<p>My son is a high school sophmore and is hoping to attend a BM program in percussion performance in a few years. His piano teacher is ill and we may have to find a new one. At this point, it makes no sense to me to ask friends in the neighborhood for recommendations. I would like to make sure that my son is fluent in whatever skills he will be expected to have when he applies or attends college. Can anyone give me an idea of what he will be expected to know, and/or some advice in selecting an appropriate teacher for him?Thanks. Linde</p>
<p>Generally, music students are required to have a basic knowledge of the piano and be able to at least play it at some level of understanding. This is mostly from what I understand because music theory courses, as most music, centers around the piano as the basic instrument. For that requirement, you don't particularly need a high level teacher, which you probably would want to do if your son was planning to major in piano. One suggestion I make is to try and find someone who is either a current or retired music professor, because along with piano you may want to have the person also teach your son music theory, that I suspect would be a leg up for him.</p>
<p>Call your area's music teacher's association. (Can probably find contact info on the web - Google "(your county) MTA".) Talk to the chairperson, and ask them for recommendations and referrals. It might take several to find one who's schedule, prices, distance, etc, match what you are looking for.</p>
<p>Another place to look is at any local college or university in your area. The piano faculty may well take on outside students, and/or there may be grad students interested in teaching.</p>
<p>I think musicprnt's suggestion about finding a teacher who can also teach theory is important. Certainly keyboard skills are important for a percussionist anyway. And piano has the advantage of teaching both clefs, as well as chords - all important for understanding and visualizing theory.</p>
<p>I think it is very helpful for most conservatory wannabees, especially percussionists, to be very familiar with the piano. That being said, it should be noted that conservatories do not require any knowledge of the piano to be admitted. Most will require students to have basic skills before they graduate and if you have those going in, it is one less thing you have do while an undergrad. But people shouldn't worry that they won't get admitted if they know nothing about the piano.</p>
<p>There is an FAQ page on IU's website describing their piano proficiency exam requirements which might be helpful to you. I would imagine that the music schools all have a fairly similar standard. You can find it at:</p>
<p>Secondary</a> Piano Program: School of Music: Indiana University</p>
<p>Thanks. There is also a a page with piano proficiency requirements by major: Secondary</a> Piano Program: School of Music: Indiana University</p>