All About Piano Lesson Costs
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jce:
Well, to be even more blunt and adding to jce's comment, technically only teachers with full time qualifications (Bachelor and above) with pedagogy components in their studies OR private teaching diplomas (DipABRSM, ATCL, or ALCM in Instrumental Teaching or higher level) are actually trained to teach. Grade 8 Practical or any of the performance diplomas only indicate proficiency level in the instrument and nothing else. So going by the definition above, probably 80% of teacher population in Singapore are 'unqualified'.Firstly, the teacher is not qualified - he is still pursuing a dip. A grade 8 does not give any qualification to TEACH. It only means \"can play the dots on the book\". Sorry, this may sound very harsh but it is the fact.
What kind of progress should you see? Simple rhythm, notes recognition. That's a start.
How long it takes before grade 1 - that depends on the kid's learning power, the effort put in, how much the teacher pushes and what expectations the teacher has - some teachers happily send in kids who can just about pass! The progress can take 2 years or more at this early age.
That being said, 'unqualified' teachers can be great teachers too, provided that they are resourceful and willing to improve their trade. Teaching is afterall a very hands on profession and a lot of things have to be learnt by trial and error.
How long to grade 1? I have mentioned this before; ABRSM recommends 18 months from commencement of beginner lessons. Can be shorter or longer depending on a few factors such as the child's natural ability, work ethic, teacher's teaching technique and expectations, parental involvement, etc. Different teachers may also have different approach and expectations on progress. For example, I expect within 3 months of lessons that beginners can read and identify notes on the staff comfortably whereas some other teacher may choose to focus on being able to listen and replicate Suzuki-style. -
ong lee:
hi.
Lately, i have just engage a new piano teacher for my 4yrs old. my kid got no background on music at all. I was quoted 80/mth for 4lesson of 45min. His background is 2yrs experience teaching and with Grade 8 ABRSM piano qualifications and currently pursuing Diploma ABRSM. less than 20yrs old.
.Dreamaurora:
Hi Ong Lee, 18 months sounds about right. I have a DD of about the same age. She took about 21 months from first touch of piano to her grade 1 exams.How long to grade 1? I have mentioned this before; ABRSM recommends 18 months from commencement of beginner lessons. Can be shorter or longer depending on a few factors such as the child's natural ability, work ethic, teacher's teaching technique and expectations, parental involvement, etc. Different teachers may also have different approach and expectations on progress. For example, I expect within 3 months of lessons that beginners can read and identify notes on the staff comfortably whereas some other teacher may choose to focus on being able to listen and replicate Suzuki-style.
However, you may want to get a more matured and experienced teacher. My DD's first individual teacher was also very young, and after 6 months, he decided he doesn't want to teach anymore, just before her exams. -
I fully agree with Dreamaurora and JCE on teacher qualifications, and I’m speaking from personal experience. When I was a child, I had teachers who only had Grade 8 and below, and I didn’t progress in my music education. I only realised why recently when I decided to take lessons again, just so I could support my DS’ learning. My current teacher not only has a Masters in Music Composition from the USA, he also trains aspiring music teachers for the ABRSM Dip in Teaching, and he teaches me some simple pedagogy to support my DS’ learning at JMC. I realised how many techniques I was never even exposed to as a child…and I’m basically re-learning everything I was ever taught in music. Teacher qualfications and pedagogical knowledge as well as passion for music is extremely important. Knowing what I know now, I would never go for a teacher with anything less than ABRSM Dip for my child when he’s ready to transit to individual lessons.
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Dreamaurora, jce, refer to my earlier post, can u recommand a piano teacher for me? Thank you!
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How much can we expect to pay for such qualified teachers? Do they all do home class, or do we need to go to their school/studio/home?
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Most teachers who have established a certain reputation will not travel so it’s either to their home or studio. Fees will probably be around $100 per hour. If the teacher is "branded", ie churning out plenty of winners in the competition field, or perhaps is a prodigy of international stars then the fee commanded will naturally be higher, around $150-200 region. However this is not to say, the more they charge the better they are as a teacher. There are those who perhaps are "up and coming", that are good teachers too.
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Hi!
Any private piano teacher to recommend, home base for two?
Age: 11, grade: 4 (finished)
Age: 8, grade: 2 (finished)
Location: Kallang
Thank you -
What’s the reasonable rate for 45min home lesson for beginners if the teacher has a diploma n abt 10yrs teaching experience?
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Probably in the region of $150 to $160pm
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Thanks jce! So teachers with diploma but less experience wld warrant abt…?
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