How to find a good piano teacher?

Ask around. Seriously. That is how my father found my piano teachers. If there is a good music school around or a college/university with a music program, check there. I started playing at age 2 and started taking formal lessons at age 4. That teacher died in an automobile accident early in our relationship. My next teacher came at age 5 and yes, I still remember her name. I had the same teacher from age 5 to age 18. She was quite talented and taught guitar, voice, piano and organ. Her methods are part of what I use when I coach students. A teacher SHOULD critique you -- that's how you get better.

I've had several teachers over the decades, none are as good as my first. Many of the teachers were either trying to push their choices of pieces I hated (Bartok), because they had a love affair with the composer despite my telling them the type of pieces/composers I perform (I am an advanced player and prefer Debussy, Rachmaninov, Bach, Mendelsohn, Chopin) or they stacked their students and seemingly watched the clock for the next one to appear. Wow. The last couple of teachers were a total waste of time and money. 
 

One teacher I had decades ago was much better than I gave him credit for at the time. I found him through a University's Music program. I wished I could have given him a better shot, but my time was crunched due to professional school, and my focus was different. He was more of a piano coach. I already had much of the mechanics. His approach was to make my performance shine and improve my technique. I still use what he taught me and have taught it to others. He was rising before the whole idea of piano coaches (or coaches outside of sports) became the "in" thing. I could use one like him nowadays.

They are nearly all terrible.  Continue online where content is edited and rewinding a video is easy.

Finding a good teacher is important. You start the relationship for learning, to get better, to keep up the practice, but in the process you understand that she/he is actually also the main person you are performing for (besides your neighbors :). So that certain musical transcendence chemistry must be compatible, at least a bit. Otherwise, there is no enjoyment, just the “work”. 
 

But I also think that it is difficult for the teacher to always find the perfect way to give their feedback. As a student I should give discounts in that regard too and allow the relationship to develop. The ultimate goal might be that you can play just the way you feel and she/he can give you a direct feedback on technical points and performance without anyone feeling hurt, demotivated or idealized.

In my opinion, a single trial lesson is not enough to be able to find out if it’ll be a good fit. For sure, there will be no dramatic effect right away from a single trial lesson. Piano or any instrument essentially requires days and months of dedication. As a person who took only private lessons since age 5 or so, I find that I should spend time with a teacher to finish at least one piece up to a point of being able to give a performance at a group recital or similar. During the entire lessons, I find how my teacher and I share healthy and joyful opinions and feedback exploring the music. Or… I got to spend at least a month/4 lessons maybe, to be able to tell if it is working. But I have never spent such short time with a teacher; I always spent at least several months, if not years.

I have been blessed with only one bad piano teacher throughout my years of study..my first teacher at age 7. Although you can learn a lot on your own with the wealth of online resources available today, there is no substitute for a solid teacher during those early years or even later. I've studied on and off (with a teacher) for many years. I am advanced enough to the point where I can teach myself, and others, but always enjoy returning to my teacher for some coaching or repertoire recommendations.  A good teacher can ease the learning process and excellerate your progress in areas of technique, repertoire selection, musicality, interpretation, injury prevention, etc. Check with nearby Colleges and Universities that have music programs. I have studied with faculty members (and students) who teach in the college music schools. Many teachers also teach "live-stream" so you can study with a really good teacher no matter where you live. If you live in or near a major city you will find independent music schools and pianist organizations. If your town has an orchestra check with them for recommendations. There are also a couple of National piano teacher organizations, one link is below.  Good luck. [email protected] . 

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