Finding the right piano teacher for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in their musical education. In the Bay Area — particularly in communities like Cupertino, Sunnyvale, and San Jose — there’s no shortage of options, which can make the decision even harder.

Here’s what we recommend parents consider when evaluating a piano teacher.

Look for Teaching Credentials and Performance Experience

A strong piano teacher should have both formal training and real-world performance experience. Ask about their educational background, whether they’ve performed professionally, and how long they’ve been teaching. Teachers who have performed at a high level bring insights into interpretation, stage presence, and the mental demands of performance that purely academic instructors may lack.

Ask About Their Teaching Philosophy

Every teacher has a different approach. Some emphasize classical technique from day one; others take a more exploratory path. Neither is inherently better, but it’s important that the teacher’s philosophy aligns with your goals for your child. If you want your child to compete in MTAC or CAPMT events, make sure the teacher has experience preparing students for those specific competitions.

Evaluate Student Outcomes

Ask the teacher about their students’ achievements. Do their students pass CM or ABRSM exams? Have any won competitions? Have any gone on to study music at a conservatory or university? A track record of student success is one of the most reliable indicators of teaching quality.

Consider the Lesson Format

Most private piano lessons run either 30, 45, or 60 minutes. For serious students, 60-minute lessons provide enough time for technique work, repertoire, and theory without feeling rushed. Ask whether the teacher incorporates sight-reading, ear training, and music theory into lessons, or whether these are treated as separate add-ons.

Visit the Studio

If possible, observe a lesson or visit the studio before committing. Pay attention to the learning environment — is it quiet, well-equipped, and free from distractions? A dedicated teaching space with a quality instrument makes a meaningful difference.

Trust Your Instincts

Beyond credentials and results, the teacher-student relationship matters enormously. Your child should feel challenged but supported. A good teacher adapts their approach to each student’s personality, learning style, and pace.

At Choupak Piano Studio in Cupertino, we offer 60-minute private lessons with experienced teachers who have decades of performance and teaching experience. Our students regularly earn top honors at MTAC, CAPMT, and international competitions. Contact us to discuss whether Choupak is the right fit for your student.