By Teacher Chew Yi
Music undergraduate at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
ABRSM Grade 8 Piano, Classical Vocal, Harp
Whether you’ve played piano before or are starting from scratch, the first trial lesson can be an exciting or nerve-wracking experience. In this short article, I will run you through what a trial lesson usually includes, and how it might differ from child and adult for a music lessons in singapore.
The trial lesson usually starts with a friendly conversation. We discuss your goals for learning the piano, whether it’s for fun, to work toward grades, or to learn a specific genre of music. I’ll ask about any previous musical experience, whether you have a piano at home, and what you hope to achieve from the lessons. For younger students, it’s important to check whether their parents would like them to have homework or not. These questions give the teacher a good sense of what you’re looking to get out of the lesson, ensuring we use the time wisely and tailor the approach accordingly.
When teaching children, the focus is on making the lesson fun and engaging. I often start by asking, “Where do you think the sound of the piano comes from?” And then explain from there about how the piano works. I also give kids more worksheets to keep their attention focused. The primary goal is to make the learning process enjoyable while assessing the child's ability to focus, follow instructions, and begin understanding basic musical concepts. After the trial, I give the parents a summary about what we learnt, how their kid engaged in class and what is the next step if they sign up .
However, when the student is an adult, I often take a more direct approach. I might present more structured material and delve into concepts like scales, basic theory, or simple pieces, depending on the adult's experience. I prepare material at varying levels to determine how quickly the student picks things up, making sure to check that they understand and can follow along. We’ll also talk about the adult’s practice routine, how much time they can dedicate, and what their expectations are for progress.
For both adults and children, the lesson will cover the basics, such as posture, finger placement, and perhaps learning a simple song like Hot Cross Buns or Mary Had a Little Lamb. If the student is quick, we may also explore musical notation. By the end of the lesson, most students will leave knowing how to play a simple tune and have a solid understanding of the basics. For adult students who may not be excited by these beginner songs, I try to keep things interesting by introducing reading music, even if we don't finish a full piece. I also provide worksheets and suggest ways to practice, even without access to a piano.
Whether you're a child or an adult, a piano trial is a great opportunity to see if the teacher and teaching style are a good match for your musical journey. It’s an exciting first step, and no matter what level you’re starting at, you’ll walk away with new skills and a sense of what’s to come in your lessons.
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