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Piano lessons (gulp)
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frewen



Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 11405

PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 07 6:59 pm    Post subject: Piano lessons (gulp) Reply with quote
    

I have played the piano since I was 5 - and although my standard has dropped it doesn't seem to have stopped a couple of people asking me to teach them (one adult one child)

I have always hated the idea. However, I have given the odd few lesson (gratis) and have taught DH well enough for him to be able to teach himself now.

Here comes the science bit - calling myself a pianist sounds like I'm good but I know I could be really really far better and I feel a fraud even thinking about teaching (reached but never took grade 8 ). So I intend to become a pupil again but in order to fund this does anyone know anything about giving lessons for profit (as I obviously can't barter like for like).

marigold



Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 12458
Location: West Sussex
PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 07 7:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Do you still hate the idea of teaching the piano? If so DON'T DO IT!! Life's too short .

Sorry, not an answer to your question, but I can't see the point in spending time/money on something you don't really want to do.

frewen



Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 11405

PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 07 7:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I don't know I am trying to (management speak on) broaden my horizon's (management speak off) with less cash and just.. well... do something different

VSS



Joined: 14 Jan 2007
Posts: 2845
Location: Llyn Peninsula, North Wales
PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 07 8:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

My mother is a piano teacher and has been all her life. As far as i know she has always enjoyed it - it was the rest of the family who were driven round the bend!

I think she gets a pretty good hourly rate, but she does have two music degrees.

On a slightly different tack, our son has fiddle lessons from a "friend", and she charges �6 per half hour lesson.

www.viableselfsufficiency.co.uk

sneeuwklokje



Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 277

PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 07 8:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I agree with Marigold.

However... ... would it help you more to figure out what it is exactly that you hated about teaching? Was it the process; dealing with people that made mistakes; the lack of their committment; something else entirely etc and, do you feel the same way now?

Also, it's good to broaden horizons, so, see where it takes you? As you are clearly musical, perhaps checking out some community musical theatre projects might be something to look into? How about going to the local old people's home and offering to play for an hour there? Or perhaps, even to give lessons?

As for being uncomfy about the rates or being uncomfy in passing yourself off as a "teacher" and what that means to you in this context (you were fine teaching DH and the other people free, hence my question above), you could always word your ad accordingly? "amateur piano teacher seeks pupils" - umm, ok, so that's a bit stiff, but you get the idea? You could always emphasise the fun part of it, rather than the "let's go for grades" aspect of it perhaps? hrm. "Piano playing enthusiast offering informal lessons at reduced price of....."

When I went to learn guitar a million years ago, I was stuck with the most boring old fart ever, who wanted me to play Eidleweiss(sp?) at every lesson. I just wanted to strum along and sing with the radio, and I told him that right from the outset. I had no desire to do it all properly and be serious and practice 4 hours a day. I hated the lessons and my enjoyment and enthusiasm for it was sucked right out of me. Never played since. *ramble.

[edit: typo]

Last edited by sneeuwklokje on Fri Jul 06, 07 10:39 pm; edited 1 time in total

frewen



Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 11405

PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 07 9:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I think you have an excellent point point there.

I can teach scales etc and theory (up to about grade 5) which encompasses totally boring unsexy tunes. But the whole reason I even started the piano was because I have a good ear (not perfect pitch but close) I taught myself guitar and mandolin (badly) and played the oboe too.

I prefer to teach people by every angle - and by learning things they want to learn. This goes against the "classical grain" but there.

I'm less worried about those with no commitment - but if I get a really good one - what if I screw them up?

chez



Joined: 13 Aug 2006
Posts: 35935
Location: The Hive of the Uberbee, Quantock Hills, Somerset
PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 07 9:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

If you think they're really good and you can't teach them anymore, pass them on to someone you trust?

Also, re the like-for-like bartering thing, what about a local LETS scheme that trades time?

sneeuwklokje



Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 277

PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 07 10:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Frewen wrote:
I prefer to teach people by every angle - and by learning things they want to learn. This goes against the "classical grain" but there.

I'm less worried about those with no commitment - but if I get a really good one - what if I screw them up?


I think it's great you want to teach like that! Why should you not? Steiner schools are not rigid in the same way that "normal" schools are (whatever "normal is" ) so you do what works for you and your pupils. I wish you were closer to me, I'd sign up. And as Chez said, you can always pass someone along with no worries?

