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Change piano teacher?

6 replies

LadySpratt · 26/08/2017 18:58

My DS (8) has been playing the piano for nearly a year. He seems to listen to, and like, his teacher. The only trouble is I can see that the teacher is not a pianist; the hand position, jabbing at the keyboard, and sight reading skills are not what I would expect.
I'm really not sure what to do; do I continue because DS likes and listens to the teacher, or do I change before he picks up bad habits?
Before I get flamed for criticising a teacher, I do have skills in the instrument, and the fact that I can sight read the pieces better than the teacher has been noticed by DS!
In the old days I would ring the RCM for advice on getting a new teacher, but I'm not sure if that's done anymore.
Thanks for reading.

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AlexanderHamilton · 26/08/2017 20:24

Yes I would change. Some people are better sight readers than others. Dh is a fabulous sight reader but he wouldn't call himself a piano teacher (he's an accompanist though). But it's you saying about hand position that rings warning bells. Hand position, touch & articulation is so important to progress.

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LadySpratt · 26/08/2017 21:04

Thank you for replying. I'm glad you agree about the hand position etc.
Do you know how to go about finding someone?

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AlexanderHamilton · 26/08/2017 21:07

Dh studied at a Conservatoire so we always went by reccommendation etc. If you have a local music shop (I know they are becoming a rarity) staff usually know who is decent & who to avoid.

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LadySpratt · 26/08/2017 21:27

Great, thanks, I'll try.

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buggerthebotox · 26/08/2017 21:36

Try Epta (European Piano Teachers' Association). They have a list of teachers.

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LadySpratt · 26/08/2017 22:54

I've never heard of them, but I'll look it up, thanks.

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