A degree is not necessarily required if you have a high playing skill level. However, most successful piano teachers are highly trained with the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in piano with coursework in piano pedagogy (instruction). [1] X Research source
If you find your music theory to be lacking, there are many resources that can help, but a music theory course on Coursera or Nicolas Carter’s book “Music Theory: From Absolute Beginner to Expert” or can improve your theory skills in an approachable way. [2] X Research source
Join your local, state, or national music teacher’s associations to network with other teachers and be informed about new teaching methods and publications. You can also learn about various pedagogical techniques and select the method that you think will work best for you and your students.
Keep in mind that the rate you charge is dependent on many factors, including your educational pedigree, playing and teaching experience, references from your students, and the city you live in. As you gain experience, it is recommended that you increase your rates a little each year. Piano teachers with significant experience and skill can charge up to $60 per 30 minutes or $120 per hour. [3] X Research source Charge a flat, monthly fee for lessons instead of a rate per session. This is to discourage skipping lessons, and it increases desire to make up missed lessons. [4] X Research source
Factor the time and cost of travel into your fees if applicable.
Use a well-developed method, such as the Suzuki method, if you prefer its teachings or if you are having trouble finding a place to start. Some methodologies require official certification before they may be taught for commercial purposes, so research the certification costs and requirements before using that method in your pedagogy. [6] X Research source
Reach out to local school music teachers. Introduce yourself, and offer free workshops and accompaniment for concerts and musicals. Be sure to stress that you want to help their program, rather than insisting that they send their students to you for piano lessons. [8] X Research source Advertise on websites specifically designed to help people find music teachers in their area (like https://takelessons. com/), but be aware that you may have to pay a fee to promote your services.
It is important to cover both ascending and descending scales and arpeggios since both occur in all music. Also, don’t leave the lesson on minor scales for later - it is best to teach both major and minor from the start so that the ear can be trained to recognize each one over time.
Other topics may include technical or music issues and nuances such as dynamics, pacing, or evenness of playing.
Don’t push students to a harder skill too early. Instead, make sure that the current skill can be demonstrated repeatedly and consistently before moving on to a new one. Check in with your student periodically. Ask if they’re happy with what they’re working on, and if they’re not, be open to requests from the student and their parents. Repetition is important, but boredom can diminish enthusiasm.
It’s important to make learning theory fun by offering verbal affirmation of progress and rewarding mastery of concepts. Younger students respond well to candy or stickers on the pages of music they’ve mastered.
Never judge a student for their playing ability since everyone was a beginner at one point. However, if the student has demonstrated that they are not fully invested in paying attention during lessons or practicing, it may be time for a conversation with their parents about whether or not piano is the right activity for them.
