How to find a piano teacher in the Twin Cities area

Photo: Julie Lind

Choosing a Piano Teacher for your child is an important decision. You want someone who is an accomplished piano teacher, but also someone who will connect with your child. But how do you go about finding a qualified piano teacher in your area?

If you live in Minnesota, I recommend starting with a list of piano teachers provided by the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA). MMTA has a list of more than 1,000 professionally qualified music teachers. You can check their website, or call their office at 952-345-0629 to request a printed list.

Check with your local music store to see if they offer piano lessons. Schmitt Music, with stores throughout Minnesota, provides nearly 5,000 music lessons each week.

Another method for finding a local piano teacher is to ask your child's music teacher at your child's school. They can usually give you the names of qualified piano teachers in your area.

Consider asking the musicians at your place of worship if they know of a good piano teacher. Church musicians often give piano lessons or know of someone who does.

Word of mouth is a great way to find a local piano teacher. Ask your neighbors, your child's friends, or the people you work with to see if they know of a good piano teacher.

While there may be many listings on Craig's List for piano teachers, I wouldn't recommend this method unless you can verify the true identity and qualifications of the teacher before meeting the teacher in person.

For online searches, check out takelessons.com.  The teachers on this site have passed a certification process which checks the teacher's educational background, teaching experience, references and does a criminal background check.

Once you have found a piano teacher, ask the teacher if he or she is willing to meet you and your child before signing up for piano lessons. Not only do you want to meet the piano teacher, but you should also see the actual piano studio where the piano lessons will take place.