Korean Job Discussion Forums

[casey's moon]

Anyone ever attend a piano hagwon or take piano lessons privately in Korea?

I was pretty good when I quit 10 years ago, but it has always been just a hobby for me. I'd like to take lessons just to get some tips and to make myself practice more regularly.

Did you have to provide your own music books when you studied at a piano hagwon? Were the teachers quite competent? I'm very rusty, but I was once pretty good -- I wouldn't want to be taught by someone who has studied considerably less than I have!

Finally, how much did it cost, and how much more would I have to pay for private lessons?

Thanks!

[Len8]

There are a lot of piano hogwans about. Just go on in and ask. Was interested a while ago, but my friends told me not to, because the only good one was too expensive.

[casey's moon]

Yeah, I know there are plenty and that part is no problem. I'm just wondering what other westerners' experiences might have been. Language isn't an issue for me, but cultural differences might be, in regards to learning style, etc. My husband mentioned, (as an example) that levels are related to composers, which is pretty strange to me.

Anyway, anyone actually try taking piano lessons in Korea?

[tzechuk]

I'll teach ya for free, casey..

[Len8]

Not true about levels being related to composers. More like levels are related to how well you play. At the university level you gotta play something from each of the better and more famous composers.

What gets played most are the pieces played by top performers in their major debuts. Seems like the stuff they play filters down to being the students choices.