Too young to teach piano?
I’m 15 and have been playing piano, mostly classical, for 11 years. I was thinking about putting up some fliers for summer lessons for beginning children, ages up to 8 or so?
Do you think I’m too young? I’m guessing parents probably would want to go for a more experienced, older teacher. Or if not, how much should I charge, teaching tips, etc.Thanks! =]
I wouldn’t say you’re too young. I started teaching when I was fourteen. What really depends on is how well you work with children and if you understand how to explain things for young children to understand. I charge $10 a half hour.
When teaching kids who have never learned anything on the piano, the first few lessons are going to be all about teaching the notes. Make sure they understand the two and three black keys. You might also want to print some material off the internet. Also go to a music book store and decide what cirriculums you might want to use. One for a little older children (say 8-10) and one for younger children (4-7). You’ll want something pretty easy for the younger children. Don’t suggest a book for the first lesson since you need to see how fast they will catch on to what you’re teaching them.
Hope this helps!
Comments
Yea I think you are a little too young. I don’t doubt your ability to play, but there are many people out there who can play very well but can’t teach for beans (not that I’m saying you aren’t able to teach). If I was a parent who’s forking over money for piano lessons for my child I would much perfer an older more experienced person to teach my child.
You’re so young and only 15 years old. Live life up a little! Being only 15 you shouldn’t have to worry about making money.
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I wouldn’t say you’re too young. I started teaching when I was fourteen. What really depends on is how well you work with children and if you understand how to explain things for young children to understand. I charge $10 a half hour.
When teaching kids who have never learned anything on the piano, the first few lessons are going to be all about teaching the notes. Make sure they understand the two and three black keys. You might also want to print some material off the internet. Also go to a music book store and decide what cirriculums you might want to use. One for a little older children (say 8-10) and one for younger children (4-7). You’ll want something pretty easy for the younger children. Don’t suggest a book for the first lesson since you need to see how fast they will catch on to what you’re teaching them.
Hope this helps!
References :
I now teach 6 children with parents all very satisfied with me.
I started teaching piano at 13 to get myself a laptop. And considering you’ve already been playing for 11 years, that’s even more experience than I would have had at 15.
If you can prove yourself to be a responsible teacher, you’ll probably do fairly well. It might help if you start out by teaching younger relatives, cousins, or friends first- just to get some experience. From there, your friends/relatives can refer their friends/relatives to you if they want to take up piano.
Teaching tips- get note-reading flashcards, be patient, and be fun. The age level you’re aiming at is pretty good- if you teach a student who is too young, and you dont have that much experience, the result could be deadly. Always try to leave a good impression… but that shouldn’t be too hard for you.
Charge-… for beginners I’d say around $8-15 per hour. Yeah, kinda low but hey, it’s money.
Good luck with the teaching, and be sure you can commit to it.
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Personal Experience
My brother (6) is taking piano lessons from my friend (15) who has been playing for 10 years. I definately don’t think you’re too young. People should look for experience not age. Try teaching friends’ siblings, where parents know you. I take lessons from a band director at a neighboring town, and he charges thirty dollars for a half hour, so I would charge less, maybe 20? Whatever they want to pay, as long as it isn’t skimpy. I would suggest having music theory integrated into what you teach them, and remember that little kids ears aren’t as tuned as yours to rhythm and such and their finger strength may not be as good. Ask them and parents to make sure they practice 15-30 minutes every day (they are young and can’t go as long). Try to remember what it was like when you were little. That may be hard. Get lesson books from a shop and follow those. Praise them. Give them stickers. Little kids like stickers.
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