Succeeding as a piano teacher takes more than just knowing how to play the piano well. There are several abilities a teacher can cultivate to maintain a thriving studio. Here are five of these key qualities:
- A Good Communicator and Listener
First impressions matter, especially in piano lessons. During the first lesson you will want to establish a good rapport with your student. Ask the student questions about themself and learn about their interests, musical goals, and what types of music and particular pieces they enjoy and hope to learn. Be a good listener, smile, maintain eye contact and have a light-hearted approach, if possible. Like going to the dentist, many people are nervous about taking piano lessons, so you can ease any anxiety with a good sense of humor along the way. Remember, you want to nurture the student’s love for learning music and keep the lessons fun, or else you might lose your student!
2. Well-Structured Lessons
Structure your lesson plans to cover important areas, including scales, music theory, piano technique, and repertoire. I like to begin lessons with technique warm-ups, theory discussion, and then move into repertoire. In general, depending on their level, my students will work on 2 to 3 pieces at a time. I make sure they are always working on a piece that they are interested in, to keep up their inspiration and motivation to practice. Often their repertoire includes different genres, such as classical, jazz and popular music. Check in frequently to see if your student has any questions along the way, or if they need clarification on anything, so that you don’t lose their attention or interest during the lesson.
3. Clearly Explain Policies & Expectations
It is helpful to have a policy sheet for new students to read and agree to before lessons begin. Clearly define what your policy is in regards to missed lessons and make-up lessons. Many teachers require advance notice, like 24 hours, for cancelling lessons, and will then allow those lessons to be rescheduled for a later time. As for payment, state what your rates are (especially if you offer different lesson length options, such as 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 1-hour lessons), and specify when payment is due (many teachers require the month ahead to be paid in full at the first lesson of the month). If you have a late-payment penalty fee, explain for how much and when it applies. Also, if students are responsible for the payment of lesson books, be sure to explain that in your policies, as well. Include any other important reminders, such as being on time to lessons. In short, the more detailed and explanatory your policies are, the less confusion and hassle you’ll encounter down the road.
4. Host Student Recitals
Playing in front of others is an important skill for budding pianists to develop. Hosting recitals helps to foster a sense of community and support among the students. It’s an opportunity to share their achievements and hear what others have learned. It can also keep students motivated to continue practicing in between their lessons, knowing that they have a recital to prepare for. Use the recitals as a opportunity to honor and reward each student’s effort with an acknowledgement, certificate, award or gift. Students love feeling a sense of community with other musicians, and a chance to meet the other students in their teacher’s practice. They often leave the recitals with a sense of accomplishment, and inspiration to learn new pieces.
5. Create an Organized and Uplifting Studio Space
The environment and space you create for your lessons is very important. It should be a room free of outside noise and distractions. Make sure cell phones are left out of the room or turned off. Make the space visually pleasing with beautiful artwork on the walls, or a vase of fresh flowers on a nearby stand. Keep it organized and clutter-free, with piano books and materials neatly stacked on shelves. Make it a dedicated space to learning and creativity and your students will take the lessons, and you, seriously and professionally.