Know Your Teacher
Although this article is written to focus on lessons for children, the premise is true for all music students. This is a great commitment of time, money and energy and is worth investing some time in choosing the best teacher in your area.
First, check with
friends and relatives who may be studying music or the same instrument that
interests you. Call music stores and local schools for references. When you have obtained several names, set up
a time to talk with each teacher in person. Ask questions before you make a
commitment for lessons.
Your teacher should
have experience in performing, music theory and composition, and technical
training on the instrument. They should be passionate and continuing to enrich
their own musical education. Your time and money will be spent with the best
teacher available.
When you have found a
qualified private instructor, chances are that this person is a professional
who earns most or all of his income through teaching. Keep in mind that you are
paying for more than the lesson time each week. You or your child will reap the
benefits of the teacher’s education. In addition, the teacher spends time
outside the lesson period keeping up with new trends in music, new developments
in music education, preparing material
to discuss complex theory and sheet music geared toward the student’s
abilities, and preparing the next lessons.
You will probably be
expected to pay for all scheduled lessons, whether or not you are present. To
make full use of your time and money, go to lessons even when practice time has
been scarce that week. As one music teacher used to say, “Just because you
don’t know anything this week, doesn’t mean that I don’t!”
Remember that you are
a member of a team. Teams only succeed when they work together. If you are a
parent, make a point of talking with the teacher at each lesson. This should be part of the lesson.
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Know him/her by first and last name.
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Be pleasant when interacting with him/her.
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Don’t waste your teacher’s time by coming late for pick-up or
drop off, or by rambling
on
when there are other students scheduled, but do
expect a
couple minutes after the lesson. In many cases this means ending the lesson 2
or 3 minutes early. This is okay!
- Be open and honest about how things are at home (in
relation to the lessons of course!).
Comment on your favorite music teacher and any recommendations you can share about selecting the best teacher.
Peace,
Annette DeMaggio
www.songsofjoymi.com
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