How to become A Piano Teacher

Piano Teachers strive to impart their love for music to their students so they can make music that speaks a universal language.

• Piano Instructor
• Piano Tutor
• Certified Piano Instructor
• Certified Piano Tutor

What do Piano Teachers do?

A Piano Teacher would typically need to:

• Take piano lessons for students of different ages and abilities; sustain student progress by explaining and demonstrating various piano techniques
• Determine the skill level, goals and objectives of each student
• Develop customised lesson plans based on the student’s ability, preferences and goals; discuss details with the student before committing to a plan
• Provide the student with necessary learning material and resources; explain the importance of proper posture while playing any musical instrument
• Show up on time for scheduled practice sessions, recitals, competitions and other such events
• Teach the student music theory, sight-reading skills and practical/memorising/improvising techniques
• Incorporate digital pianos and other contemporary technology into the lessons; instil skills necessary for independent musicianship; set homework
• Record the student’s musical performance to assess their progress and give them appropriate feedback and encouragement; modify the lesson, if necessary
• Encourage students to listen to recordings of their musical performance and monitor their progress; pay special attention to struggling students
• Prepare the students to play the piano in front of a live audience; organise group rehearsals and recitals/concerts
• Compile, administer and grade examinations or assign the tasks to other
• Enter and prepare the students for formal examinations and assessments; ensure up-to-date knowledge and awareness of examination requirements 
• Maintain a record of the student’s attendance and grades; perform other administrative, financial and managerial tasks, as required
• Establish regular office hours to advise and assist students; act as adviser to student organisations, if working in a school
• Choose and source teaching material and supplies such as textbooks and performance pieces
• Participate in student recruitment, registration and placement activities if working for a school; participate in campus and community events
• Liaise with academic staff, if employed in a school and parents to discuss the students’ progress; serve on academic or administrative committees
• Create and maintain a network of contacts to ensure work continuity; advertise or publicise the business
• Maintain the studio facilities; research a particular aspect of music, and publish findings in professional journals, books or electronic media

Most Piano Teachers teach either in a school, their own home or a private studio. The classes may comprise adults and children who wish to have individual or group lessons in person or via video calls. Some may travel to their students’ homes or work in different schools to substitute permanent teachers. 

Piano Teachers who work in a school or academy will have a more regular five days/week schedule, usually from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with summer and winter breaks. However, this does not include the time spent planning lessons, marking their pupils’ work and taking part in outings, parent-teacher meetings and professional training. 

Self-employed Piano Teachers have a more flexible and irregular schedule dictated by the student’s schedule. Many people take music lessons as a hobby in their spare time and prefer to have them in the evening or over the weekend.

You may also need to factor in the time required to work at another job until the piano lessons prove lucrative enough. 

Piano Teachers can boost their careers by asking their network for referrals, contacting prospective employers/clients directly, using job search platforms, leveraging social media and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment is a viable option. You may need to hold an additional job to pay the bills, at least until the piano lessons fetch enough to serve all your needs.

Piano Teachers are generally employed by:

• Schools
• County Music Services
• Online Tuition Sites
• Colleges
• Higher Education Institutions

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Piano Teachers Association, are crucial for Piano Teachers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. They also offer access to valuable business and legal advice.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Staying abreast of new music technologies and including them in the learning process
• Lack of steady income until well-established
• Balancing business acumen with artistic integrity
• Challenging behaviour of unenthusiastic and easily distracted students
• Finding new students to tutor at the beginning of a career in private tutoring

Any academic program that a potential Piano Teacher takes up should ideally include a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn how professionals go about their workday and chance upon shortcuts or better ways to do things. Courses that offer the chance to undertake a placement and masterclasses with experts will allow you to grow as a musician and teacher.

Taking piano lessons, practising and performing will also help you gain valuable experience. You can also volunteer to give piano lessons to neighbourhood children and perform with local choirs. 

Tap into your local community of music workers to gain support, make connections and understand how the established ones got started. Find a good mentor and learn what they did to achieve success.

Applicants for formal employment may need a few years of working experience as a piano or music teacher in an educational institution. For those who seek employment through websites that specialise in matching tutors with students, tutoring a family member also counts as relevant experience.

In addition, there is fieldwork, often the cornerstone of a teacher education program, whether the program is a bachelor’s degree in teacher education or a post-baccalaureate credentialing or certification program.

The entire program may require 300 to 500 hours, with a specified percentage of those hours spent in actual classroom instruction. The location of your experiences will vary, although the majority of them will likely be with the grade you are preparing yourself to teach.

