[Menvi-discuss] teaching piano as a blind person

[Teresa Haifley]

In the 29 years I've been teaching private lessons I have only had one
parent not bring her son back for a second lesson because of my blindness.
I'm in a fairly small town so most people know and are okay with it.  I have
even had some parents seek me out because they had children with autism,
Downs syndrome, dyslexia, etc. because they figured I had the patience and
flexibility they needed.  Once I was contacted because the mother saw an
article about me in the paper and she was looking for a piano teacher for
her kids.  I have never made a habit of telling anyone during the initial
phone calls because it isn't important to my ability to teach.  They see it
when they get here and it's not an issue.  

Teresa

-----Original Message-----
From: Menvi-discuss [mailto:menvi-discuss-bounces at menvi.org] On Behalf Of
Marda
Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2014 7:53 PM
To: This is for discussing music and braille literacy
Subject: Re: [Menvi-discuss] teaching piano as a blind person

I have taught both blind and sighted students, all ages, for years.  I've
found that most children don't have a problem with the blindness thing. 
They might have questions about your Braille books and stuff like that
because children are naturally curious but they are generally more curious
about playing the piano.  If they're really young they'll love it and
probably be quite uninhibited.  You can also explain that since you're eyes
don't work or are broken or however you choose to express that concept you
need to touch their hands to see hand position and correct it and things
like that.  They tend to accept things like that pretty easily unless
they're foster kids that have had a lot of abuse or something like that and
then they may be touch sensitive.  I have sometimes had kids prefer it if I
touch their hands to show them things like proper hand position.  I've asked
them if they want me to tell them how to do something or if they want me to
show their hands how to do it.  They usually say show my hands.  As far as
the parents go they may have questions but again I have found that most
parents are OK with the blindness.  Most of them haven't thought through how
their child is going to learn enough to know what questions to ask.  I
usually don't tell them I'm blind over the phone.  I let them see it when I
meet them.  I've found that the key is projecting an air of confidence that
you know what you're doing.  Another thing you can do is if they're going to
be around for the lessons get them involved by showing them what you're
teaching the kids.  That way they can help their kids with practicing which
is really necessary if the kids are really young.  If you have more
questions feel free to email me on or off list.
Marda
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kelsey Nicolay" <piano.girl0299 at gmail.com>
To: <menvi-discuss at menvi.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2014 6:18 PM
Subject: [Menvi-discuss] teaching piano as a blind person


> Hello,
> I may have posted a similar thread before, but here goes.  I am a 
> tutor for wyzant, which is a tutoring company.  I applied for a 
> tutoring job teaching piano.  The parent emailed me about possibly 
> doing lessons one hour a month with the time split between her two 
> kids.  I have always wanted to teach piano since I've been playing all 
> my life basically, but I am worried that once the parent finds out 
> about my blindness, she might lose her trust in my ability to teach 
> her children.  This would be my first time ever teaching piano, so I am
not sure how to approach this.
> When she calls me to set up the lessons, should I mention that I am 
> blind but it does not stop me from doing the things I enjoy? I would 
> then explain that I would use Braille books while the students have 
> the books in print.  Also, how will her kids react to having someone 
> who can't see teach piano? I think they are still young, so they might 
> not be old enough to understand the misconceptions society has about 
> what blind people can do.  My piano teacher sees absolutely no reason why
I cannot teach piano.
> Anyone who is blind and has ever taught piano to sighted students, 
> please share your experiences.  How did the student react to your 
> blindness? How did the parents feel about it? Did they feel less 
> confident in your abilities? How do you work on things like technique 
> if you can't see what the student is doing? Is this a situation in 
> which touch is the only way I'll be able to monitor their habits? I 
> think the parents will be there while the lessons are going on since 
> it's in their home.  I would really appreciate some advice.
> Thanks,
>
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