a student really, really wants to learn, even if it's beyond their skill. That's how I got my start and others I know found the right carrot as well.
My professor In college referred to herself as my guide. She gave the information and techniques I needed to succeed and of course guided me along the way. And she was an inspiration to me. I structure my lessons the same way. And my retention has never been better. Of course we all make mistakes along the way (even as a teacher) but you become a much better teacher in the end.
My first teacher back in 1978 was not a great teacher. She did not teach theory or technique. I wasted a year and a half of lessons before I realized I was basically teaching myself while she sat and listened with her hand out for the money. Now, after a long absence from playing, I have a great teacher. She is teaching me how to play in a way that I am capable of learning, plus guiding me in the best ways for me to practice to learn. I am 73 and have a learning disability. Plus she can tell me how to change what I am doing without making it sound like she is criticizing me. Basically, she is a guide in a shared journey. I will probably take lesson from her for the rest of my life.
Great topic! I like the term” coach” … I think if one is serious about learning , you don’t need a “ strict “ teacher . I am wondering if you can do a video on what is being taught in music conservatory or 4 year university as a music major, what’s being taught in masters degree and then to PHD… how many repertoires are typically covered at each level , etc. what do most people do with the degree if they don’t become performers/ concert pianists, etc.. thanks Bob !!
I have a couple beginning students and my plans are usually adjusted as a concept I thought was understood didn't "stick" so flexibility is important. The early level I try to make somewhat fun and a learning experience. My own teacher has high expectations and I do every other week and yes, do make progress. Thanks for these myth breakers.
Beginners - hard to define. I have difficulties relating to a 4 year old, or even a 6 yr old - but my wife, a kindergarten teacher, but less experienced musician, could easily get to their level, speak their language and get good results. And, after a time, hand them to me. The ones I related to best and had some amazing results, were teenagers (and some adults) who had learnt as children, but dropped out - later coming back to playing. Motivated - much more fulfilling to work with.
My experience has been similar. I find kids 6 and under to be very difficult (and sometimes impossible) to work with. Boys in particular. I'd say 8-12 is the perfect age for someone to start piano since that's when they can already concentrate for longer periods of time but are still young enough to take in information quickly. Teenagers can also be great but a lot depends on how motivated they are. If they're not, the lessons can go nowhere since they're at the point where just playing in class isn't enough. Adults I honestly haven't found as fulfilling to work with.
I dont believe a music teacher cannot take a continue student the teacher needs to find the weakness and work on those areas. I had a teacher that thought i was too advanced to be her student but i could not keep a beat in a bucket. So she worked on my timing. Even called her husband in my lessons and played the organ with my piano playing. I needed that for college. There was other areas also like sight reading a piece. I did fail the piano profecency test. thats when I thought I should do electronics. The counsoler told me not in so many words im not cut out for college. Learn a trade. The test he gave me was leaning into electronics. With poor math skills it was hard. Im dyslexic thats one reason I didnt do well with sight reading piano pieces. It also affected doing math problems. Algebra was a struggle took it over nine times but finaly found a teacher helped me pass with a high C but since i was in her office every other day classes were Monday Wednesday and Friday, she gave me a B. Now to find a teacher that would take a 66 year old continue piano student we will see. 73
I am an adult player. I have found three excellent teachers on YT. No need to spend money on a teacher. This would not work for children or beginners. I call myself a front room pianist. Signed: Gary from Michigan - Maybe you should do a topic video on YT instructors, some even have free PDF sheet music or links where to buy if needed. ♬
1). I was like that. I have a great teacher now. I wasted so much time, and money. I did not, in faith, put finding a good teacher in the hands of Our Father in Heaven till many years later. Put all your practice in the that hands of God to guide you to success.
The way some kids are, and I was like that, I could have a severed finger and I would try to hide it from an authority figure. And any teacher should try to remember the unwillingness of some kids to disclose.
You can have a fegree in music but doesnt make you a concert pianoist. It takes lots of practice above the curriculum . piano lesson books are ok but you need to learn the greats pieces. Bach, Beethiven, Mozart etc. even rock musicians listen to classical music. 73
I do not like strict teachers!!! They can take the fun out of it. I love your style of teaching... it's non-intimidating and very encouraging.. One powerful tool for motivation s finding the right carrot for a student, the one piece that a student really, really wants to learn, even if it's beyond their skill. That's how I got my start and others I know found the right carrot as well.
