I have been teaching piano lessons for over 25 years. When I realized that my first time "piano parents" need a book to inform them what taking piano lessons is all about, I found that the last time a book was written as a parents' guide to piano lessons was back in the 1980s, and I wanted something more in tune with "today's parents" -- so I decided to write a book myself.
First and foremost, many parents have no idea how to find a teacher. As a word of warning to my readers, there are many "piano teachers" out there who cannot play the piano. In my 25+ years of teaching piano lessons, only one person has ever asked me for a demonstration before signing their child up for lessons. ALWAYS ask for a demonstration. You are not insulting the teacher by doing so; in fact, a good pianist will welcome the opportunity to play for you. A fraudulent teacher will make up excuses. If a piano teacher refuses to demonstrate their ability for any reason, run the other way.
My book addresses this and so many other questions parents have about piano lessons:
How long does it take to learn to play the piano? How old or young should a child be when they begin taking lessons? What about class piano? What if my child wants to quit taking lessons because it's hard? Can adults learn to play the piano?
These and countless other queries are answered in my book. Here are some quotes from people who have read it:
"Your book answered all of my questions, and some I would never have thought to ask." Kandi G. (parent)
"This is exactly what I would have written! I want to give one to all of my students' parents." Amy D. (piano teacher)
My book is called So Your Child Wants To Take Piano Lessons: What Every Parent Should Know Before Beginning the Journey. I kept it short (41 pages) and easy to read because, as a parent myself, I know that a tome on a subject like this would be overkill, and my "piano parents" have appreciated how succinctly this book deals with the subject. Because it is short and easy to read, I'm also keeping it affordable: $5.00, plus $2.00 for shipping and handling.
All proceeds will go to Jared's Fund -- a fund set up to help my son who has autism.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.
Thank you,
Janet
As a pianist and writer, I must say IT'S ABOUT TIME a book like this was written!
ReplyDeleteTalk about filling a void. The only reason it's taken this long to finally have a book like this for parents who's children are playing piano, or really, ANY instrument, is because Janet was meant to write it. She did so brilliantly. I for one can't wait to get my hands on a couple of copies for some friends of mine.
A GREAT RESOURCE. BUY IT.
Matthew James Edwards
Author, playwright, and pianist.