Most programs require that a candidate spend some time in all classes and gather some experience with special needs children. Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working as Piano or music teachers to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Piano Teachers don’t need to complete formal education in the field. Individuals with requisite competence and an appropriate attitude have been known to train others to play the piano.

However, a diploma or bachelor’s degree in music and general education, special education or psychology would go a long way in enhancing your professional reputation. It is also possible to enrol in accredited graded music exams and earn a progressively advanced grade in playing the piano to establish your occupational skills.

An advanced Certificate for Music Educators (CME), a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) or a postgraduate diploma of education (PGDE) would help aspiring Piano Teachers with a degree in music take the plunge.

Recommended high school subjects include music, psychology, business studies, English and speech classes.

Accomplished Piano Teachers choose to qualify as Registered Piano Technicians (RPTs) and Music Therapists - Board Certified (MTs-BC). Qualification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

To avoid any legal complications during your academic career, opt for public liability and private indemnity insurance, mainly if you conduct classes at home.

Piano Teachers must also be willing to undergo a criminal record background check and acquire a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate, especially if they intend to tutor students under 18 years of age. Requirements may vary across locations; confirm the need for a DBS certificate and essential prerequisites with the local certifying authority.

Check with your local tax agency if you need to invest in a bonafide business license and register your piano studio to ensure you do not run into any legal issues in the future. It would help to check special zoning permits and waivers to allow your students or parents to share parking spots or driveways with your neighbours, so you do not end up paying unnecessary fines. It is also essential to determine the need for a home occupancy permit before operating your home-based studio. Ensure your neighbours are also aware of the bylaws and your operational schedule and studio reinforce them. 

In addition, a valid music teaching license may be mandatory. Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires passing an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience and training. 

Piano Teachers may begin working in a school or academy. Those who continue to work may progress to a higher pay scale or become Head of the Music Department. When they gain significant experience and earn a solid reputation, they can also think of self-employment and private lessons.

It is a short but confident step from self-employment to running their own piano studio, after which the number of students and classes you take will determine your earnings and career growth. 

Candidates with relevant professional qualifications, work experience and an aptitude for teaching will have the best job prospects.

There are multiple ways to start and manage a career as a Piano Teacher. Find the one that suits you or forge your own.

Build your entrepreneurship and technology skills to fuel your career ambitions as the owner of a piano studio. Begin with a word-of-mouth marketing campaign, act as your own agent and bring awareness to the maximum number of people possible about the piano lessons you plan to offer. 

Consider advertising in music directory websites. Get business cards made and pass them on to anyone who might seem interested. Place adverts in your neighbourhood shops, malls or cafes. Let your current piano students know that you are looking for new business. Make contact with other music tutors in the area and set up a student referral system.

Be willing to exploit the internet and maintain an active profile on various social media sites to enhance your reach. Some websites allow you to post ‘demos’ or demonstration segments that prospective employers/clients can view. Implement an SEO strategy to improve your ratings.

Publishing your own blog can provide information about yourself and the courses offered; it can also help engage prospective clients as an online resource for all piano-related information. Become active on music teacher forums where students may be looking for a Piano teacher.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Piano Teacher build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. Invest time in developing your repertoire knowledge and practising new pieces. It also helps in the regular renewal of essential certifications, permits and licenses. 

Trivia

The Italian harpsichord maker Bartolomeo di Francesco Cristofori invented the piano in 1709. One of his original creations is on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Piano is the shortened form of pianoforte which means soft (piano) and loud (forte). 

Pianos were so expensive in the beginning that only aristocrats and royalty owned them. The harp or metal frame is usually made of cast iron. The piano has a total of 88 black and white keys. It is an incredibly complex instrument comprising over 10,000 moving parts. The frame and the strings extend horizontally in grand pianos and vertically in upright pianos.

A new piano should be tuned four times during the year to adjust to its new environment and changing seasons. After the first year, tuning every six months should be sufficient. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Piano Teachers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Piano Teacher has employer-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

One can find an entire orchestral range in the piano. It can play a note lower than the lowest on a double-bassoon and higher than the top of a piccolo.

You can count yourself as a successful Piano Teacher when you can bring to light the potential in each of your students in a manner that brings joy and satisfaction to all of you when you can make sure works of genius remain immortal. 

Remain positive while learning and while teaching. Make your career goals clear to know which direction to move in and plan your daily and monthly tasks. It can help you think outside the box and broaden your horizons.