There are over 13,500 piano teachers in the US. That means when you Google search for one in San Antonio, TX, you’re bound to get a ton of results. It can be a bit overwhelming.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to narrow down your options. Look for someone who practices good technique. Get a referral from the music program at your child’s school, and don’t forget to check out a teacher’s background before you hire them.

These are only a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing a piano teacher. Check out this guide to learn more.

Pick a Teacher That Practices Good Technique

Weekly piano lessons will take a toll on your child’s fingers and wrists if they aren’t using proper playing techniques. The last thing you want is your child’s piano career to be cut short due to a long-term injury.

When your child gets challenging musical passages in their sheet music, it will be difficult for them to master them if they aren’t playing correctly.

To ensure you choose a teacher who can instruct your child on proper playing technique, ask to see them perform before you hire them. Watch their fingers as they play. If something seems strange about their hand movements, start your search back over.

Get a Referral

Most schools and colleges have a music program that you can reach out to. A teacher or professor should be able to point you in the right direction. Your child might even be able to attend piano classes at the school.

You can also learn much about a piano teacher by reading online reviews. Simply Googling “Piano instructors in San Antonio, TX” will give you a list of reviews for different schools and teachers.

If one of your close friends or family members has placed their child in piano classes, ask them about their instructor.

Check Their Background

Most piano teachers have a site you can go to. You should find an “About” section that lists their credentials and educational background there.

Make sure that their expertise matches your child’s goals. It’s important to note that some instructors don’t have a degree, and that’s okay. As long as they have a lengthy performance resume or piano teaching experience, they should be able to deliver results.

Pick Someone Who Teaches Music Theory

If your child attempts to play the piano without any knowledge of music theory, it will be the same as talking to someone who doesn’t speak the same language.

The sheet music will become confusing. They won’t know how to turn the notes on the page into a song. To this end, find an instructor that also offers lessons in music theory.

Look for Flyers

Many piano teachers post flyers around town to advertise their services. Of course, this isn’t the most effective way to find an instructor because it involves jumping from business to business. Still, it’s worth keeping your eyes open.

You’re most likely to find flyers when you’re out buying your morning java at your favorite coffee shop or doing your grocery shopping.

Check Their Availability

Don’t book your child a session with a piano teacher until you check their availability. Popular time slots might already be taken, forcing you to figure something out or seek a different teacher.

If you’re looking for online instructors, keep time differences in mind. If your child’s piano teacher is going to sleep when they’re getting up, it’s probably a good idea to find someone else.

Reach Out on Social Media

If you have a social media account, it doesn’t hurt to reach out and tell your followers that you’re looking for a piano teacher for your child. You’re bound to get a few suggestions depending on who you know.

Facebook is one of the best options because it’s easy to find parent groups and music communities.

If you don’t have a Facebook account and have no intentions of creating one, go back to plan B. Talk to your neighbors or get in touch with your family and friends.

Sign Up for a Trial Lesson

You’ve found a teacher you think your child will love, but you’re still unsure if you’re ready to commit. Why not sign them up for a trial lesson?

It will give them a hint of the instructor’s teaching style, and they can discuss their goals. If, after the trial lesson, your child didn’t have a good time, nothing is stopping you from backing out and choosing a different teacher.

Interview Potential Teachers

Have you run into a teacher that doesn’t have a lot of reviews yet? Then, get in touch with them to schedule a brief interview so you can learn more about them.

Ask them how long they’ve been teaching and playing the piano. Find out what kind of time commitment they expect out of your child and learn about their instructional methods.

Again, there’s nothing wrong with asking a potential teacher to play something for you so you can study their technique.

Choosing a Piano Teacher for Your Child

With all the instructors around the country, choosing a piano teacher for your child can be difficult. You’ve got to read reviews and thoroughly interview potential candidates.

Ask teachers to play a song before you commit and check their background.

Are you ready to enroll your child in piano classes? Contact us to schedule a trial lesson today.