| Every parent wants the best for their children and part | | | | Distance. A piano teacher who lives within a decent |
| of this is often music. However, it's not a good idea to | | | | distance from your home is going to be your best bet. |
| simply hire the first piano teacher you come across, | | | | These days, families are running from one activity to |
| there are some things you really should consider first. | | | | the next and there isn't much time for long commutes. |
| It's important to realize that not all musicians are able to | | | | Another option is to find out if the piano teacher can |
| teach their art and not all music teachers are good at it | | | | come to your home. |
| . . . don't waste your money on mediocre ones. Instead, | | | | Background check. Unfortunately, some families have |
| do your research and make sure that the person you | | | | learned the hard way that the music tutor they chose |
| choose to teach your children piano is someone truly | | | | for their children should not have been allowed near |
| qualified to do so. | | | | kids. Do a background check on anyone you are |
| There are a few other things to consider, as well, so | | | | considering letting near your children and keep them |
| we've compiled this list for you. | | | | safe. |
| Family | | | | Experience. While experience and certificates are |
| Readiness. Is your child ready to learn? Even the best | | | | certainly not the only signs of a good teacher, they |
| piano teacher will have troubles teaching a child who is | | | | can definitely help. Someone who has been teaching |
| adamantly opposed to learning piano. Younger children | | | | for 30 years will have a few more tricks up their |
| will probably be more interested in learning, while older | | | | sleeve than someone who has just started a few |
| ones might rebel at anything that seems like work. | | | | weeks ago. |
| Gauge the interest in piano carefully before you begin. | | | | Likeability. Children have very keen people skills and |
| Practice. Do you have what it takes to ensure your | | | | tend to pick up on things that we don't even notice. If |
| child practices daily? It's not going to help much if you | | | | your little pupil is not interested in continuing with this |
| find yourself ignoring practice and letting your kids | | | | particular piano teacher, you might want to look |
| watch TV instead of doing their homework. | | | | elsewhere. It's easiest for a kid (or anyone for that |
| Unfortunately, kids tend to avoid this even if they enjoy | | | | matter!) to learn from someone they trust. |
| the piano lessons, so you need to be ready to urge | | | | Piano lessons can help shape a child's life, so you'll |
| them to play. | | | | want to make sure you do a good job of choosing the |
| Piano. If you want your little one to start tickling the | | | | right teacher. Kids are naturally interested in music and |
| ivories, you'll be needing a piano in the house for | | | | you'll fare much better if you have the right teacher |
| practice times. It's no secret that a real piano is | | | | and think things through completely before enrolling |
| expensive, so you might want to leave the real deal | | | | them in classes. Knowing just what to expect is a |
| out of it for now. A more affordable alternative, though | | | | good idea, so talk to the teacher about how much |
| definitely not the same is a keyboard, which is often | | | | practice time will be expected and how many lessons |
| suffice until a child grows into a real piano. | | | | each week, etc. This will all help you prepare for what |
| Teacher | | | | is going to be a definite part of your lives from now on. |