The advent of technology has opened up boundless opportunities in virtually every sphere of life, and the realm of music is no exception. The transition of musical pedagogy to the digital realm has seen the rise of online piano teachers who are not only adept at their craft but are also skilled at utilizing various technological tools to impart knowledge. However, these teachers are not created equal and selecting the right one can have significant implications for your learning trajectory and overall musical experience. Therefore, it becomes crucial to judiciously assess potential instructors. Here are some pertinent questions to pose to potential online piano tutors to discern if they are the best fit for you.

The first topic of inquiry should undoubtedly be the educational and professional background of the teacher. Proficiency in piano does not always equate to effective teaching; hence, it's imperative to ask about their formal training in music education. This directly correlates to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, suggesting that a teacher's understanding of cognitive development stages plays a vital role in structuring lessons effectively.

Inquiring about their experience in online teaching is another pivotal point. The shift from traditional to online teaching transcends the mere use of Zoom or Skype. The American Journal of Distance Education defines online teaching as the use of various technological tools to enhance and facilitate learning. Therefore, a teacher who understands and utilizes these tools effectively would impact your learning experience significantly.

The third question to ask should be their approach to piano instruction. There are multiple piano pedagogical approaches, such as the Suzuki method, traditional method, and Kodály method. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. For instance, the Suzuki method emphasizes ear training, while the traditional method puts more emphasis on reading sheet music. An understanding of these methods and your learning style would help you choose the teacher whose approach aligns with your style.

Next, probe about their proficiency in diverse music genres. Each genre, be it classical, jazz, or pop, has its distinct language, style, and techniques. An instructor with a wide breadth of understanding of different genres would provide a more comprehensive and enriching learning experience.

The frequency and duration of lessons are critical facets to consider. According to the 'Spacing Effect', a psychological principle, learning is more effective when it is spaced out over time. Therefore, the teacher's schedule and your convenience must align for the lessons to be most beneficial.

The sixth question deals with feedback and assessment. Frequent and meaningful feedback is a critical component of learning, as per Hattie and Timperley's model of feedback. Therefore, the teacher's approach to providing feedback and tracking progress could substantially impact your growth and improvement.

Finally, ask about their policy regarding performance opportunities. According to the 'Theory of Deliberate Practice' by Ericsson et al., performance plays a crucial role in skill acquisition. Therefore, a teacher who provides frequent opportunities for performance would aid in your development as a pianist.

The choice of an online piano teacher is a critical decision that can shape your musical journey. Thus, a thorough investigation, aided by these strategic questions, would enable you to make an informed choice. It's important, however, to remember that the perfect teacher does not mean a seamless journey without any hurdles. Challenges are inevitable in any learning process, and the right teacher would guide you through these, helping you grow not only as a pianist but also as a refined connoisseur of music.