I am a private piano teacher. This has been such a great way to make an extra income (and a pretty good income, at that!) while I am homeschooling my two children. There are, however, ways that I could improve upon what I do, and – in the process – do all of this for the glory of God.
Enter my new favorite ebook:
The Matthew 6:33 Piano Teacher: How to Teach Piano For The Glory of God has been a wonderful book for me to read. Aimed specifically at private piano instructors, this book gives wisdom, encouragement, and practical strategies for your piano studio. According to the author, KM Logan,
“In this book you will find instruction in how to teach piano and how to
make a lucrative income by doing so. From business practices to
dealing with some of the most common problems music teachers face, I
have approached these issues with the attitude that teaching piano can
affect God’s Kingdom.”
The book is divided into four succinct sections:
Preliminary Questions
Business Aspects of Teaching
The Piano Studio
Appendixes
Not only does the author address the benefits of piano instruction for children, she also gives MANY practical ways to run your own studio. How much should you charge? What should your studio policies be? What age is best to start piano lessons (oh, and the author recommends age 7 or 8!)?
Many people assume teaching piano is as simple as knowing to play the piano and scheduling some students to come learn from you each week. It is NOT this easy. There are financial considerations, tax questions, ethical issues, and a host of other concerns. I SO appreciated the section devoted to “Should You Teach Your Own Children?” – the author provided me with some very helpful information as I teach my youngest myself.
The Matthew 6:33 Piano Teacher addresses every question you could possibly have and then frames it all in a Biblical context:
“There is such a spiritual element to music. It speaks truth to us in a
unique way. Music can express things that words simply cannot. God is
able to touch a special place in our hearts with music. As a piano
teacher, you have the opportunity to equip someone with the ability to be
utilized by God by making music.
Making music is a powerful thing, and it truly can impact God’s
Kingdom. If you’re ready to be used by God and you’re willing to
commit your ways to Him, then by all means teach piano, and do it with
all your heart.”
You can purchase this book for $9.99 directly from the 6:33 music site, or you can also find it at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Mary is a private piano instructor (teaching for the Glory of God!) and homeschooling mom of two. You can visit her at Homegrown Learners, where she offers tips for teaching music in your homeschool, as well as lots of other tidbits from her family’s homeschooling adventures!
Mary is a former public school music educator and degreed administrator. She now homeschools her two children - one middle school, and one elementary school. She runs a small piano studio and wants to make teaching music easy for the homeschool parent. Reading, writing, and swimming are things she enjoys in her "spare" time!
Ellen, the Bluestocking Belle says
June 9, 2012 at 5:52 pmMary, this looks wonderful. My family is blessed to have found most wonderful (and sought-after!) piano teacher right in our neighborhood from whom my dc have taken lessons for four and a half years. I will ask her if she’s read this book. If not, it will make a great gift!
Mary says
July 3, 2012 at 7:43 amEllen — this would make a nice (and unusual) gift for your piano teacher. I would have loved this from one of my students.
Cathie says
July 2, 2012 at 5:46 pmEnjoyed your post. I will have to get this book and read it now. I love music and the peace it brings to children and adults!
Come over and visit me at toddlersthroughpreschool.com sometime. You are welcome anytime.
Cathie
Mary says
July 3, 2012 at 7:41 amIt was so useful for me — I hope you like it!
Soli Deo Gloria says
February 8, 2014 at 3:21 amAwesome post. Piano lessons is really helpful in developing someones coordination and rhytm in mind and body.
classical piano lessons says
February 10, 2014 at 10:05 amThe most talked about benefit children receive from piano lessons is that it also helps with their school lessons. Numerous studies available show children who play an instrument, score higher on both standard and spatial cognitive development tests alike. There are also findings that show kids who play piano, in particular, scored higher in math, especially on problems dealing with ratios and fractions.