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Hello Mindy,
I have been teaching piano to children and adults for over 15 years and I believe that the most important question to ask would be for an adult reference of the teacher you are looking to study with. My adult
students are always happy to give a reference. I truly enjoy teaching adults because they all come to the lessons with such enthusiasm and really want to learn. There are a variety of adult "method" books I use however I never teach "page by page" from the books. I find out what kind of music each adult wants to play
and we work on a specific piece that they have "always wanted to play".
I believe when you are first looking for a teacher you should find one that has a degree in music with lots of emphasis on piano pedagogy (which is the art of teaching piano). I don't mean to be a snob, however, there are lots of piano "teachers" who are teaching just because they learned to play the piano at one time but really do not know how to "teach" piano.
To answer your question regarding a digital/electronic keyboard vs. an acoustic piano....it is really up to you. I have adults who play on both. I still prefer the acoustic piano to an electric one, however, there are some really terrific digital keyboards on the market and if you feel better using headphones, then by all mean use them! You may decide later on that you would like to play on an acoustic piano at home. Just go for your dream of playing the piano...you will be glad you did! My adult students are amazed at the progress they have made. Most couldn't read any notes at the first lesson and after only a month were playing chords with simple melodies.
Good luck in your search for a teacher ... hope this has helped.
Marianne A.
Trenton, Ohio
----- Original Message -----From: Pat McClardSent: Sunday, November 06, 2005 2:13 PMSubject: [musicalfossils] Where to start?Hello,
I am Mindy, 42 years old, and have been longing to learn to play the
piano forever. Problem is I have no idea where to start. Is it best
to buy an electronic keyboard or rent a piano? One aspect I like about
the electronic keyboards and digital pianos is that you can play
silently with headphones, so I could practice any time regardless of
what else is going on in the house.
I've been told repeatedly by musical friends that it is very important
to find an instructor with experience teaching adults. What are the
right questions to ask an instructor to find out if they really have
experience teaching adults?
Any advice you can offer would be appreciated.
Mindy
in NE Iowa, USA
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