Photo by Jens Lelie on Unsplash
It is truly amazing how much free/low-cost (and sometimes excellent) instruction is only a Google search away. There are video lessons and learn-at-your-own-pace subscriptions that are significantly less expensive than a teacher. And they may be just the right fit for what you are looking for - budget-friendly, low stress, and no schedule commitment.
So why should you consider investing in a good private (1:1) or group piano teacher?
Because one-size-fits-all doesn’t fit all. Each student is unique, so each lesson program should be unique.
Your monthly tuition should include more than lessons. It should include a tailored plan that you work out with your teacher, with individualized goals and milestones. It should include instruction from a teacher that has the skills and training to adapt to your needs and meet you at your level. A good teacher can help you to develop essential skills such as note reading, counting, technique, and expressive playing. It’s critically important to have good habits from the beginning. This will save you valuable time, because unlearning is an unnecessary detour of progress.
A good piano teacher instills more than music. They coach students to develop strong practice habits and self-discipline. They assist with creating goals, timelines, and performance preparation skills. They can provide motivation when a student feels stuck, or inspiration with new music from a little-known composer.
Sometimes this process occurs over many years and life stages. As the student (and family) work alongside the teacher, a growth cycle is established, which can lead to a feeling of accomplishment and a life-long love of music and playing the piano.
Don’t get me wrong, tutorial videos, software - and even happy owls - have their place in learning. But they are best utilized under the guidance of a teacher that has curated a pathway that is uniquely your own.