does anyone give piano lessons?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2003
does anyone give piano lessons?
1
Thu, 04-08-2004 - 11:52am
I am planning on giving piano lessons as soon as we move into our new house, but I'm not sure about a lot of things (I never took formal lessons until college).

1. What age should lessons start?

2. How long should they last?

3. How much should I charge?

4. I like John Thompson's books... does anyone have any other suggestions for beginner books?

5. Should I devote one day a week/month to music theory for older students?

TIA!!!!

Desiree

mommy to Natalie (4) and Hannah (1)

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Thu, 04-08-2004 - 5:00pm
Hi,

I've been teaching private piano lessons for 3 years. I'm just now taking a maternity leave so will be on a break for a bit but here's some info that I hope helps you out.

1. I wasn't much interested in working with children younger than 6 but I have taken 5 year olds. I usually started them in pre-primary stuff since they don't usually read or write.

2. I gave half hour lessons but would be willing to accommodate 1 hour lessons with adjusted rates. For example, 1/2 hr. would be $10. and 1 hr. would be $17.

3. Since I lived in a rural area I charge $10 per half hour. If I lived back in the city I'd charge $15. So you have to evaluate what kind of area you live in and try to find some other private teachers to see what they charge so you can compete.

4. I have used Bastien with most of my students. Alfred or Thompson filled in the gaps when necessary.

5. I made theory a regular part of lessons. In the beginning I've found it is almost more important than anything else. The more the understand theory the easier everything else is.

Good luck. HTH

jenfa

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