I recently took on a new student transferring to Belmont from another studio in Nashville. When he came to me, I started him in a new level of the Faber method, but soon realized he was missing some fundamentals that should have been learned at earlier levels. At his 2nd or 3rd lesson, I pointed out about 6 errors in counting and note reading in a certain piece, but not wanting him to be discouraged, I said, "I may be a little tougher than your last teacher--" and before I could go on, he said, "Yes!" Then I finished by saying "...but you'll be a better piano player." His dad, who had been sitting in on lessons, piped up at that point and said "YES!"
(Fall 2006)

1. Most good private teachers will have a standard lesson time and not constantly change from week to week. There will be occasional variations due to scheduling but in general it should be consistent. The teacher should work closely with students and parents to plan ahead and be as consistent as possible.

2. Most good private teachers will guide their students through a set of drills called warm-ups. This warm up is one of the best ways to teach the fundamentals of playing and the student is usually encouraged to practice this first every day. It also can be valuable for the teacher to occasionally play this warm up along with the student in the lesson. The essence of style and tone can be aurally reinforced with this procedure. (In the Faber series used by Mr. James, warm-ups are found in the "Technique & Artistry" book.)

3. Good private teachers will demand high standards of playing from the student. These standards will evolve as the student progresses. One of the worst things that can happen in a lesson situation is that the teacher teaches below the student's ability level. The student should always feel challenged.

4. Private lessons should include focus on style and expression, not just notes. Teaching to read music is only one function of the lesson. Teaching the student the strategies and skills needed to teach themselves should be emphasized.

5. The private teacher will use a variety of approaches to teaching and be able to convey concepts in the student's own vocabulary. After basic skills are developed, the teacher can use several different methods to fine tune playing techniques.

6. The private teacher must develop a good rapport and build mutual respect with the student. You and your child can intuitively tell if a teacher genuinely likes children, and if he or she truly enjoys teaching.

7. The private teacher must maintain a system of keeping track of the student's progress and should communicate with the parents periodically.

Traits to Watch Out For:

1. A teacher that accepts everything the student plays as good enough. These teachers usually don't have very high standards. If the student is being challenged, it is only natural that some skills will take more than one lesson to learn. Expect to repeat some pieces from week to week. If students are being taught beneath their level, they will stagnate or regress rather than progress.

2. A teacher that never demonstrates skills or concepts. A teacher may be able to describe musical concepts without really knowing how to impart them to the student. Many aspects of performance and interpretation cannot be understood through words alone. Some skills are dependent upon aural imitation, which must be provided by the individual teacher.

3. A teacher that rarely looks at the student. A teacher constantly watching the music is missing crucial elements such as posture and hand position. Also, eye contact is essential for developing good rapport.

4. A teacher that continually says "next" without giving feedback. Positive correction should take place during each piece being played. Constructive comments should be supported by written notes on the music.

5. A teacher who misses lessons or is chronically late. Some teachers cannot handle the load of students they are trying to teach. A once a week private lesson is ideal. If the average falls short of that, find a teacher who is less busy.

6. A teacher who is not professional in the lesson. E.g.: saying inappropriate things, doing inappropriate things, wasting time talking about unrelated topics or being occupied with other tasks while the student is playing.

7. A teacher that is not committed to the student for the long haul. The student needs to develop a relationship with the teacher over a period of time. Switching teachers too much can be a traumatic event for some students and can seriously hinder their progress. Preference can be given to teachers with a proven track record--ask people you know to recommend someone they have had good experience with.

It is important to recognize that some teachers may not match the student's learning style. This is not necessarily a negative reflection upon the teacher or student. Students are motivated by different personality types. If personalities do not mesh, learning will be compromised.

Please remember that the student is committed to a regular schedule of practice. It is a waste of the student's and teacher's time--and your money--for the pupil to not fulfill his or her practice requirements.