So there’s a blog post title I never imagined writing! But it’s true… according to our “very scientific survey”, 100% of respondents (and there were literally hundreds of respondents!) preferred to teach nail biters over nose pickers.
Here Are The Results From The Rest Of The Piano Teaching Survey
1. Would you rather be tortured by Fur Elise or Jingle Bells?
This was a close race, but Beethoven is just too near and dear to every piano teacher’s heart; 54% of respondents wished to be tortured with Fur Elise.
2. Would you rather parents be in-your-face or out-to-lunch?
We weren’t sure which way the pendulum would swing on this one. On one hand, nobody likes a pushy parent who crosses boundaries, but at the same time, uninvolved parents can be a real hindrance too. But at the end of the day, when forced to choose between the two, 64% of piano teachers would rather parents be out-to-lunch.
3. Would you rather teach a 13 year old girl or a 3 year old boy?
Sure 3 year old boys can be gross and grimy, but we were still surprised to discover that 77% of respondents would choose to instead deal with the emotional train wreck that is a 13 year old girl! Kudos to you brave souls 🙂
4. Would you rather receive Treble Clef Themed Gifts only, or never receive another gift again?
Hey, apparently piano teachers love receiving gifts… even if they are adorned with a treble clef; 56% of piano teachers are “asking for treble”.
5. Would you rather students forget their piano books or forget their manners?
A clear winner for sure… 84% of teachers say they would rather students forget their books. We couldn’t agree more… there’s simply no room for rudeness.
6. Would you rather lose your vision or lose your ability to play the piano?
Wow! 31% of piano teachers would choose to never see again as long as they could still tickle the ivories. We love that kind of passion.
7. Would you rather say yes to one make-up lesson request per day for the rest of your life, or slam the piano lid on your own face once a year (on your birthday)?
It is possible that a particularly bothersome day influenced us in creating this question 🙂 But hey… we’re not alone; 64% of piano teachers would choose a piano lid to the face once a year for life!
8. Would you rather get rid of the black keys or the white keys?
White keys won by a landslide! 74% of people would say goodbye to sharps and flats forever and live in a land where the keys of C Major and A Minor were king.
9. Would you rather teach pieces consisting of only ledger lines or pieces composed only in the key of C#major?
Ledger lines are clearly not a favourite. 67% of piano teachers would prefer to not sit idly by while their students counted those little ledger lines… and would instead prefer to continually remind their students about the B sharps!
And now you know just a little bit more about your online piano teaching colleagues… you’re welcome. 🙂
Diane says
Thanks for taking this survey and posting the results! Cute! And a good diversion and bright spot in my teaching day.
Andrea says
Hi Diane! We love creating those bright spots in your day. Have a good one!
Dana says
This was very entertaining! Thanks!
Andrea says
Hi Dana – we really enjoyed discovering the answers 🙂 Quite a few of them surprised us! Have a great weekend.
Rebecca Brown says
I’ve raised 3 kids of my own, and taught well over 100 more. Hands down, the grossest thing is boogers/snot! Just this week, I gave a kid a lecture about not picking/rubbing his nose and then touching my piano. I told him that nobody wants to be the next person at the piano touching his booger germs.
Of course, just when I thought that was the worst thing….the very next student into my studio that day kept playing with his feet (he was wearing flip-flops…which is common attire in Texas). I looked down and saw peeling skin and obvious signs of athlete’s foot. Yuck! I asked him to please go wash his hands and refrain from touching his feet again.
Andrea says
Oh gross… I think I would have died. I have a thing about contagious skin conditions :p
sandy says
LOL what a great way to start the day THANKS!
Andrea says
Hi Sandy! You’re welcome 🙂 Glad we could brighten your morning!
Tami says
Love this! I missed participating in the survey but it was a joy to read! :o)
Andrea says
Hi Tami – I’m sure we’ll come up with another zany reason to survey you all again.. we’ll catch you next time! 😉
Tara Johnson says
Sadly… THIS was the highlight of my day (when you posted the survey). I am hoping that the results are the highlight of today! LOL. I am SUPER grateful for you guys…. I am inspired and renewed after reading your daily posts. THANK YOU so much for all you do to help us NOT become old crumudgeons. I NEVER want to become my first piano teacher! Seriously! It is amazing that I am STILL playing let alone teaching!
Again… THANK YOU!
Andrea says
Hi Tara – Sadly it was the highlight of my day when we discovered that piano teachers would choose a “lid to the face” ha ha! Thank you for your kind words! It is our personal mission and our passion to prevent the piano teaching world from being anything close to curmudgeonly. I’m glad that you’re enjoying the blog. We’ve enjoyed getting to know you online!
Barbara Gilchrist says
This is a great survey results! I enjoyed reading what other instructors’ preferences. I have just discovered your website and it’s provided a wealth of information for me as I begin teaching piano. Thank you so much for sharing!
Andrea says
Hi Barbara – welcome! We’re glad to have you as a part of our online community and thrilled that our posts have helped you as you start out. Happy teaching!
April Hamilton says
I also really enjoyed this survey. #7 made me laugh out loud and yes, I was one of those who chose the piano lid in the face. Once a year physical pain vs every day mental/emotional pain… 😀 But it’s a good thing that we don’t have to actually choose between those two options! Ha ha!
Marilyn Brennan says
This is hilarious. I love all your emails! Fresh ideas and they just make my day, and help improve my teaching!