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This article is from the Piano General Topics FAQ, by Isako Hoshino rmmpfaq@yahoo.com with numerous contributions by others.

3.1] Checklist for transfer or new students (teaching piano playing)

This is a list compiled by Martha Beth Lewis, presented here
with her permission. She likes to send a complete report of
the student when the student is transferring to another
teacher, or vice-versa. If you are a teacher, this would be
a good guideline on what to look for when learning about a
new student. She does not keep this list confidential - and
will share with the student, parent and the teacher involved.
It is also suggested to keep a record of the report for
future reference.

1. general - when student began study and at what level
(beginner or transfer.; parental attitudes), precis
of personality, mental acuity, cooperative spirit
last recital piece(s) and date(s), any other
instruments played or desired to be played;
other music activities

2. note-reading skills (does student read sharps and flats?
key signatures?)

3. counting skills (eighth-notes yet? sixteenths?)

4. technique studied; include exercises student would have
started with me within the next 6-12 mos.; sight-reading
skills

5. articulation skills (can student play accents? staccato?
sfz? portato? feminine endings? phrase lifts? motif
lifts?)

6. fingering (how much does student do on own?)

7. pedaling skills (damper? sostenuto? half-pedal?)

8. literature studied

9. ornamentation (which ornaments student can play; general
knowledge of performance practice)

10. form and analysis skills, including keyboard harmony

11. ear-training skills

12. composition and improvisation (how much we have done;
whether student seems interested in these areas more than
the norm)

13. memory (how easily and securely student memorizes; how he
feels about memory playing; my recommendation for memory
playing)

14. competitions and adjudicated exams (how student reacts
to these; or how I think he might)

15. motivation (how well student motivates himself; what
external motivators help or hinder)

16. poise (primarily stage presence)

17. summary (general recommendations for teaching strategies
with this particular student; long-term prospects)

[5] Player Pianos

The general subject of player pianos is far too great to try
and cover entirely here. Therefore, this list is limited to
those instruments most likely to be found at the average
estate sale, grandma's basement, or in an old dusty corner of
a garage.

This section of the FAQ was contributed by Rick Pargeter. If
you have any questions regarding player pianos, please
contact Rick at 70702.2016@compuserve.com. If you have
corrections, etc., please e-mail the FAQ maintainer at the
end of this FAQ.

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