Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Adult Beginners Forum Restarting piano lessons, advice please!

Hi everyone,

I've been seriously thinking about getting back into lessons since I stopped playing after I finished my Grade 8 RCM exam about 8 years ago.

Now, I want to return to lessons but with a different goal in mind: I just want to play 'better' (if that makes any sense). Basically, I want to play more advanced music purely for enjoyment without thinking about recitals or exams. I want to take lessons because I want someone to talk about my technique with, share music with and who can give me guidance since I have no one else who can provide me with that.

So, does this sound like a reasonable approach to restarting piano?

I've pretty much lost all my technique, can't sight read, can't play by ear and the only way I'm playing now is a lot of practice and try to mimic any recordings I have.

I'm in the process of trying to find a teacher in Vancouver BC if someone is willing to help me out. I don't know what exactly I'm looking for in a teacher, but I would like to play classical and pop.

Thanks!

you could go to richmond music school which is currently using the premises of Richmond Alliance Church. They have alot of good & experienced piano teachers there.

www.richmondmusicschool.ca

you could go approach the staff at the music office and ask them to give you a reccomendation. I must warn you however that the best, highly-demanded teachers at that school will want to interview & audition you before they determine if they are willing/want to take you as a student.

My canada teacher worked there for quite a while and is going back soon, so i know the whole process.

Thanks for the info, but I think I'm looking for something more casual and not so demanding of an environment. Not to mention that I probably don't have what it takes to audition! But I'll check it out nonetheless.

Anilan,
I'm sure there is a teacher out there for you. I don't know of teacher resources in CA, but there are several websites in the states that help connect students with teachers, like mtna.org, getlessonsnow.com, and even google. I just goggled "piano teacher vancouver" and came up with a bunch of listings. It will take some leg work, but first look for ones that seem to be legitimate businesses. Then call them up and ask if they teach adult students, and if you could meet with them for an interview. Many teachers do this for free. Be prepared to play something for them at this interview, and really define what you are looking for in a teacher, as well as what you want to get out of lessons. You may have to speak with several teachers over the phone before you find one that does teach adults, but it is well worth the effort. If a teacher doesn't have openings or does not teach adults, ask them if they can refer anyone who might. Most teachers know of other teachers in the area, and so they can be a good resource too. Best of luck!

We have a member here in the forums, "Pianoexcellence" Jeremy BA, ARCT, RMT - Tuning and Repairs from Abbotsford, BC, Canada.

Perhaps he can be of help to you? Isn't Abbotsford not too far away from Vancouver.

What about across the border in Blaine, WA?

You should bet some results from googling: your zip code or city along with the words piano teacher.

I think you are going to be glad you are back in piano lessons!

Betty

Morodiene,

I'll definitely be making a list and calling them. However, I'm not looking to be learning to play exams or concerts or recitals so I'm not sure how that would affect the teachers' decisions for taking me on as a student.

Betty,

I don't know if I'm willing to make the 1+hour trip to either Abbotsford or Blaine just yet, but I will still consider it.

Thanks!

what i said does'nt apply to every teacher at that school! It depends, there are many different teachers who teach with different methods

Oh, that's good too! That school is on my list. Thanks

Hi Anilan, I am a teacher based in Vancouver, BC. I specialize in teaching contemporary music to beginners, with a focus on playing by ear. I just sent you a private message, please feel free to contact me.