After 6 months or so of self-instruction, Alfreds, Ive decided to take lessons from a teacher. There's a couple of music stores close by to choose from, three if you count one that only offers group lessons with fake books. Even though I've put a lot of work in with Alfreds Im going to keep an open mind as to what book the teacher wants to use.
My main dilemma is in choosing a teacher. Id like to meet a teacher first, hear them play, ect. However, this is not so easy. Most music stores dont have all the teachers there when you walk in, so it's more a matter of matching my schedule to who they have available. Anyone else encounter this, and if so what did you do to get a teacher you really thought would work well?

Perhaps:

1. Call the stores to see if any of the teachers can be reached by phone for an initial talk.

2. Consider arming yourself with a bunch of written questions relevant for you.

3. Some questions to consider:

"I'm interested in playing ______________ style of piano. What would your approach be towards teaching it?"

"What kind of method book(s), if any, do you use?"

"What's your view of the Alfred material?"

Ask about not only their level of training in piano, but about how long they've been TEACHING.

Ask them specifically what they would expect from you during the first six months...

etc., etc....

I hope this helps. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Edit: You might consider asking your question on the TEACHERS forum.

- angelojf -

When I met my teacher for the first time, he asked me what I wanted out of lessons and I told him that I was serious about learning, willing to work hard and that I wanted him to help me become as good as possible (for me) regardless of my advanced age for beginning piano (43). He seemed to appreciate this and so far I've had a very rewarding 4 years.

Im talking to a few piano teachers by phone now and asking a lot of questions.

zoso,

Great! Keep us updated, and good luck.

-angelojf-