HOW TO CHOOSE A MUSIC TEACHER

• Music goes beyond playing the notes on a page and involves being able to understand and interpret the emotions behind them. You want a teacher who can give your child an experience of joy in music.

• Private instruction is perhaps the best way to learn to play a musical instrument, but joining a band or ensemble in addition to private lessons will also enhance your child’s learning. Depending on your child’s age, private lessons may or may not be appropriate.

• You may find yourself overwhelmed by the prospect of picking a music teacher for your child, especially if you have no musical background yourself. Here, we offer some suggestions for deciding if your child is ready, selecting potential instructors, and interviewing them. Keep in mind that a renowned performer isn’t necessarily the best choice if your child dreads her lessons. The most important part of selecting a private teacher is to find the right match. Your child’s education and long-term success are often dependent on a good relationship with her teacher.

WHERE DO I BEGIN THE SEARCH FOR A TEACHER?

• Ask for recommendations for good music instructors from friends, neighborhood parents, teachers, music teachers, piano tuners, music stores, and others in your community.

• Your search may depend on your goals for your child. If your child is a beginner, make sure your emphasis is on the relationship between your child and the teacher to ensure your child’s experience will be a positive one. If your child is serious about pursuing an instrument, you will want to look for a conservatory-level teacher.

• Contact the music department at a local college or university. You’re likely to find some music professors who run private studios or who can at least recommend some good teachers in your area. Many retail piano stores offer inexpensive lessons in their showrooms, but evaluate these the same way you would choose a private teacher.

INTERVIEWING A PROSPECTIVE TEACHER

• Music lessons differ widely in content, technique and educational objective. The most important part of selecting a private teacher is to find the right match for your child.

• Visit a candidate and sit in on a lesson to see what the teacher and her method of teaching are like. You may also want to attend her students’ recital.

• Schedule an interview with the teacher and be sure to bring your child. You may have to pay for the teacher’s time, but a meeting is essential in the decision-making process.

• A successful student-teacher relationship is crucial to your child’s musical success. How does her personality fit with that of your child?

• Qualities to look for include patience, a positive attitude, and a creative approach to teaching music in a way that is clear and engaging.

• Discuss with the instructor how she plans to build up your child’s self-esteem and encourage her during lessons.

• How much of a perfectionist is the teacher? Your child may find herself miserable if she feels as though she is unable to please her instructor.

• What teaching materials and approach does the teacher use? Are you comfortable with her techniques?

• Does the instructor teach the students how to memorize? To improvise? To compose? To sight read?

• Does the teacher allow children to play contemporary music and/or play by ear? Students who want to play songs from the radio will become frustrated by a teacher who will never let them try. Yet it is important for students to learn classical music and technique as well.

• Ask for clear policies regarding fees, payment schedule, absences, vacations, illness, lateness, and telephone or other interruptions. Find out how to best be in touch with the teacher, whether it’s via voicemail or e-mail. Many teachers will make up a lesson if you give enough notice, but expect to pay for last-minute cancellations.

• Listen for prejudices. Does she negatively discuss other teachers or students?

• Inquire about time commitment and practice requirements. How much practice time does the teacher expect each week?

• The best teachers schedule occasional recitals and concerts to give students performance experience. Other performance occasions could include contests, music festivals, master classes, chamber music, piano ensembles, and accompanying.

• Check out her studio. Is it a well-equipped and spacious environment conducive to learning?

• Ideally, she should encourage students to play in recitals but not insist to the point a stage-shy beginner will quit lessons. If appropriate, the teacher should also encourage her students to participate in festivals and competitions.

• Teachers often charge a recital fee to cover the cost of space rental, a piano accompanist, program printing, and the teacher’s time in arranging and conducting the event.

• Even if a teacher with high credentials and consistent success record comes highly recommended, she still may not be right for your child.

• Find out if the teacher specializes in beginners or advanced students or if she teaches all ability levels. A very young beginner may be intimidated in a studio of older, advanced students. Conversely, an older child may feel uncomfortable around young students.

• A good teacher will be able to sense your child’s moods and needs. She’ll know when to include movement in the lesson, when to make a student sit still, or when to let your child take a break.

• She should weave music theory into her lessons.

• Inquire whether she offers group lessons.

• Look for an instructor who will provide formal or informal evaluations of your child’s progress.

• Ongoing points to consider when deciding how well the match is between the teacher and your child:

• You want a teacher who will inspire your child as she grows musically, and whose techniques suit your child’s personality and learning style.

• Your child should have her interest sparked by the teacher and want to learn more.

• Does your child feel comfortable asking the teacher questions?

• What goals does the instructor expect your child to achieve by the end of the season or year? Do these goals mesh with your own?

• How does your child relate to the teacher?

• Does she have a warm rapport with your child, showing an interest in aspects of her life outside of music?

• Does the teacher appear to be actively engaged with your child or just going through the motions?

EDUCATION AND INVOLVEMENT

• Make sure your prospective teacher has enthusiasm and a love for what she’s teaching. Is teaching a hobby or career for her? If she has a passion for the instrument, the odds are that your child will have that same passion.

• Find out about the teacher’s educational background and training. Look for a music teacher who graduated from a well-known music school and who now perhaps works with a local orchestra or civic light-opera company. How long has she been teaching?

• Furthermore, how experienced is the teacher in dealing specifically with kids? Does she have any formal early-childhood training?

• You don’t want a music teacher who focuses solely on popular, jazz, country-western, or rock and roll. Your child should start with classical training because it will enable her to eventually pick up other styles.

• Ask your candidate if she performs somewhere, such as a church or club, and go listen. Her performance may not reflect her teaching abilities, but you’ll know if you’re dealing with a qualified musician.

• Under whom did she study? Is she certified by a professional organization or examination system? How does the teacher continue her professional development? See the Resources Section below for national associations for each instrument and what certifications they issue.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER

• Clarify expectations with your child’s music instructor about:

• What supervisory role you should play

• If and how often you should sit in during her practices with her instructor

• How, and how often, you will get feedback from the teacher on your child’s progress

• When issues come up, approach your teacher in a non-confrontational manner.

• Make an appointment to discuss matters at a mutually convenient time.

• State your concerns as specifically as you can, listen carefully to the teacher’s response, and continue to ask follow-up questions as necessary.

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