As for "what if" - well. How would you screw them up do you think? Not likely, is it? Nope, it isn't. The best thing I could say with regards to any sort of "what ifs" is to ignore them. Create your ad, use a few guinea pigs ...errr I mean pupils...and see how it goes! If you don't like it, try something else. At least you would have tried it.

What if you inspire someone to greatness, eh?

frewen



Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 11405

PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 07 6:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Does anyone know if I would need a CRB check if teaching children? and/or some kind of insurance in case someone hurt themselves whilst in my home? I know piano playing isn't generally considered a dangerous pastime but there is always the opportunity to trip over and break something walking from the back door to the instrument and those day time ads "don't waive your right to compensation" concern me

Oh and Lou - when you read this - stop lurking and start posting!

cinders



Joined: 04 Jun 2007
Posts: 2437
Location: norfolk The daft old bat club
PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 07 7:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I would think you would, best to be save.You could always call the Citzens advice bureau and they may know

marigold



Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 12458
Location: West Sussex
PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 07 8:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

You put it all so much better than me, sneeuwklokje .

Aside from stuff like CRB checks and insurance I think you could forget the idea of "rules" about how you should do it, Frewen. If you make it clear what you are offering, you will attract people who want that. Anyone who wants a "traditional" teacher will go elsewhere. It sounds as though you could well appeal to people who want to "do music", but DON'T want to do exams .

It's great idea to try a new venture - start small, decide what you want to teach and how, sort out insurance etc and try it out. Give it a year and then review the situation.

As for "ruining" someone - as chez says, it seems unlikely, you have talent, can recognise it in someone else and can point them in the direction of a more formal musical education (if they want it).

I'd suggest you do some basic planning before you start, eg:
- prepare a flyer stating what you offer, cost and contact details. Even if you rely on word of mouth and never actually use the flyer it will help to focus your mind on what you are offering
- simple lesson plans so you've got a starting point to work from
- costs, such as piano tuning, insurance, leaflets, copies of sheet music etc
- charges. Check other local teachers rates - don't undersell yourself and don't forget your costs! It's easier to give a discount that than to raise charges
- hours you are willing to work to ensure you don't end up being "persuaded" to give a lesson when you'd rather be putting the babies to bed
- childcare arrangements, if required
- anything alse I haven't thought of

Sounds to me like it could be a lot of fun, once you've sorted out the boring admin bits. How rewarding to be able to help people make music - I'm a total drone in the musical department myself!!

wellington womble



Joined: 08 Nov 2004
Posts: 15051
Location: East Midlands
PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 07 10:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I don't know about insurance, but CRB checks are neither onerous or terribly expensive. They just take a long time to come back. I;m not sure whether you would need one, as they are really for emplyers to cover their own backs to say that they have checked out their employees, and made sure they are safe. Who's going A) ask, B) check and C) if you turn out to be not fit to work with children, who is there answer for it, except you.

On the other hand, it may be a bit of selling point, and worth if if you wanted to say, put a notice up in a school, and they really aren't terribly difficult, so you might as well!

Edited to say I forgot that Frewen probably knows all that, given her previous career! Oh, well - it might be useful for someone!

sean
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42219
Location: North Devon
PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 07 10:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Most of the music teachers round here mention that they're CRB checked in their ads.

frewen



Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 11405

PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 07 10:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Never assume I know anything WW I can arrange one and know that childminders/nannies need them but am not sure about home tutors.

I am just about to do a quick crash course for an adult friend who is returning to Lybia at the end of the summer. I think I will teach her in her own home as she only lives around the corner and it won't be a long course so the commitment won't turn out to be too onerous and insurance is also negated.

I'm not going to charge her but will use her as a guinea pig - I have a few ideas - along the lines of a taster/ introduction short course.

Barefoot Andrew
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 21 Mar 2007
Posts: 22780
Location: In the 17th century
PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 07 10:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Did anyone see the Derren Brown Trick or Treat programme where he "taught" a woman who could just about manage Chop Sticks to give first class piano recital and a lunchtime concert?

It transpires she had learned as a child and had probably been quite good, but had lost interest and/or confidence as she grew up. Brown taught her, using techniques he never discloses on air, to "forget" her adult anxieties and revert to the wonder and passion she would have had as a child. Her performance was indeed first-rate.

A.

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