Possible help?
Hello..
I’m new to Tonebase and am, so far, impressed with this platform and the format. Very professional and well thought out.
I have been studying piano privately (on and off as a result of my career/schedule demands) for 30+ years. Primary focus has been classical. I am recently retired and have much more time to devote to my passion for piano. Although I play at an intermediate level, my goal is to be more fluent and comfortable at the piano and to advance my abilities. In addition, I would like to learn much more about technique and theory in order to achieve a more well rounded understanding of the instrument and music in general. I have recently started to dabble in Jazz.. hoping to gain a deeper knowledge of music in general. I practice between 2-3 hours per day but find myself in need of specific guidance with a more structured path in order to make better use of my time and learn.
I was wondering if there are any resources on Tonebase that might be available to help me find an excellent piano teacher. The search function on the site seems to yield no results.
Thank you for your time and potential assistance.
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I suggest that you do the 'Practice Plan' if you haven't already, as that brings up a set of TB courses to do based on a quiz to assist TB to assess your needs.
Are you looking for in-person lessons or on-line? I recommend carrying out a range of courses and then approach [email protected] for contact with anyone you wish to approach for lessons. I think that's the correct email address for TB admin.
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Thank you for your reply!. I have already taken the quiz and am in the process of completing the courses (Level 6). I would prefer in person, but will work with online as this seems to be the best option with the most choices of instructors. I am not sure which instructors are actually taking students. is there such a list or listing? Thanks again!!
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Steven L I am sure that they are all up for teaching. Jeremy Siskind is certainly. You can buy his books and personal support flows from that process. The admin team will know who is available for teaching. Dominic Cheli Any thoughts on teachers via TB?
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Since you mentioned that you dabbled in Jazz, have you watched Jeremy Siskind's Intro to Jazz here on Tonebase?
If you enjoy that, then you can consider checking out the really great Jazz books he wrote. It is very structured. I suspect you might like them. He has a Youtube channel as well, and probably offers Jazz lessons online too.
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Aaron I have a couple of Jeremy's books and a part of my 'Practice Plans; is to practise a consecutive chapter each month - so that I work through the two books I have in a year. Then I'll buy more. His live sessions and courses on TB are terrific.
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Aaron Yes.. I have already finished that module!.. it was really great!.. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Yes to a practice plan. But I suggest focusing the greater part of your time on things you enjoy. For me sight reading and improvising, although I’m not good at either, seem more pleasurable these days.
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Dave B Always. However, Dominic Cheli's contiuned enthusiasm for all things that are difficult techically is an inspiration to assist that enjoyment.
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Hi Steven my situation is very similar to yours. I have been fortunate to find an excellent piano teacher in my area. The structure of preparing for in-person lessons, together with the resources available at Tonebase has been fantastic for me. I personally suggest in-person lessons, even once per month, to complement your Tonebase work. This community can almost certainly help you find an excellent teacher in your area. I started by looking at the nearby universities, and joined an amateur pianists group, where I met people who knew of the best teachers in the area.
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GerryM Thanks Gerry.. I have started that search in my area.. unfortunately I have come up empty handed. I agree in that in person will be best.. but am also open to online if its the only choice. My goal was to find a music professor in the area that will take on a private (motivated) student.. I have not had any luck to date. BTW, I live in the Palm Beach, FL area.. if anyone knows of such an instructor??
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Steven L You're about 30 minutes drive from the Lynn University Conservatory of Music. I'd suggest contacting them and asking if there's any students or teachers with availability. I don't know if she has students outside of the university, but you could try contacting Roberta Rust.
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I think the best way to find a good teacher for your needs is to contact your local music teachers association and have several trial lessons with the recommended teachers. The piano lesson is more personal and requires the teacher's attention to detail. If you are in CA, there are two major organizations: MTAC and CAPMT (affiliated with MTNA). In other States, there is usually one organization affiliated with MTNA.
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Your path is almost identical to mine, Steven, including your tonebase level, interest in jazz and a private teacher. I have a couple of Siskind’s jazz books and excellent they are too. Some other books that you might find helpful: Roskell’s The Complete Pianist, a massive compendium of practical advice as well as access to myriad illustrative videos; Miles’ What Every Pianist Needs to Know About The Body; Victoria Williams’ Music Theory books (very clearly explained - although aimed at ABRSM grades, I think they are generally applicable).
Hope this helps.
