What age range do you think might be best for a beginning teacher? Or maybe I should rephrase that as, “Are there certain ages which you find significantly more challenging to instruct than other ages?”
This one really made me think! There is a common misconception that it is less critical to have a good/professional/experienced, etc. teacher for the beginning years of a student’s piano instruction, because if they indicate that they are serious about studying piano, they can get in with a good teacher later. I wholeheartedly disagree with this mentality! The beginning years of a student’s music education are the most critical. This is when foundational musical concepts are learned, practice habits are formed, attitude toward music and lessons is developed, and so much more.
For this reason, I think I would almost recommend that a beginning teacher start by taking on some transfer students, rather than starting beginning students from scratch. You will probably find it easier to pinpoint weak areas that need attention and will feel more comfortable helping those students fix problems or answer questions that they have. This will also help you see firsthand what areas are important to include in a child’s beginning lessons.
I’m sure there are other thoughts on this issue, and it certainly depends some on your own personality and how well you interact with various ages of children or adults. And, of course, you may not have the luxury of choosing specific ages or levels – you may just have to take what you get as you are contacted by parents or interested students and learn as you go. As hard as it is to learn “on the fly,” there’s really nothing that can substitute for experience. I know I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my years of teaching, but my goal is to constantly be learning and striving to be the best teacher that I can be for the students that I have.
I would welcome input from any other teachers! What age or level do you think is best for a beginning teacher to start with?
Remember, if you have a question you’d like to contribute to next week’s Monday Mailbag, leave it in the comments below or send me an e-mail sometime this week with Monday Mailbag in the subject line!
I agree about the transfer students, except that sometimes they are older and therefore more advanced-needing a solid technique program, great repretoire, ect. For a teacher just starting I would recommend offering lesson at 1/2 price for a year. People will be pounding down your door! Plus, the parents would probably be more understanding as you go through different policies, try different methods, and get your feet wet. Then the 2nd year charge 3/4 of your regular fee, the 3rd year you’ll have a full studio all paying full price. Best of Luck!
That’s a good idea from Amy, although here’s something to thing about: when you go into a new business they don’t offer you prices or services for a discount.
If you can find some beginning transfer students you can learn a lot from the previous teacher did. What materials did they use, how did they teach? I’m full of lots of questions with transfer students.
But get your own set of students. I, along with Natalie, feel very strongly about starting beginner but they are very flexible. They will more than likely think of a change as just something you do. They don’t know otherwise. I’d recommend starting with 2nd graders if you are looking to teach children. They can read and communicate and work independently pretty well at this age. Younger ages are a lot more teacher work. Most modern beginner methods are written for approximately this age, too.
oh, our first students…! Many of mine have grown in their music experience in spite of me.
A few of my first teaching experiences were teaching adults, and I feel it was a good starting point. They have a better understanding of how to study and learn and will be more likely to ask questions and make observations that will help lead them in the right direction and you to the difficulties that need to be addressed.
Good luck and I hope you have fun teaching!
Transfer students are also a good idea!