My Top 5 Pieces of Advice for Piano Teachers

Starting out as a new piano teacher is exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes a little intimidating. There’s no shortage of advice floating around. Some of it is helpful, but some… well, not so much. And while every teacher’s journey is unique, there are a few things I wish someone had told me when I was just getting started.

1.     Trust your instincts.

When you’re new, it’s tempting to think everyone else knows better than you. You’ll hear endless opinions on methods, repertoire, recital traditions, and more.

But remember this - no one knows your students like you do.

If something feels off – if a method isn’t working, if a student seems uninspired, or if a teaching strategy falls flat - trust yourself enough to pivot.

Yes, wisdom from experienced teachers is valuable. But your gut is a valuable teaching tool, too.

2.     It’s okay to not have all the answers.

I can’t tell you how many times in my first few years I panicked when a student asked a question I wasn’t prepared for. Years later, I am able to realize the most respected teachers I know still learn new things every week.

You’re allowed to say, “I’m not sure! Let me look into that and get back to you.”

That doesn’t make you unqualified. It makes you teachable, and it models lifelong learning for your students, which is one of the most important lessons you can offer.

3.     Focus on connection over perfection.

It’s easy to get caught up in scales, competition or festival prep, and flawless recital performances. And while those things have their place, what will keep your students coming back is how you made them feel.

Make room for joy in your lessons. Celebrate small wins. (The small wins lead to the big wins!) Notice when a student seems down. Ask about their other interests.

Music is about connection. Whatever you do, don’t let perfectionism get in the way of that!

4.     Don’t compare your studio to anyone else’s.

Comparison is a sneaky thief in any profession, and I have seen it often in piano teachers. One scroll through social media or a conversation with a colleague can leave you feeling like you’re behind.

“Their students are playing concertos and mine are still on folk songs.”

“They are so much more creative than I am!”

“I would have NEVER thought of that idea! I’m so far behind...”

Friend, remember that every teacher’s journey is different. Every studio serves a unique purpose. Whether you’re preparing competition winners or nurturing beginners who simply love to play, whether your students are performing nationally or not performing at all, whether you decorate your studio for every holiday or you like to keep things simple, there is room for us all!

Your studio matters because of how you show up, not how it stacks up next to someone else’s.

5.     Remember that your impact is bigger than the music.

At the end of the day, yes, you’re teaching piano. But you’re also shaping confidence, resilience, creativity, and grace.

Your students won’t remember every piece they learned, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.

They will remember your encouragement after a rough week. They will remember the way you celebrated their small victories. They will remember the safe, welcoming space you created for them to be themselves.

Never underestimate the size of that legacy!

Final Thoughts

If you’re a new teacher reading this, I want you to know that you’re doing better than you think. You don’t have to know everything. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep showing up with heart, wisdom, and a willingness to learn alongside your students. And trust me, that’s more than enough.

Thanks for reading,

~ Christina