Learning by Teaching: What My First Students Taught Me

5 Mistakes I Made as a New Piano Teacher (and What I’d Do Differently)

Starting out as a piano teacher is incredibly exciting—but like with any new adventure, it comes with its fair share of growing pains. Now that my studio is expanding to include other teachers, I’ve been reflecting on my journey so far. Looking back, there are a few things I’d do differently. If you’re a new teacher, or even just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, I hope these reflections help you avoid some common missteps.

1. Taking on every pupil who asked

When I first started teaching, I said yes to everyone—different ages, personalities, and commitment levels. But I quickly learned that not every pupil is a good match, and that’s okay. Some teachers specialise in certain age groups, styles, or levels, while others are happy to cover more ground. Either approach works, but you won’t click with everyone.

What I’d do differently: I now offer a consultation first and chat with families beforehand to make sure we’re a good fit. It saves stress for everyone down the line.

2. Not charging what I was worth

Like many new teachers, I undervalued my time and didn’t want to scare people off with higher prices. But undercharging leads to burnout, fosters resentment, and doesn’t help pupils take lessons seriously. It’s also unprofessional to charge significantly less than the going rate. In the end, nobody wins.

What I’d do differently: I set clear rates, stick to them, and review them regularly. When you respect your own time, others are more likely to do the same.

3. Skipping the Studio Policy

I didn’t have clear policies when I started out. This often led to confusion about term dates, cancellations, and payments—and left me wide open to being taken advantage of (thankfully, that happened rarely in my case).

What I’d do differently: I now have a written studio policy that covers payments, cancellations, and expectations. It makes everything more professional and respectful for everyone involved.

4. Trying too hard to be fun

I wanted pupils to love lessons, so I tried to make everything entertaining. But without structure, it’s easy to lose sight of progress.

What I’d do differently: I still aim for joy—but with purpose. It’s my job to educate, not just to entertain.

5. Neglecting my own music-making

I was so focused on lesson planning, teaching, and managing the studio that I stopped making time for my own music. A few years in, I realised I was helping others achieve their musical goals while I didn’t have any of my own. That’s not sustainable in the long run.

What I’d do differently: I now prioritise my own playing, and my working hours are non-negotiable. When I’m engaged with music myself, it naturally spills over into my teaching.

Final Thought

Mistakes are part of every journey. What matters most is learning from them while being kind to yourself along the way. If you’re a new piano teacher, I hope this brings you a bit of encouragement. If you’re a parent reading this, remember that teachers are learning and growing too—just like their pupils.