I had engaged a new piano teacher - Agnes for my kids last month. She's the 4th piano teacher for both my kids. All along, I'd based on the first teacher's assessment that my girl (10 yrs old) is in piano grade 4 and my boy (6 yrs old) is heading grade 1. I opted for a combination of exam cum 'play for fun' piano pieces but realised that the previous teachers focus much more on 'play for fun' piano teaching and teach them according to the piano level i.e grade 4 and 1 based on what I told them. However, was not comfortable with the teaching style of 2nd and 3rd teacher as there's not much feedback and my kids seem to be heading without direction even though I know they are quite musically incline.
I was so glad that I had engaged Teacher Agnes as the moment she assess my kids, I was surprised to learnt that my girl can be prepared for Grade 6 and my boy Grade 2. My girl's theory is much lack of guidance by previous teachers and if she would have progress to a much higher grade and better techniques if taught well. I was impressed by her truthfulness and Agnes gave me a lot of information on piano direction for children.
Agnes played pieces very well and is interactive and feedback to me the first few sessions on pointers to guide my kids. She even showed me the different playing techniques that will produce different piano 'feel'. I love teacher who gives feedback coz then I know how to help my kids improve. She is the only one who fully utilize the metrometer. At times, she used her own tape recording to let my kids hear their playing. I was very impress by such effort.
Today, I heard her explaining to my boy the story of an exam piece, for him to understand on expression when playing. My boy was fascinated and this is the type of teacher I've been looking for as all these were never heard of from the previous teachers. Usually they will just tell me ok or need to practise more.
I believe my kids will excel under Agnes guidance as she is indeed dedicated, experience and communicate with parent. After experiencing 4 teachers, I have a good idea of what makes a good piano teacher. Would highly recommend Agnes.
Below are her profile (I copied this from her 'advertisement'):-
Agnes - 90252089
Abrsm Diploma in teaching n performance
12 years teaching experienced.
Able travel to your house for the lesson.
Had taught many grade8 students graduate
Trial lesson welcome
Had edited this recommendation post and Not recommending this teacher anymore after went through one round of exam. It started well but ended badly as it's too exam focus which will make my kids lose interest in music
Hi Jann,Had edited this recommendation post and Not recommending this teacher anymore after went through one round of exam. It started well but ended badly as it's too exam focus which will make my kids lose interest in music