How to become a piano teacher

Piano teachers help children and adults explore one of the most beautiful arts. Music is a universal language, available to everyone in the world. So, the ability to play any instrument is valuable and helps you socialize, find common ground with people, master cognitive skills, explore other cultures and so on.

Piano teachers either work for schools or do business giving private lessons. In both cases, they have to show flexibility and adapt to the program and students' preferences. Determining the lesson goals and wishes plays a crucial role in the successful studying process. Furthermore, they provide students with necessary materials, recordings, and resources. Teachers also prepare students for recitals, concerts, and exams. Finding a job as a piano teacher has become easier these days. Specialists can even share their knowledge online. These opportunities enable people find a job faster and get in touch with potential students from all over the world. Yet, there are many factors one needs to keep in mind before launching this career.

As with many professions, there is a world of difference between doing something and teaching it. You may be a true genius and play the piano like a pro, but it’s definitely not enough. A good teacher knows how to attract children, entertain them and educate them. Working with adults also requires special skills. Two grown-up people have to find common ground, prioritize tasks, and respect each other’s time. Thus, to become a good piano teacher, you have to master management skills and deepen your knowledge of psychology.

What are academic requirements for piano teachers? The most crucial one is a music degree certification. To obtain it, one accomplishes a 4-year college degree. The degree may include music theory and training in pedagogy programs. Learning various performance techniques with university professors is also a big advantage. The ultimate degree choice depends on your professional preferences. For example, a performance degree is helpful when one wants to focus on concert activity and considers teaching as a side job. Pedagogy and music theory degrees are a must if your main aspiration is to introduce the art of music to students. For those who have already graduated but think of switching to educational activity, we could recommend getting a teacher’s licence.

Apart from formal requirements, a good piano teacher needs an impressive portfolio. Sure, the first students might be your friends or their children. However, the more seriously you take this job, the more credibility you should have. For instance, piano teachers can take written exams, attend various workshops, and participate in music festivals. Over the past few years, many professionals have launched their YouTube channels where they educate and entertain followers, introducing them to the world of art. Thus, they show their skills and creative approach to the lessons and attract more potential students. Getting some credits to your name is necessary since the competition in this sphere is pretty high.

Teaching is a demanding task. Especially if you chose to work with kids. Thus, patience is the key to successful lessons. Your students will repeat the same pieces over and over again. Their performance won’t always be touching and exciting. Get prepared for hating the songs you loved because your students might surprise you with their creative ‘’interpretations’’. Overcoming challenges is an indispensable part of the daily teacher’s routine. Helping your students tackle failures on their way to a great performance is crucial. If you explain how to overcome a problem step by step, be attentive to details, try different interpretations, and strictly abide by the notes, your students will not only feel more comfortable while playing the piano. They will be more confident with handling problems outside the classes.

As we see, working as a piano teacher is a flexible and creative job. To get it, you have to be a good pianist and be ready to master your educational and performance skills. Although piano teachers can share their knowledge in private lessons and make individual programs for the students, having a degree in music theory or education is a must. Without an impressive portfolio (that may include various music festivals, concerts, and certifications), you may struggle to find students. However, nowadays, specialists can teach even online, which broadens your opportunities. To succeed, piano teachers have to be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Be prepared for tiresome work. Students aren’t always eager to pay much time to classes and will disappoint you many times with their poor performance. Yet, with patience and strong discipline, your pupils will get both music and life lessons and figure out how to deal with big tasks.