Ask Ms. Margaret
Q: Why do kids like dance, sports, and art classes more than instrumental lessons?
Most sports involves team works. Kids tend to have more fun when they play with their friends. Most of the dance studios does not require students to go home and practice. So does the art classes. Piano lessons require practice at home; it is like homework from school. You would not be able to improve if you do not do your homework. When you invest your time into practicing an instrument, your reward will come later but it will last a life time. Have you ever heard your parents tell you, “I wish I kept up with my piano lessons when I was young?” The realization comes later when one is mature. So now it is the parents and the teacher’s job to keep the flame going and to be as encouraging as possible.
Q: If kids don’t practice, should I still bring them to lesson.
Yes, you should. Kids improve by coming to their lessons regularly. However, it is not as efficient as those who practice at home. But it will still show progress.
Q: How long should I keep them in piano lessons if they don’t show interest?
You should be ready to invest in at least three years. That will be enough time for them to learn the fundamental skills on the piano. So even if they quit for short period of time, they should be able to pick up from where they left off.
Q: What do I need to know about interviewing a piano teacher?
Before you call the teacher, please go online and google top 10 Music schools/university so you are familiar with those school names. This way you can understand and know the credibility of these schools along with the music teachers and their achievements.
Here are few questions you should ask your piano teacher:
1. Is your degree or study focused on piano? Where did you received your music degree from?
Some piano teachers can play piano but their focus or concentration is on other instrument. Each musical instrument can be specialized in and focused on. Therefore, you should find a teacher who is specializing in piano and can provide a genuine piano teaching and learning experience.
2. Do you give student recitals?
Regular student recitals should be given regardless of how small or big the studio is. This allows the students to experience performing and presenting themselves in front of an audience.
3. What is your teaching philosophy?
Try to avoid teachers that give you any unrealistic promises on student performance. (I will have separate article talking about realistic, steady and healthy progress on piano playing)
Q: Do I need an acoustic piano?
I strongly suggest my students to practice on an acoustic piano. It does not need to be a grand piano; it can be upright piano of any brand and any kind. Many electronic pianos do have weighted keys, still we want our kids to practice on keys that are weighted or similar to acoustic piano. This makes sure that their fingers are properly trained and do not have transitional period. Another reason why I recommend an acoustic piano is because you would not be able to play with different volumes, articulations, or phrasings on an electronic piano. In order to present piano music with all artistic touches, it requires a traditional acoustic piano. Many piano retail stores rent out pianos in a very reasonable price and many of them also give you discounts toward your purchase of a piano.
Q: Is playing a piano a must before my kids play any other instruments?
Most musicians start with the piano. It will be a lot easier for kids to play the piano and learn another instruments later because it has a fixed pitch. This means that they will not need to deal with tuning their instrument. Learning piano also teaches you how to read both treble and bass clef. Most of the instrument only require reading treble OR bass clef. By providing them with the opportunity to learn both treble and bass clef, it will allow them the chance to choose a variety of instruments in the future.
Singing is also important. Singing while playing is very important for kids; this helps them to listen to themselves while they are playing an instrument. The pianist plays the piano, an artist listens and plays at the same time.
Q: Why we learn theory
Music theory helps students obtain a better understanding of the music that they are performing. It provides students insight on the music by understanding how all the notes and rhythms are put together in a composition. Learning music theory is part of playing any instrument. Most of us learn how to play the music without knowing the theory behind the composition. It is important for students to understand music theory so they are not only playing the music, but also understanding the structures and meaning behind the composition.
Music theory also aids students in sight reading their music faster and with accuracy. Along with an increase speed in sight reading, it also helps students in their aural skill so they are able to detect the mistakes that they made. This allows students to be able to hear what they see. Music theory a language that musicians use to communicate with each other. When you learn music theory, you not only understand how to play the instrument better, but you also learn to speak the language.
It is never too early to teach children fundamental theory while they are learning how to play the piano. Music becomes more fun and interesting to them.