Teacher Mentoring

One of a piano teacher's greatest thrills is to see other musicians passing on the gift of music... by becoming piano teachers themselves! It is my privilege to offer an in-depth "teacher mentoring" program to these aspiring individuals, whether they're just getting started or have taught for years. This high-level course lasts 3-4 months (depending on participant's interest level) and is for pianists who are serious about teaching piano as a part-time or full-time career. Having taught around 30,000 piano lessons, I will do my best to pass on "everything I know" (however much that may be) and to help each teacher develop their unique and wonderful personal style of teaching. We will accomplish this through an analytical and in-depth study on a variety of practical topics.

The mentoring course includes:

  • Business practices/operations training

  • Teaching philosophy development

  • The importance of Studio Policies

  • Website development

  • Parent/student communication

  • Holding effective auditions

  • Avoiding conflict and misunderstanding

  • Choosing curricula

  • Planning and hosting events (recitals, etc)

  • Development of an "essay portfolio" on most all of the topics listed above and more

  • Collaboration with our other Student Teachers (if available)

  • Evaluation via detailed survey of your student's parents (if you are already teaching)

  • The opportunity to ask "unlimited teaching questions" at lessons :)

  • Personal piano skill development (*see below)

  • ... And much more!

Program requirements:

  • Age 17 or above (minimum junior in high school)

  • Minimum "lower-advanced" performance ability

  • 3 hours/week of research and writing homework

  • Demonstrate an eager, humble, and passionate willingness to be mentored

  • Demonstrate a genuine love for other people

  • Participants are not required to be teaching, but are highly encouraged to be teaching at least a few students

  • Participants are highly encouraged to join WSMTA and their local chapter as a "student teacher," "collegiate teacher," or full-member teacher

Upon completing the course requirements, the teacher will receive:

  • Access to many of my own studio document resources (assignment pages, report cards, record-keeping spreadsheets, student registration forms, etc) ... all of which can be customized to each teacher's own studio name!

  • Templates of my best communication forms and emails!

  • A diploma signifying their completion of the RPS Teacher Mentoring Program!

For more information, please contact Chris directly. I look forward to the possibility of "passing the baton" to you!

~ Our Studio's Teacher Mentor Program Graduates ~

Madison Asa, Rosalia Avila, Katie Hastings, Hannah Matsuda, Christian Winslow, Tarra Winslow, Caleb Armstrong, Margaret Eddy, John Barrueto, Maria Booy, Grace Asa.

(Active teachers have links to their individual studio websites! Not all graduates are

currently teaching. Contact each person directly for individual studio information.)