Choosing the Right Music Teacher, Pt. 2
So, now that you’ve had time to consider what your needs are, it’s time to start scoping out an instructor. If you haven’t checked out part 1 of this series, I suggest clicking here and reading it first. First and foremost, you need to ask. Ask for recommendations from people you trust, maybe your band director or conductor. They likely have a short list of people they like to recommend. Secondly, harness the power of the internet! Google, Google, Google. There are tons of directories that can help lead you to the teacher of your dreams. Third, go to a local music store. They might have teachers on staff that can help get you where you need to go. Finally, if you have a musician you admire, for instance one you follow on Instagram or TikTok, reach out to them and ask if they’re taking on new students! Many social media influencers build online lesson businesses for people that want to learn from them. Oh, what a time to be alive!
Now, once you have decided on a teacher (or a few) that seem promising, it’s time to start asking the important questions:
How do you handle a student that’s struggling to find practice time throughout the week?
What is your main focus during a typical lesson?
How long/often do you recommend lessons be at my stage of playing?
Do you follow a set curriculum, or is your curriculum tailored to the student?
Will we work together on goals and milestones, or do you decide those ahead of time?
Can you show me a sample of what your (beginner, intermediate, advanced) students are working on right now?
What’s your teaching philosophy?
What is your policy for terminating lessons if you or I decide that we’re not a good fit?
Remember, lessons are a long-term partnership, not a short-term band-aid for poor technique. You should be looking to start lessons and work with this person potentially for years to come. If you’re asking these questions and feeling like their answers don’t align with what you’re hoping for, then it may be time to pass and move on to the next prospect. Just like a therapist or doctor, your teacher needs to cultivate trust and friendship in you. This is a partnership. You’re looking to partner with someone to build your musicianship skills for years to come. Don’t be afraid to ask more questions than it feels like is necessary in order to decide if you’re making the correct choice.
It’s also worth remembering that if you’re not feeling particularly connected or like things are working out well between you and the instructor you’ve chosen, it’s perfectly acceptable (and healthy) to move on to someone who will work better with you. Don’t forget that it’s you’re musical future, so having the right mentor is vital and a decision only you can make.
