1. Am I Qualified to Teach Piano?

What qualifies a person to teach piano? Are the best pianists always the best teachers? Not neccessarily.

1.1 Assess Your Skills

A certain level of skill is required to teach piano. A teacher should, obviously, be playing at a level that is higher than their students. Many teachers start with beginning and elementary-level students. There are more students in this group and especially more students who are looking for teachers.  A wise teacher will refer advancing students to other teachers when neccessary.

An often unspoken, but needed, skill in any type of education is communication.  An effective piano teacher must be able to communicate to students in a way that they can understand.  A good teacher will use simple, age-appropriate instructions for younger students, but will still treat adults as adults.

1.2  Continue Your Education

Music teachers should always seek to improve their skill as pianists.  Pursuing a college music degree is a viable option, although it can be expensive.  A music degree is not essential for giving private piano lessons, but it is helpful for attracting new students. It shows potential students (and their parents) that one has studied music theory and achieved a high level of playing. Any music degree (Music Therapy, Music Business, Music Education, Music Performance, etc.) at any college requires music theory and a certain level of piano skill even if the primary performance medium is not piano. Any teacher who has a music degree should list the degrees held on all advertising and promotional materials.

The best way for music teachers to continue their education is through a membership in the Music Teachers' National Association.  MTNA is organized into state and local chapters.  (See the appendix for contact information.)  MTNA offers certification, an annual convention, a professional magazine subscription and local workshops.  Local chapters usually have informative programs at their monthly meetings as well. 

A membership in a local MTNA group also offers informal support through developing friendships with other music teachers.  As a volunteer organization, these groups are always looking for members who will get involved to facilitate the many tasks an organized group requires.  The best way to become acquainted in these groups is to attend every meeting and look for opportunities to volunteer.  New teachers who do this will be greatly appreciated.

Private lessons with a qualified teacher can also be an asset.  Everyone should broaden their repertoire and develop new skills.  For example, the classical pianist who studies jazz improvisation will have more to offer his or her students.