A Parent's Guide to Music Lessons: Choosing a Teacher
Just as with any other investment, it's important to shop around before settling on a teacher. Luckily, there is no shortage of private music instructors! A quick Google search or flip through the yellow pages reveals dozens of teachers eager to teach your budding little Mozart - the task simply becomes finding the correct teacher for your child. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by the volume of teachers available. Begin by narrowing your choices down by instrument, then start calling around. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions, a good teacher should be understanding and more than happy to answer them!
Though you probably have plenty of questions of your own, make sure that you ask the following questions:
1. What is your musical education and background?
Don't immediately rule out teachers without a degree in music (qualified musicians don't always make excellent teachers) but make a special note of those teachers who do, particularly if you have an older child with an interest in pursuing music as a career.
2. What is your teaching experience? What ages do you teach/have you taught?
Look for an experienced teacher who enjoys teaching children similar in age to yours. Sending your preschooler to take lessons with a teacher who prefers older students (or vice versa) is setting both your child and the instructor up for frustration.
3. What materials do you use to teach? What styles of music do you teach?
This is a particularly important question. If you are not familiar with the materials, do a quick search of them on the internet. Do they look like something that your child would enjoy? Do they teach the style of music your child is interested in?
4. What elements do you include in your lessons?
Look for a teacher who incorporates music theory (how to read music) into their lessons, in addition to the technique necessary to play an instrument. Some teachers may also go above and beyond and teach music history, ear-training, or other music related concepts.
5. What is your teaching policy?
Teaching policies include tuition rates, expectations for attendance and practice, and other business related tasks. Think about whether or not the lessons are within your price range and if you can make the necessary time commitment.
6. Why do you teach? What are your goals for your students?
Look for a teacher who is passionate about teaching, and find one who has goals for his or her students that are closely aligned with your goals for your child.
After asking these questions, you should have a better idea of which teacher or teachers would be best for your child. Don't be shy in asking for an introductory lesson! Use that time to watch how the teacher interacts with your child. Do they seem to get along well? Is the teacher enthusiastic and excited about teaching? Ask your child how they felt about the lesson - after all, they will be the one making the commitment to practice and learn!
If you have any other suggestions of questions to ask or any recommendations on how to find a good music teacher, please leave a comment and let us know! Otherwise, don't forget to check out the other posts in this series:
