Iam a self taught pianist for the most part. I have many people who have requested that I teach their children.. Maybe in a year or two I will have time to study pedagogy... still a busy mom and accompanist. I would like to purchase text books taught to those who would like to be teachers... to get a leg up on my future. I have two beginining students and absolutely love teaching them, and am getting great feedback from the parents as to the students progress and enthusiasm. Any recommendations?

I doubt if I will ever have students beyond the intermediate level.... I just want to learn more and do right by those willing to pay me. I've read other threads and can't join the Music Teacher's Association for quite some time.

There is a great book by James Bastien, entitled "How to Teach Piano Successfully" which is a wonderful guide to piano teaching. As a matter of fact, it was the textbook for the pedagogy class I took in college. At my MTNA meeting just this morning several teachers discussed the value of this book.

I still strongly recommend finding a mentor (look at past threads) as well as becoming affiliated with other music teachers. Observe as many teachers as you can, you can learn so much from others!

Good Luck,

Cranky Woman

Being self taught I'd think it'd be even harder to properly teach somebody. Take a look at This thread that was just started.


-Paul

Apple,
I'm in a very similiar situation although I'm not self taught. My current piano teacher is mentoring me and she has recommended a general book that I've found helpful. I've purchased several others but haven't got all the way through so can't really comment on those but the one recommend by my teacher is The Well-Tempered Keyboard Teacher by Marienne Uszler, Stewart Gordon and Elyse Mach. It reviews several different methodologies and seems pretty well rounded, I have an older edition but there is a newer edition out.
I would love to go back to school and take some courses in piano pedagogy but not sure what is available in my area without getting involved in a full time degree program.

Cathy

(I would love to go back to school and take some courses in piano pedagogy but not sure what is available in my area without getting involved in a full time degree program.)

Cathys,
Many times colleges and universities offer courses to anyone willing to pay for the credit hour. Make a few phone calls to your closest Music Dept. and see what they have to offer.

When I was attending college, there were a few community teachers attending my Piano Pedagogy and Piano Practicum classes. They added a great insight to our discussions as they had "been in the trenches" teaching already. Your involvement in a pedagogy course may teach you some new things as well as giving you the opportunity to inspire others.

Cranky Woman

Thanks - I'll definitely start checking around some more.

Cathy