How to Become a Piano Teacher (In 6 Steps)

how to become a piano teacher? piano lesson with hands playing piano.

Teaching piano can be a rewarding career for those who are passionate about music and enjoy working with students of all ages. But have you wondered how to become a piano teacher?

Becoming a piano teacher requires a combination of musical skills, teaching experience, and a love for sharing knowledge. Here are some steps to help you become a piano teacher:

Step 1: Develop Your Musical Skills

sheet music

To become a piano teacher, you need to have a strong foundation in music theory and piano performance. You should be able to play the piano at an advanced level and have a deep understanding of music theory.

This can be achieved through years of practice and study, either through private lessons or a music degree program.

While it is not important to be the best pianist in the world to teach piano, the better you are, the more advanced lessons you can teach, and the more musical understanding you will have.

You can apply advanced piano techniques to beginner and intermediate lessons, with a focus on teaching correct piano techniques, so keep practicing!

Step 2: Gain Teaching Experience

Teaching experience is essential for becoming a successful piano teacher. You can gain experience by teaching friends and family members, volunteering at local schools or community centers, or working as an assistant to an experienced piano teacher.

This will help you develop your teaching skills and learn how to work with students of different ages and skill levels. 

Another way to improve your piano teaching and lessons ahead of time is to think about the teaching styles of the piano teacher or teachers that you have had in the past.

What did they do well? What do you like about their teaching styles and methods that you can replicate in your teaching, and also, what would you change?

Becoming a fantastic teacher takes a lot of thought, planning, and experience over time. You will also have hurdles to overcome, and challenging students along the way.

Learning from your teachers and taking the best practices you have experienced from them, and perhaps injecting some humor and fun into your lessons occasionally, are great ways to become the best piano teacher you can be. 

Step 3: Consider a Degree Program

stack of books

If you are serious about becoming a piano teacher, you may want to consider pursuing a degree in music education or piano performance.

This will provide you with a more formal education in music theory, piano performance, and teaching methods. Many universities and conservatories offer degree programs in music education or piano performance.

This is not essential for piano teaching, but you will gain valuable experience and learn more about teaching methods if you complete a degree in music. Another option would be online courses and webinars (see further down in this article for the best ones).

Step 4: Obtain Certification

While certification is not required to become a piano teacher, it can be beneficial in establishing your credentials and attracting students.

The Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) offers certification programs for piano teachers, which require passing an exam and meeting certain education and experience requirements.

Another important certificate to acquire is a DBS. A DBS certificate is important if you want to teach children. 

Obtaining a DBS certificate requires a criminal record background check, and helps to assure parents that you are a trustworthy individual, and therefore a suitable piano tutor. 

You can also look into public liability and private indemnity insurance if you are going to teach at home. This will help you avoid any legal complications that may arise from your piano lessons in the future.

If you have considered or have experience already teaching or tutoring in other subjects, then you may have also looked into a Music PGCE or TEFL qualification.

These courses offer excellent training in teaching and will give you skills that are transferable into the realm of piano teaching.

Step 5: Build Your Reputation

road stretching out into view of mountains

To attract students and build a successful piano-teaching business, you need to establish a good reputation in your community.

Keeping up with competitor piano teachers relies on a constant stream of students and the best way to keep business steady is by advertising your services. There are many advertising strategies you can use to advertise your services. 

This can be achieved through word-of-mouth referrals, advertising, and networking with other music teachers and organizations. You may also want to consider creating a website or social media presence to promote your services.

Social media in particular is great for spreading the word about the service you’re offering and where you’re based. Also, signing up to music directory websites also lets people who are looking for a piano tutor know you’re available. 

Step 6: Continue Your Education

As a piano teacher, it is important to continue your education and stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and techniques.

You can do this by attending workshops and conferences, reading books and articles on music education, and taking online courses.

What Qualifications Are Required?

Qualifications required to become a piano teacher may vary depending on the employer or the type of teaching you plan to do. However, here are some qualifications that are commonly required or recommended:

  • Bachelor’s degree in music or music education
  • Teaching certificate or degree in education
  • Strong musical ability and proven piano skills
  • Previous experience as a music teacher
  • Excellent sight-reading ability
  • Knowledge of music theory and good technique
  • Patience, empathy, and good communication and interpersonal skills

While a degree in music or music education is not always required, it can be beneficial in establishing your credentials and attracting students.

Additionally, obtaining certification from organizations such as the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) can also be helpful in demonstrating your qualifications as a piano teacher

Ultimately, becoming a successful piano teacher requires a combination of musical skills, teaching experience, and a love for sharing knowledge.

It is important to continue your education and stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and techniques to be an effective teacher.

How Do I Gain Experience?

arms resting on wooden beam

Teach Friends and Family Members

Teaching your friends and family members can be a great way to gain experience as a music teacher. This will help you develop your teaching skills and learn how to work with students of different ages and skill levels.

Volunteer at Local Schools or Community Centers

Volunteering at local schools or community centers can provide you with valuable teaching experience. You can assist music teachers or lead classes yourself.

Work as an Assistant to an Experienced Teacher

Working as an assistant to an experienced music teacher can be a great way to learn from someone who has already established themselves as a successful music teacher.

There are several ways to advertise your piano teaching business.

The traditional methods of posting personal flyers/leaflets in local businesses, spreading your services by word-of-mouth, and getting your students to tell others about your lessons, are all still relevant and useful methods of advertising. 

Utilizing social media is another fantastic way to advertise your services. You can create personal ads that showcase your talent and your specific teaching style, as well as your equipment and teaching space, and gain an online following.

Also, signing up to music teaching websites lets people who are looking for a piano tutor find you easily.

