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Key Sounds UK • April 28, 2020

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT PIANO TEACHER

With so many piano teachers out there with a variety of different teaching methods and approaches, it’s so easy to know which teacher will support you and your needs as an aspiring musician.

To help support you in your journey, I’ve compiled a list which will support you in choosing the perfect piano teacher for you!

  1. Do your research

In the music industry today, there are so many unqualified teachers who don’t have an education or background in music. Both myself, my teacher and some of my current students have experienced this! Therefore, we decided to use this as an opportunity to share what we learnt.

Personally, I prefer a teacher who can play so that they can empathise with my struggles and demonstrate different techniques if required to do so.

If you are looking to learn grades or a specific genre of music then have a read into the teacher’s background as they may specialise in teacher one or the other.

  1. Individualised Approach

Everyone learns differently. Some are visual learners, some are auditory learners and others are kinaesthetic learners. It may be useful to check on the teacher’s website or contact them to ask them how they would tailor their resources to best help you succeed.

  1. Consistency

If they are consistent, they are committed.

How often do they teach and does this work with your timetable?

If your teacher can fit you in for regular sessions – say once or twice per week then this will help both your progress and accountability both in the short and long term.

  1. Previous Results

Ask your chosen teacher what their other students have achieved since learning with them and use this this as a measurement of their delivery and skill set.

  1. Open to new musical ideas

There are some teachers who solely specialise in teaching one genre of music whilst there are others who teacher a mixture of genres.

If you wish to master one particular style of music then choose a teacher who can meet these needs. However, if you choose to be a musician with a variety of skills then choose a teacher who can meet these needs instead.

Use this time to take up some research or ask your current teacher some questions which will help enhance your musical journey. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have!

For more tips and tricks follow us on Instagram: @keysoundsuk or Facebook: www.facebook.com/keysoundsuk

Online and In-Person Piano Lesson Comparison

By Reshmi Patel • February 17, 2025
If you’re thinking about learning the piano, you might be wondering: should you take lessons online or in person? The good news is that there’s no wrong choice! Both options have their perks, and the best one depends on your learning style, lifestyle, and goals. Let’s break it down! The Perks of Online Piano Lessons Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Access to Top Teachers: You’re not limited by location—you can study with amazing teachers worldwide. Technology & Tools: Many platforms offer interactive features like video feedback, AI-generated practice recommendations, and virtual sheet music. Affordability: Online lessons can sometimes be more budget-friendly than in-person instruction. The Benefits of In-Person Piano Lessons Immediate Feedback: Your teacher can adjust your posture, hand position, and technique instantly. Accountability: Having a set lesson schedule with a teacher can keep you motivated and consistent. Better Engagement: Some students thrive with in-person interaction and find it easier to focus. Which One is Right for You? If you love flexibility and access to global resources, online lessons might be your best bet. If you thrive on real-time interaction and hands-on guidance, in-person lessons could be ideal. Some students even choose a hybrid approach! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact .

How to Turn Piano Practice into Productive yet Playful Practice

By Reshmi Patel • February 3, 2025
Piano practice doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Adding an element of play can make it an enjoyable part of your day. 1. Turn practice into a game – use a timer and see how many times you can play a section correctly in five minutes, or create a “practice bingo” card with tasks like “play softly,” “practice scales backward,” or “play standing up.” Reward progress – aim to reward students with small treats or privileges to keep motivation high. 2. Add friendly competition to make practice more exciting. If you have siblings or friends who play, hold mini-recitals or compete to memorize a short piece the fastest. 3. Challenge yourself with personal goals – an example of this could be learning a new song in a week or improvising a melody over a chord progression. 4. Record your sessions and watch your progress – it’s inspiring to see how far you’ve come! 5. Use technology to your advantage – apps like Simply Piano or Flowkey offer interactive, gamified lessons, while YouTube tutorials provide endless inspiration. 6. Play songs you genuinely enjoy – mix favourite pop songs, movie themes, or video game music into your routine alongside classical exercises. A balance of fun and structure keeps practice fresh and exciting—because music should always be enjoyable! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact

What to Consider When Changing Your Piano Teacher

By Reshmi Patel • January 20, 2025
How Do I Know When to Change Piano Teacher? Choosing the right piano teacher can profoundly impact a child’s musical journey, but sometimes, the best path forward involves change. Before considering a switch, it’s important to recognize that every teacher brings unique strengths, and not every bump in the road signals the need for a new instructor. Challenges like a tough piece or frustration over progress are natural parts of learning. However, if a student feels consistently unmotivated or a teacher’s methods clash with their learning style, it might be time to evaluate the situation. Signs that it could be time for a change include stagnation in progress: 1. A lack of connection between teacher and student 2. A shift in the student’s goals that the current teacher isn’t equipped to support - for instance, a student focusing on advanced classical repertoire might need a specialist, while a budding songwriter may thrive with someone versed in improvisation or composition. 3. Logistical issues like scheduling or location are creating unnecessary stress - open communication with the teacher can often address these concerns, but sometimes, switching is the best option to reignite a student’s passion for playing. Switching teachers is not a failure; it’s a thoughtful decision to prioritize what’s best for the student’s growth. Musical journeys are deeply personal, and the teacher-student relationship plays a pivotal role in fostering confidence and creativity. If a switch is necessary, approach it with kindness and gratitude for the teacher’s contributions so far.  Remember, finding the right teacher is about aligning with the student’s evolving needs, and making that change can be a powerful step toward nurturing a lifelong love for music. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
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