How to Find the Right Music Teacher
“I think that a large part of the problem is that people are taught how to be taught by someone else, but they are not taught how to be their own teachers.”
—Vladimir Horowitz
Finding the Right Music Teacher
The music teacher understands the student on a deep emotional level that is only possible through the personal expression found in music. The teacher become the students friend, mentor, confidant, and the most influential figure in their life.
What to Look for in a Music Teacher
- A good reputation as a teacher in the community
- A college degree or certification from a recognized music program
- Sufficient teaching experience
- Experience teaching students of different age groups
- Excellent references from other parents or students
- A career as a full-time musician and/or teacher
- Extensive performing experience
- Good studio location and lesson time availability
- Comparable rates based on their education, skill level and reputation
- The ability to play the piano at a high level
- Punctuality and professionalism
- A history of successful students
When searching for the right music teacher try to learn more about their personality and demeanor. Converse with them about everyday events. If you are a parent of a student, have the teacher interact with the child and observe the interaction. Quality music teachers will often want to interview the student to see if they will be a good fit. A good music teacher won’t accept just anyone, especially since they may be teaching them for years to come! A good music teacher will want to understand you too.
When conversing with the music teacher try to discover:
- Is the teacher outgoing, cheerful and energetic? or jaded and grumpy?
- Does the teacher genuinely like your child and vice versa?
- Are they teaching because they love to teach?
- Do they have a history of successful students?
- Are the majority of their students long-term?
- Are they actively contributing to the music commmunity?
- Do they extend the students education beyond just the lessons? Do they organize recitals, performances and examinations?
The way a person plays music is reflective of that person on the deepest level.
The Role of the Music Teacher
I have had accomplished students come to their lessons completely incapable of playing the piano because of emotional turmoil from personal issues that gripped them that particular week. The only way to spend the lesson was in counsel, discussing anything but music.
A good music teacher helps the student get through their personal struggles. A great music teacher helps conquer them.
Wait for the Right Teacher
Base your decision not only on convenience, price, and good looks but a quality personality, character and reputation.
Investigate and be informed!
“There are two ways to teach the piano: One is to build up a student over a long period and be totally
responsible for them, not only musically but psychologically so that the teacher is his confidant and his
motivator. The other way is to teach master classes.”
—Alfred Brendel