Piano Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

What is your music educational backgroung?

I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Piano Performance from Petrozavodsk State
Glazunov Conservatory, and I will complete a postgraduate training program in Piano
Performance this year at the same conservatory. Additionally, I am currently pursuing a
Bachelor's degree in Music Pedagogy at JAMK University in Finland.

- I earned (achieved, obtained) my Bachelor's and Master's degrees

- in Piano Performance from Petrozavodsk State Glazunov Conservatory

- I will complete a postgraduate training program this year at the same conservatory

- I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Music Pedagogy at JAMK University.

How long how you been teaching and what ages do you teach?

I have been teaching piano for four years. My students range in age from children to adults. I
provide piano lessons to undergraduate and master's degree students at Petrozavodsk State
Glazunov Conservatory, and I also teach children of various ages at a Children's music school.

- I can teach both – beginners or more advanced students.

- I can take a variety of students from elementary school to adults.

- I teach undergraduate and master's degree students at conservatory.

- I teach children of various ages at a Children’s music school.

What style or styles do you teach?

I specialize in teaching classical music, including composers, techniques, and history. My lessons
cover classical music theory, performance techniques, and appreciation.

- I specialize in teaching classical music.

- including composers, techniques, and history

- My lessons cover classical music theory

- performance techniques, and appreciation.

Do you follow the specific curriculum/syllabus?

I usually follow the curriculum of the conservatory or a music school but also adapt lessons to
meet the needs of each student.
- I follow the curriculum of the conservatory or a music school

- but I also adapt lessons

- to meet the needs of each student.

Do you only teach piano or do you encompass other areas of music?

In addition to piano, I also teach music theory, music history, accompaniment and playing in an
ensemble.

- In addition to piano

- In addition to basic piano skills

- I also teach music theory, music history

- I also incorporate theory and music history

- Accompaniment

- Playing in an ensemble

- I can teach students to compose and to improvise.

Are you experienced in preparing students for exams, recitals, or

competitions?

Yes, I have extensive experience in preparing students for exams, concerts, and competitions.
For exams, I make sure that my students know the required music pieces, scales,
arpeggios, and have very good sight-reading skills. We practice these things a lot
during lessons, step by step increasing the difficulty level. I also give tips on how to act
during exams and how to feel less nervous. For concerts and competitions, I help
students select pieces that show off their skills and challenge them artistically. We work
together on interpretation, expression and how to act on stage. Lots of my students enjoy
these events and have won various awards in national and international piano competitions

How do you incorporate music theory into your lessons?

I believe music theory is important for learning piano, so I teach it regularly. I use different
methods like exercises and worksheets. For beginners, especially kids, I start with basic
concepts like notes, time signatures, and keys using fun activities like games or flashcards. This
helps them learn in a fun way. As they get better, I teach more advanced topics like scales
and chords, connecting them to the music they're learning. For advanced students, we go
deeper into things like counterpoint and composition. This not only helps their theory but also
makes them better musicians. My goal is for students to understand music theory well and
stay excited about playing piano.
Do you teach online?

Yes, I provide online lessons. We can study via Skype, Zoom or on other messengers.

How often and how long are your lessons?

We usually have lessons twice a week and they last between 30 minutes to an hour,
depending on the student's level and age.

Do you require students to participate in events in addition to lessons?

Yes, I encourage students to participate in events, concerts, and performances, including local
festivals and competitions. I motivate them to perform on stage more frequently, gain
experience, interact with fellow musicians, and step beyond classroom limits. We actively
participate in various festivals, competitions, and concerts, and even organize an annual recital
for parents. While I inspire them, I never pressure or force them; participation is always
voluntary. Many of my students enjoy these events and have become laureates and diploma
winners in various international and nationwide piano music festivals and competitions.

Do you teach over holidays and summers?

I teach almost every week of the year.

I take all major holidays and summers off.

What is your tuition schedule?

The tuition schedule is discussed individually with each student, taking into account their
specific needs and circumstances.

I do a combination of rates, like hourly rates, monthly rates and semester rates.

What are your salary expectations?

Based on my experience and qualifications,

I am looking for a salary between $40 to $60 per hour for private lessons.

I am open to discussing salary based on the specifics of the position, but I would ideally like
to earn between $35 and $50 per hour for teaching group classes or workshops.

I am looking for a salary between $50,000 and $70,000 per year for a full-time teaching position,
depending on the specific responsibilities and workload.
1. I ______ my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Piano Performance from Petrozavodsk
State Glazunov Conservatory, and I ______ a postgraduate training program this year at
the same conservatory. Additionally, I ______ a Bachelor's degree in Music Pedagogy at
JAMK University in Finland.
2. I have been teaching piano ______ four years.
3. I provide piano lessons to ______and ______students at conservatory, and I also teach
______ of various ages at a Children's music school.
4. I specialize ______ teaching classical music.
5. I usually follow the ______ of the conservatory or a music school but also adapt lessons
to each student.
6. In addition ______ piano, I also teach music theory, music history and accompaniment.
7. Yes, I ______ extensive experience in preparing students for exams, concerts, and
competitions.
8. For beginners, especially kids, I start with ______ concepts like notes, time signatures, and
keys using fun activities like games or flashcards.
9. Yes, I provide online lessons. We can study ______ Skype, Zoom or on ______ messengers.
10. We usually have lessons ______ a week and they last between 30 minutes to an hour,
depending on the student's level and age.
11. I motivate studens to perform on ______ more frequently, gain experience, interact with
other musicians. I never pressure or ______ them; participation is always ______. Many of
my students enjoy these events and have become laureates and diploma ______ in
international and nationwide piano music competitions.
12. I teach ______ every week of the year.
13. The tuition schedule is discussed individually. I do a combination of ______, like hourly
rates, monthly rates, and semester rates.
14. Based on my experience and qualifications, I am looking ______ a salary between $40 to
$60 ______ hour for private lessons.
15. I am open to discussing ______.