My professor In college referred to herself as my guide. She gave the information and techniques I needed to succeed and of course guided me along the way. And she was an inspiration to me. I structure my lessons the same way. And my retention has never been better. Of course we all make mistakes along the way (even as a teacher) but you become a much better teacher in the end.
My first teacher back in 1978 was not a great teacher. She did not teach theory or technique. I wasted a year and a half of lessons before I realized I was basically teaching myself while she sat and listened with her hand out for the money. Now, after a long absence from playing, I have a great teacher. She is teaching me how to play in a way that I am capable of learning, plus guiding me in the best ways for me to practice to learn. I am 73 and have a learning disability. Plus she can tell me how to change what I am doing without making it sound like she is criticizing me. Basically, she is a guide in a shared journey. I will probably take lesson from her for the rest of my life.
Great thoughts. So true! Thanks
Great topic! I like the term” coach” … I think if one is serious about learning , you don’t need a “ strict “ teacher .
I am wondering if you can do a video on what is being taught in music conservatory or 4 year university as a music major, what’s being taught in masters degree and then to PHD… how many repertoires are typically covered at each level , etc. what do most people do with the degree if they don’t become performers/ concert pianists, etc.. thanks Bob !!
I have a couple beginning students and my plans are usually adjusted as a concept I thought was understood didn't "stick" so flexibility is important. The early level I try to make somewhat fun and a learning experience. My own teacher has high expectations and I do every other week and yes, do make progress. Thanks for these myth breakers.
Thank you Robert for ALL this information/advice. 🎉🎉
The first piano teacher I had was in my first year in secondary school in Scotland.
Thanks, very good video!
Beginners - hard to define. I have difficulties relating to a 4 year old, or even a 6 yr old - but my wife, a kindergarten teacher, but less experienced musician, could easily get to their level, speak their language and get good results. And, after a time, hand them to me.
The ones I related to best and had some amazing results, were teenagers (and some adults) who had learnt as children, but dropped out - later coming back to playing. Motivated - much more fulfilling to work with.
My experience has been similar. I find kids 6 and under to be very difficult (and sometimes impossible) to work with. Boys in particular. I'd say 8-12 is the perfect age for someone to start piano since that's when they can already concentrate for longer periods of time but are still young enough to take in information quickly. Teenagers can also be great but a lot depends on how motivated they are. If they're not, the lessons can go nowhere since they're at the point where just playing in class isn't enough. Adults I honestly haven't found as fulfilling to work with.
I dont believe a music teacher cannot take a continue student the teacher needs to find the weakness and work on those areas. I had a teacher that thought i was too advanced to be her student but i could not keep a beat in a bucket. So she worked on my timing. Even called her husband in my lessons and played the organ with my piano playing. I needed that for college. There was other areas also like sight reading a piece. I did fail the piano profecency test. thats when I thought I should do electronics. The counsoler told me not in so many words im not cut out for college. Learn a trade. The test he gave me was leaning into electronics. With poor math skills it was hard. Im dyslexic thats one reason I didnt do well with sight reading piano pieces. It also affected doing math problems. Algebra was a struggle took it over nine times but finaly found a teacher helped me pass with a high C but since i was in her office every other day classes were Monday Wednesday and Friday, she gave me a B. Now to find a teacher that would take a 66 year old continue piano student we will see. 73
I am an adult player. I have found three excellent teachers on YT. No need to spend money on a teacher. This would not work for children or beginners. I call myself a front room pianist. Signed: Gary from Michigan - Maybe you should do a topic video on YT instructors, some even have free PDF sheet music or links where to buy if needed. ♬
Check these out: livingpianos.com/7-youtube-piano-channels-you-should-know-about/
1). I was like that. I have a great teacher now. I wasted so much time, and money. I did not, in faith, put finding a good teacher in the hands of Our Father in Heaven till many years later. Put all your practice in the that hands of God to guide you to success.
Good for you. If it works, more power to you.
Myth? I'm too old to learn the piano.
Check this out: th-cam.com/video/g7SBwg1Y_Qw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=x4Gji-KywQlpfkof
The way some kids are, and I was like that, I could have a severed finger and I would try to hide it from an authority figure. And any teacher should try to remember the unwillingness of some kids to disclose.
😅
If you need a strict teacher, you're not serious about learning and should quit.
You can have a fegree in music but doesnt make you a concert pianoist. It takes lots of practice above the curriculum . piano lesson books are ok but you need to learn the greats pieces. Bach, Beethiven, Mozart etc. even rock musicians listen to classical music. 73
Those who take beginners are the ONLY great ones. Those who take 17-year-olds at Juilliard? Sorry, the work is already done.