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How good do I have to be to teach piano?

I'm not so great compared to some of my friends, but I am awesome compared to others. What do I need to become a piano teacher?

You need to be able to stay one week ahead of your students.
At least that's what Bart Simpson said to his mother Marge on one Simpson's episode.

What do you have so far in terms of training?

Significantly better than the level to which you intend to teach.



A passion for teaching.

A passion for learning.

Imagination.

Empathy.

Patience.

I would imagine that if you're teaching elementary level -- in any disciple, not just piano -- profound virtuosity is not all that important. I would expect that sound basic technique coupled with good pedagogic skills are more relevant.

The problem, I think, is that it's hard to be sure that a teacher has sound basic technique if he or she doesn't have sound advanced technique as well. The earliest days of teaching (in any discipline) are when solid foundations have to be laid. If those foundations are shaky in the teacher, they are likely to be shaky in the student as well.

How many years did you have piano lessons? Did you use a method book? If so, what level did you reach? Could you give a decent demonstration if a parent asked for one?