In Kuala Lumpur, the piano teacher population ranges from unqualified to qualified teachers. They may possess certification from the examining boards in United Kingdom, while others may be qualified holding Music degrees from local or overseas’ universities. Private piano teachers encounter problems in their daily work and there are many unanswered questions. The research question that guided the research was: What are the knowledge and skills that beginner piano teachers need to teach a music program in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? Following this main research question was a secondary question that asks: What might an introductory guidebook for novice teachers look like? A survey was administered to discover some areas that teachers and students need focus and attention. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with experienced piano teachers to obtain deeper insight into piano teaching. The findings from my research indicated there were areas of piano pedagogy that needed addressing. The aim of this research was to find answers and solutions to guide new beginner teachers start their teaching career, to teach beginner students learn to play the piano appropriately. The main outcome of the research was the development of a guidebook entitled Searching for answers in piano teaching for novice studio teachers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This guidebook would be suitable to assist practicing and prospective private piano teachers. It covers an array of issues and problems on teaching. Problems and issues of a generic nature were discussed alongside those specific to instrumental teaching, providing ideas, concepts and viewpoints on various methods and approaches in private piano studio teaching. The chapters from this introductory guidebook for new graduate piano teachers include the following topics: studio teaching; importance of building good groundwork by establishing appropriate essentials and avoiding and addressing faults; teacher knowledge and skills; ways to encourage practice; focusing on the significance of sight-reading; developing musicianship skills; the benefits of group learning and pros and cons of music examination