Some online music-teaching websites that are worth looking into include Fiver, Closegap, Pianoteachersconnect, Pianoforte, PreplyJooble & TeacherON (online piano teaching jobs).

Lastly, you could consider creating an online piano course that showcases your teaching and is always available to new and existing students who have purchased it.

This is a modern and interesting new way for teachers to create a lasting impression on pianists worldwide, and create a new income stream from their expertise. 

Teaching Online

Teaching piano lessons online is a modern approach that allows teachers to reach students regardless of geographical boundaries. To ensure effective online piano lessons, clear communication, and high-quality audio and video are crucial.

One of the recommended platforms for conducting online piano lessons is Zoom, known for its excellent audio streaming quality and features that are conducive to teaching, such as recording and transcribing lessons.

In addition to the technical aspects, the teaching approach and methodology play a significant role in the success of online piano lessons. Teachers should be dedicated, motivating, and able to guide students in improving their playing skills and musicality.

Personalized teaching, a friendly and encouraging demeanor, and the ability to accommodate each student’s unique learning pace and style are also highly valued.

Despite the challenges, online piano education can be a rewarding and effective way to impart musical knowledge and skills.

Top Resources

Educational Courses

Consider earning a continuing education certificate or a similar qualification in music teaching. Spend time reviewing different lesson sets, reading books on pedagogy, and trading tips with other music teachers.

Pursuing a degree in music education or piano performance can provide you with a more formal education in music theory, piano performance, and teaching methods.

Many universities and conservatories offer degree programs in music education or piano performance.

Workshops and Conferences

Attending workshops and conferences can help you stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and techniques. You can learn from experienced music teachers and network with other professionals in the field.

Online Courses

Taking online courses is a convenient way to continue your education and learn new teaching methods and techniques.

Books and Articles on Music Education

Reading books and articles on music education can help you develop your teaching skills and learn new techniques for working with students.

Piano Teaching Organizations:

Joining piano teaching organizations such as the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) can provide you with access to resources, workshops, and networking opportunities.

In conclusion, there are many resources available for piano teachers to improve their skills. By continuing your education and staying up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and techniques, you can become a more effective and successful piano teacher.

Best Online Courses and Webinars

The Royal Conservatory of Music

These courses are led by expert facilitators and feature insights from master teachers and pedagogues.

Each of these online courses follows a 10-week schedule, with an average of four to six hours of work required each week. The cost is $499, plus the cost of books.

Free Webinars – TopMusic.co

TopMusic.co regularly holds online webinars, offering free training to piano teachers. You can attend these webinars at no cost

Piano Teacher Academy

Piano Teacher Academy offers weekly webinar sessions with Elizabeth Gutierrez, replays of all past sessions, and more. These sessions provide a wealth of knowledge on how to teach piano effectively.

Music Learning Academy

Music Learning Academy offers a webinar library that includes a fun exploration of resources available to supplement Music Moves for Piano and keep an audition focus in piano lessons.

The webinar courses offer excellent value for money, with the first ‘Audiation-based Piano Instruction for Older Beginners’ costing only $15 at the time of writing. 

Steinway & Sons

Steinway & Sons offers an online teacher webinar series exclusively for piano teachers. These webinars cover a range of topics, including transitioning to online lessons, teaching techniques, and more.

FAQ

1. What Are the Top Digital Pianos?

If your student does not have a piano yet, you should bring a digital piano with you and also advise them to invest in a similar model. They need to get used to the specific weighted ‘action’ or feel of that keybed.

You can also suggest they look into a good quality acoustic piano, such as an upright. If shopping for a used acoustic piano, advise them to bring someone who knows pianos, so that they get something that is in tune and built to last. 

  • Yamaha P45: A popular low-cost digital piano that simulates high-quality acoustic pianos, showcasing Yamaha’s century-old craftsmanship.
  • Roland FP 10: Known for its slim and lightweight design, it offers realistic-feeling keys and adjustable touch sensitivity, making it a top choice for entry-level pianos.
  • Korg B2: An award-winning entry-level digital piano from Korg, a company established in the 1960s.
  • Yamaha P125: This model is recommended for its portability, realistic piano sound, and MIDI connectivity, making it suitable for both gig and home use.

Yamaha P45: Still the Ultimate Beginner Piano in 2023?

Roland FP-10 review – The Best Piano for Beginners? (Yes)

2. What Safeguarding Concerns Are There?

Safeguarding is a critical concern for piano teachers, as they often work closely with children and vulnerable adults.

Teachers must ensure a safe learning environment, whether the lessons are conducted in person or online.

This includes protecting students from any form of harm or exploitation, respecting their rights, and promoting their welfare.

In the digital age, safeguarding also extends to the online realm, where teachers must be cautious about the information they share and how they interact with students.

Teachers should also be aware of the potential mental health issues that students may face and be prepared to provide or seek appropriate support.

3. What Is the Ideal Space for Piano Teaching?

You can choose to teach from home, though you should ensure you have adequate space for piano teaching in your home.

If you live in shared housing, (as I did for several years when I was teaching), it can present challenges when trying to set up your personal space for teaching, though I always found using the living area was a better choice than my bedroom.

This is especially a concern when teaching children and you should plan your teaching space accordingly (and make sure you have an enhanced DBS and insurance).

In general, teaching from your bedroom isn’t a great idea, isn’t the most professional space, and is only advisable for online lessons, though in some circumstances or when you are starting out, and if you are teaching adults, it can be okay. 

Some students may wish you to teach at their homes, which is normal. In this case, you should make sure they have a decent piano to learn on, and for you to teach on.

Conclusion

Becoming a piano teacher requires musical skills, teaching experience, and a love for sharing knowledge. By following the steps in this article, you can develop the skills and credentials needed to become a successful piano teacher.

Daniel Forino
Daniel Forino
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