When it comes to nurturing your child's interest in music, it is "key" to find the right piano teacher. Young students are all too easily discouraged and need help to keep them thriving in piano.

At Calgary Piano Expressions, we believe that the right piano teacher can make all the difference when it comes to developing a lifelong love of music. That's why we've put together this guide to help you choose the perfect piano teacher for your child.

Consider Your Child's Learning Style
Every child is unique, and that includes the way they learn. Some children are visual learners and respond well to demonstrations, while others prefer hands-on, experiential learning. Some children are more introverted and need additional encouragement to explore the instrument, while others can't wait to dive in with their instructor.

When choosing a piano teacher, it's important to consider your child's learning style. Ask yourself what approach to learning will engage your child, and don't hesitate to sit on lessons so you can see for yourself how the teacher works with your child.

Look for a Teacher with Experience and Passion
When it comes to finding the right piano teacher, experience can be a strong asset. A teacher with years of experience will have a deep understanding of the piano and the ability to communicate effectively with students of all ages and skill levels.

But even more than experience,  look for a teacher who has a passion for teaching. A teacher who is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential will provide a much better learning environment that will help your child succeed.

Check Their Qualifications
In order to be a great piano teacher, you don't necessarily need to have a degree in music. However, it's always a good idea to look for a teacher who has some sort of formal training. This could include a degree in music education, a teaching certificate, or who has passed the upper grades of the Royal Conservatory of Canada system.

These qualifications can be a good indication of a teacher's commitment to their craft and their willingness to continue learning and growing as an educator.

Ask for References
Finally, don't hesitate to ask for references from current families of the piano teacher you're considering. Talking to other parents who have children taking lessons from the teacher and ask about their experience.
​
Find the Perfect Fit
Choosing the right piano teacher can be a bit of a challenge, but the payoff is well worth it. With the right teacher, your child will be inspired, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential as a musician.

At Calgary Piano Expressions, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn the piano in a fun and supportive environment. That's why we only high teachers who share our vision on making piano an amazing experience. Contact us today to learn more about our piano lessons and find the perfect piano teacher for your child!

As a parent, you want the best for your child's musical education. Two popular choices for piano programs are the Royal Conservatory of Music (aka "RCM") and Conservatory Canada. But which one is the best fit for your child's goals? Let's explore the unique approaches of both programs, to help you make an informed decision with your Calgary Piano Expressions teacher!

RCM

The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) is a well-known organization that has been offering music education in Canada for well over over a century now. It focuses on classical music and uses more traditional learning techniques, with a thorough curriculum utilizing grading, exams, and formal certificates. The RCM approach is a more structured approach and can be ideal for students who would benefit from the clear path it lays out.

Conservatory Canada

Conservatory Canada is a national music education organization that offers a complete music curriculum for students of any and all ages. It is designed to be student-focused, emphasizing creative self-expression while still providing the foundation skills of music. With a focus on having fun while learning, Conservatory Canada is a fantastic choice for parents who want to provide their child with a well-rounded yet still enjoyable musical experience. It is also good for those less concerned about receiving any certificates and less interested in classical repertoire.

Both approaches have their strengths, but ultimately, the decision comes down to you and your child's individual needs, goals, and learning style.

At Calgary Piano Expressions, we can help your child achieve their musical goals with either approach, or by blending the best of both! With our emphasis on fun-first piano education in the comfort of your own home, our experienced teachers are passionate about helping students of all ages and abilities reach their musical potential. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can support your child's musical journey!

​Do you find yourself practicing the same thing the same way over and over? Try VARYING your practice for a more engaging practice time! You will also see quicker results since your brain will be processing the information in multiple different ways and knitting them all together. Here are a few ideas of things to vary:

• Quicker or slower
• Starting at a different measure
  
• Starting on a different beat within a measure
• Eyes closed
• Forwards and Backwards
• Exaggerating movements
• Louder or softer
• With the book or without the book
• With metronome
• While feeling a different emotion

What's your favourite way to practice?

​Happy practicing!