If you want to learn to play music, you need a competent teacher. Even if your goals are modest, you will surely reach them more quickly and easily with a teacher’s guidance. The principles and ideas you can glean from instructional books and online videos are valuable, however, applying them most efficiently can ONLY be done with the aid of a quality music teacher.
Good teachers schedule the introduction of new material and explain its meaning. They encourage you when you’re on the right track, and quickly correct you when you go wrong. They show you how to practice effectively. They build your confidence. In short, a good music teacher will take you far beyond what you could accomplish on your own.
“How do I find a competent teacher?”
Music teachers aren’t licensed or regulated. Anyone who wants to teach can do so, and it can be a challenge to find a good one, so how can a student (particularly a beginner) evaluate a teacher?
10 Questions to help you evaluate your Music Teacher
1. Does the teacher emphasize recitals or performance as the goal?
2. Does the teacher begin and end on time?
3. Teach structured, planned lessons?
4. Give a clear weekly assignment?
5. Emphasize proper form?
6. Incorporate a method book?
7. Incorporate note-reading, ear-training, and theory?
8. Guide you towards your personal musical goals?
9. Have a friendly, positive and supportive demeanor?
10. Encourage Parental Involvement with young students?
More Tips
- Don’t judge a teacher only by his or her playing. Many people assume that an excellent player is also a good teacher. In reality, however, performing artists are often poor teachers. Teaching and playing are two entirely different skills, and an excellent teacher may have only modest ability as a player.
- Don’t assume that a teacher is competent simply because he or she has a degree from a prestigious school.
Keep in mind, an incompetent teacher can impede your progress and ultimately cripple your ability to play music. If you’re not progressing, despite your best efforts in the practice room, consider finding a new teacher.
