What to discuss with your teacher before starting lessons: Part II

As talked about previously in Part I of this post, a discussion between parent and/or student and teacher before a student takes on their first piano lesson can prove to be quite beneficial.

Depending on what sort of questions are asked, the parent and/or student can learn quite a few things about the teacher, and the teacher about the parent and/or student.

In addition to the points outlined in Part I, here are some other discussion points you may wish to consider raising in your discussion with your or your child's prospective piano teacher:

Point #6 - Motivating Factors

It's important that the teacher asks and the parent and/or student informs the teacher what helps motivate the student to want to persevere, work hard and overcome obstacles.

This could range from things such as words of encouragement, positive praise to little rewards (merit stickers, gifts or lollies/chocs) and even constructive (not negative!) feedback.

Point #7 - Demotivating Factors

As important as it is to find out what motivates a student, the teacher should also know what could result in a student feeling demotivated or discouraged.

Certain conduct, behaviour or acts such as over-pressuring or over-pushing the student, speaking to them in a harsh tone or being overly critical can cause a student to feel less motivated to learn or even lose interest altogether.

Point #8 - Learning and/or Developmental Struggles

This could be a sensitive topic to raise in the discussion but a significant one nonetheless.

For example, if a student struggles with staying focused, or even grasping and processing new information, the teacher should be aware of this.

Point #9 - Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

I ask each of my parent and/or student whether they have any food or general allergies.

I have pets and wouldn't want a student who is allergic to pet fur to have an allergic reaction halfway into their lesson or accidentally gift a student with nut allergy chocolate with nuts in it.

Furthermore, some parents may prefer that certain rewards (e.g lollies and/or chocolate) not be encouraged and for the teacher to offer an alternative reward to their child (e.g merit stickers).

Therefore, finding out about a student's potential dietary restrictions or allergies is important to avoid any accidents and ensures that what we provide to students are safe and consistent with what they or their parents are agreeable with.

Point #10 - Further Questions

If a parent and/or student has any other questions (which I may have not touched on in Points #1-9), they should not hesitate to raise it with their teacher.

The preliminary discussion can help parents and/or students determine if a teacher is the 'right fit' for them and thus, any additional questions should be raised and addressed in the discussion.