Picking a music teacher is an important decision as it is very likely to set the scene for a lifetime of enjoyment or lead to putting your instrument away for good.
Your first experiences with a new instrument should be positive – we know we are not going to be great players after a half-hour lesson, but we should still leave the lesson feeling encouraged and excited for the next when we can get a little bit better.
So picking an instructor – whether for yourself or your child – is a vital step on your way to mastering an instrument.
What are some of the characteristics of a good teacher we should look for? An ability to play is a prerequisite, naturally, but we would expect and hope every music teacher is going to be able to play their instrument well. That does not mean they can teach you to play well.
A good music teacher is skilled at finding the best way to explain something new to you. Music is a highly personal thing and we all respond and react to it in our own unique ways – so a one-size-fits-all solution is not likely to be very helpful. Your teacher should be willing to work with you and find the best way to communicate ideas and concepts to you so you develop together, and this, in turn, makes each and every subsequent lesson and practice more productive and ultimately enjoyable.
How does your teacher identify areas of weakness in your playing and how do they help you to overcome them and improve? It should go without saying that listening is a major part of making music– does your teacher take the time to listen to both your playing and your concerns? We know playing an instrument well is a matter of creating strong good habits – can your teacher spot bad ones emerging and nip them in the bud?
Of course, while we expect to put in hard work when learning to play an instrument, it does not mean the process should not be fun. If you are not enjoying your lessons, you will sooner or later simply stop. They are not compulsory and no one is making you take them – even if you are trying to encourage a child to play, you will give up eventually if they dislike the lessons that much. So, a good teacher has to make your lesson a fun and enjoyable experience. Fun comes in many forms – maybe they are just an engaging personality, maybe they have some great music tricks to show you, maybe you both have a passion for a particular musician or style and can jam together.
How connected is your teacher? While practice is often a solitary exercise, playing music rarely is – we want to share our passion with others, playing for them, playing with them, and listening to them play. Have you got someone who can introduce you to others on the same journey of musical discovery so you can enjoy the trip together?
What is their attitude like? Are they positive and encouraging? Especially when you make mistakes or hit a plateau for a while, is your teacher displaying a belief in you to get through the tough bits and hold onto the joy when you get it right? There will undoubtedly be periods of frustration – do they have the encouragement to get you to carry on?
How much structure are they providing for you? While we all respond differently to goals and targets, we also all need some framework to build around. Ask how your prospective teacher will help guide you and what they will provide in terms of solid objectives and goals for you to accomplish. Are they providing you with clear guidance on what areas you should be tackling in your self-practice between lessons?
What music are they working with you on learning? Is it all their personal favorites or selections based on your interests and ability level? Do the selections provide enough challenge to aid your progression or are they simply overwhelming? Are they linked up with any goals you may have when auditioning for any form of group musical playing?
Above all, do they clearly love not only making music but helping others make music with them?