On this day: July 2, 1956 Elvis Presley records “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel” Every piano teacher is as uniquely different as each child they teach. Teaching methods, learning styles, personalities and more all interact and impact the effectiveness of your piano teacher, your piano kid, and the lessons that they share.Today, I want to talk about a few ways you can determine if your piano teacher is the most effective for your piano kid. 

Goal Setting as a Tool for Gauging Effectiveness

Last week, we discussed “exit strategies“. Now that you’ve had a chance to think your exit strategy for piano lessons, what are some goals you have in mind for you child? What does effective mean to you? Are piano lessons recreational, social, or is it preparing them for a musical future? Determining your goals will help you find a teacher that will help you reach those goals. When setting goals, use the S.M.A.R.T. method – Is your goal Specific? Is it Measurable? Attainable? Relevant? Timely?Examples of some goals: * number of pieces learned each semester* getting to a certain point in a book* sight reading at a certain level* higher theory score or rating* reaching a certain level on ‘NoteRush’* any other combination of measurable goals! Does your piano teacher support your goals? Do they have different goals in mind that don’t align with your motivation for piano lessons? Are the goals you have set for your student being reached? Measuring your goals can help you assess if your teacher is effectively teaching progress. 

Recitals and Studio Performances as a Gauge for Effectiveness

I am not recommending that you compare your piano kid to other performers. That is unhealthy and unproductive. Every child is different! I am saying that you should observe your teachers recitals and performances as a way to gauge the effectiveness of the studio as a whole and how that aligns with your goals. Observe type of music being performed, the anxiety level of the students, how the teacher engages with their students, and whether or not the studio is showcasing the skills you want your piano kid to learn. If not, what are the steps you need to take to help make your piano lessons more successful.You’re not making a determination of whether the teacher is “good or bad”, rather you’re determining if they are able to help your piano kid reach their musical goals. 

Study Your Child to Gauge Effectiveness