Hello...

Hopefully this is the right thread to ask this question if not please accept my appologies in advanced.

My daughter, who had no formal training on any instrument, shows quite a bit of promise. She has exhibited an aptitude and probably more important a genuine interst and love for the classics (She sleeps to Handel on CD every night) she is 8 BTW.

My only concern is that she is one of those kids that has an interest in pretty much everything, and excels in most - but then seems to lose interest fairly quickly - then moves on. She has expressed an interest to take piano lessons, and violin, and flute, and guitar (6 and 12 string , and french horn, and ..... you see what I mean.

My question for the forum is what do I look for in an instructor? I dont think, in my daughters case, that she is a "prodigy" but I do think that she is the type that will excel - but is also impatient. She will want to play the 3rd movement of Moonlight Sonata before the first (which we have been working on but I also realize I cannot be the teacher either !). Anyone out there, young or old can relate? If so I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

Best,

Chris

I think it`s advisable to start your child on what is called a foundation course/lesson. U may try the piano, and see if she decides to stay onto it. If not, it`s also quite beneficial to start out on the piano, as u play the piano yrself, u might have already known ( hearing wise esp.)And piano basically gives u a good headstart in every instrument.
Parental participation in music lessons is very important, esp. so when they do their practice. I have found that kids whose parents are much more involved ( in a good way) will go far.
Do not be too eager to push her into technical drills, though if she actually had started earlier-say 4 yrs old, now would be the time to work her technically.
But as she`s still new to (any instrument-but in particular) the piano, just let her explore, have fun, but in a consistent and discipline way. The good thing about being 8 is that, she can handle one to one instruction well, and will definately absorb quickly. ( but as I`ve mentioned, having fun and keeping the interest is of utmost importance, but so is the level of discipline in the lesson layout and tasks.
Teacher- U might wanna get a teacher who has vast experience with a good number of kids, as no 2 kids are the same, and the teacher needs to be flexible in her teaching.
Do email me if u have any queries. MustPractice@hotmail.com
or pm me at pianosociety.com
PS: If yr child resists doing technical ex, and if u play the piano, then why not do it with her?
Papa takes the RH, u take the LH.
Then switch, then have a race. U can let her have the go first( let her have a headstart of 1 octave, and DO purposely let her win sometimes. It`s a good form of encouragement and builds her confidence).
have fun, good luck.

Thats basically the same with me, i try to learn every instrument, everysport, every dance type, theres usually only few that i stick with, piano being one of them.My parents forced me to play piano when i was 4-10 making me practise 45mins a night.After that i began to listen to more classical music and began to work hard instead of slacking. Now im 14 and in grade 10 piano, trying to get into interlochen highschool. The one thing I wish my parents would have done is push me harder and make me do more theory.
If your daughter wants to play piano to begin with tell her she has to stay with it and have atleast a half anhour of piano a night along with theory. Start her on grade 1 not any beggining grades, the did nothing for me, and if i didnt do them i could already be in the AR levels.
When your looking for a teacher, try to have a meeting with them before undergoing lessons. See if your kid feels comfortable with the teacher. That should be the main thing. If theres no confort, its not going to work.When starting lessons try to look for a teacher about $20 or less, but be sure they have at least their grade 8.
Hope this helped.
Jen
Nova

Hi, i would recommend a really good teacher, who has alot of experience. it might be expensive but it is worth it if she enjoys it. try to get your daughter to practise at least 30 min sa day but don`t push her too hard. i have known people to give up on music because their parents shout at them for making mistakes and this is not good - your daughter sounds like she would benefit most from taking piano lessons first and if she doesn`t get on well with it try another instrument as she sounds as if she has talent. music should be fun - of she doesn`t enjoy it, then stop the lessons. good luck

Normally an experienced teacher with good reputation and credibilities will not come cheap. I think u ought to prepare to fork out anything from 30 per half hour onwards.
Of caz, there`re younger teachers with lesser experience, but still do great jobs handdling the kids.
So it all comes down to your decision and wisdom as a Dad.
Good Luck.