Reshmi Patel • April 26, 2021
How to Find Your Perfect Piano Teacher
With so many piano teachers out there with a variety of different teaching methods and approaches, it’s so easy to know which teacher will support you and your needs as an aspiring musician.
To help support you in your journey, I’ve compiled a list which will support you in choosing the perfect piano teacher for you!
1. Do your research
In the music industry today, there are so many unqualified teachers who don’t have an education or background in music. Both myself, my teacher and some of my current students have experienced this! Therefore, we decided to use this as an opportunity to share what we learnt.
Personally, I prefer a teacher who can play so that they can empathise with my struggles and demonstrate different techniques if required to do so.
If you are looking to learn grades or a specific genre of music then have a read into the teacher’s background as they may specialise in teacher one or the other.
2. Individualised Approach
Everyone learns differently. Some may prefer visual prompts, some auditory and others kinaesthetic resources and materials. It may be useful to check on the teacher’s website or contact them to ask them how they would tailor their resources to best help you succeed.
3. Consistency
If they are consistent, they are committed.
How often do they teach and does this work with your timetable?
If your teacher can fit you in for regular sessions – say once or twice per week then this will help both your progress and accountability both in the short and long term.
4. Previous Results
Ask your chosen teacher what their other students have achieved since learning with them and use this this as a measurement of their delivery and skill set.
5. Open to new musical ideas
There are some teachers who solely specialise in teaching one genre of music whilst there are others who teacher a mixture of genres.
If you wish to master one particular style of music then choose a teacher who can meet these needs. However, if you choose to be a musician with a variety of skills then choose a teacher who can meet these needs instead.
Remember that when you are trying out these hacks to look at them little and often but also be patient with yourself. If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly.
To find out more, feel free to get involved in our latest project “The Habits of the Top Performing Piano Players”, fill out our survey: https://bit.ly/2FDs8rf
For your chance to win a Nintendo DS Lite or a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher.
Starting piano lessons is an exciting milestone, but it’s completely normal for parents to wonder what the journey will actually look like. Questions like “How long before they play a song?” or “When will they be ready to perform?” often come up early on. The truth is, every child’s journey is unique but there are some helpful stages you can expect along the way. In the beginning, lessons focus on building familiarity and confidence. Younger beginners (typically from age 4-5+) start by exploring the keyboard, understanding simple rhythms, and developing coordination. Within the first few weeks, many children can play short, recognisable patterns and within a few months, they often begin playing simple songs. These early wins are incredibly important, as they build motivation and a sense of achievement. As your child progresses, you’ll notice a shift. It’s no longer just about playing notes, but about playing with control, expression, and understanding. This is when pieces become more musical, and students start to take pride in how they sound, not just what they play. Around this stage, many children are also introduced to performance opportunities, which help develop confidence and stage presence in a supportive environment. Performing doesn’t have to feel intimidating. In fact, when introduced at the right time, it becomes something children look forward to. Whether it’s a small group setting or a larger concert, these moments help students grow not only as musicians, but as confident individuals who can share their achievements with others. Actionable ways you can support your child through each stage: Focus on enjoyment in the early stages Keep things light and positive - enthusiasm at the start builds long-term commitment Create a simple routine at home A consistent time (even 5-10 minutes) helps piano feel like a natural part of the week Encourage “show and tell” moments Ask your child to perform for you at home - this builds confidence before formal performances Avoid comparing progress to others Every child develops at their own pace, and confidence grows best without pressure Celebrate milestones beyond songs For example: improved focus, smoother playing, or remembering pieces independently Over time, what starts as a few simple notes grows into something much more meaningful. By the time your child reaches their first performance, it’s not just about playing a piece, it's about confidence, resilience, and pride in their progress. If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
When your child starts piano lessons, one of the most natural questions is: “How will I know if they’re actually progressing?”’ Especially if you’re not musical yourself. It’s a completely valid concern, and one we hear often. Many parents expect progress to look like playing full songs quickly or moving through grades at speed. While those can be part of the journey, real progress is often happening in quieter, less obvious ways. In the early stages, progress looks like small but meaningful shifts. Your child might begin to recognise patterns in music, correct their own mistakes, or play with more control and confidence week by week. These are powerful signs of development even if the piece itself hasn’t dramatically changed. In fact, these foundations are what allow students to play more advanced music later on with ease and enjoyment. Another important part of progress is consistency. Children thrive on routine, and regular lessons (alongside small amounts of practice at home) help build momentum. When lessons are spaced out or missed, it’s not that progress stops but it can slow down. This is why maintaining a steady routine, even during busy periods, makes such a noticeable difference over time. Actionable ways you can support your child at home: Ask simple, encouraging questions Instead of focusing on “getting it right”, try: “can you show me what you improved this week?” Celebrate effort, not just results Confidence grows when children feel proud of trying - not just perfect playing Use lesson reports or teacher feedback - these give you clear insight into what your child is working on and why it matters Keep practice short and consistent. Even 5-10 minutes, a few times a week, is far more effective than long, irregular sessions Look out for subtle progress signs Such as smoother playing, fewer pauses, better posture, or increased focus Over time, these small wins build into something much bigger, not just the ability to play the piano, but increased confidence, independence, and a genuine enjoyment of music. And that’s when parents often say, “I didn’t realise how much they were actually progressing until now.” If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
One of the most common questions parents ask is whether their child should follow exams, focus on playing for enjoyment, or do a mix of both. It can feel like an important decision especially if you’re unsure what each route involves. The reassuring news is that there isn’t one “correct” path. The best approach is the one that keeps your child engaged, motivated, and progressing with confidence. Piano exams, such as ABRSM, can provide structure and clear goals. They help students develop discipline, technique, and a sense of achievement. Alongside practical exams, theory (including Grade 5 Theory) supports a deeper understanding of music, which becomes increasingly important as students advance. However, exams are just one part of a much bigger picture. Many children begin by learning pieces they enjoy - often songs they recognise - which helps build a strong emotional connection to music. This is particularly important in the early stages, where enjoyment drives consistency. As students grow in confidence, some naturally transition into exams, while others continue developing through performances, repertoire building, and personal goals. Rather than choosing between “fun” and “structure”, the most effective approach often combines both. A balanced journey allows children to enjoy what they play, while also developing the skills needed for long-term progress. This flexibility is what helps students stay motivated over the years, rather than feeling pressured or disengaged. Actionable ways you can support your child’s learning path: Follow your child’s interest first If they’re excited about a particular song, use that as a starting point for learning Have open conversations with their teacher Ask about the right timing for exams rather than rushing into them Understand that theory develops gradually It’s often introduced alongside practical learning, not as a completely separate subject Avoid putting pressure on grades alone Progress isn’t just measured by exams - confidence and musicality matter just as much Revisit goals regularly Your child’s interests may change over time, and their learning path can adapt with them Ultimately, the goal isn’t just for your child to pass exams - it’s for them to build confidence, enjoy music, and feel proud of what they can do. When the journey is tailored to them, progress becomes something they experience positively and consistently. If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
