The right teacher can inspire and encourage a student to reach their full potential, and most will adapt their teaching methods to suit individual students. The teacher-student relationship is one which may last many years, so it is worth trying to make sure that as a student, you have a teacher who suits you. Many teachers will suggest an introductory meeting so that they can find out whether you suit each other.

Some teachers specialise in teaching certain kinds of music - classical, jazz, Cuban, contemporary etc. Some place more emphasis on learning by ear than reading notation, and vice versa. Some are keen to enter their students for exams, others recommend their students to learn outside of the exam system. Information about the exam system can be found in the Piano Exams section of this web site.

Other questions which a student might ask is whether the teacher gives lessons during school holidays; whether they specialise in teaching children or adults; and where the lessons would be held. Some teachers prefer to come to a student’s house, others prefer to teach from their own home, or alternatively hold classes in a church or community hall, for instance.

Depending on the area in which you live, The Piano Shop may be able to put you in touch with a teacher - please ask for details when you call into our showroom.

Some towns may have a music college where private lessons can be held - for example in Leeds there is the Yorkshire College of Music & Drama where there is a choice of several teachers to meet individual students’ aspirations.

For teachers and students in the Leeds area who would find it convenient to have an initial meeting in a central location, The Piano Shop’s premises in Holbeck, Leeds, can be used for this purpose - The Piano Shop is open from 10am-4pm on Saturday as well as during the week.