The importance of a good teacher can not be overstated. Choosing a music teacher is one of the most challenging and critical decisions in setting up music lessons for your child. A skilled and inspiring teacher makes the difference for beginners and for every stage. In addition to checking teaching skills, you will want to assess the teacher's style and values. It is important to consider personality and learning style. And keep in mind that you can expect your child to develop a special bond with the music teacher through the one-on-one relationship.

Many of the factors discussed in the section, Types of Programs, are relevant in preparing to select a teacher. These factors include age of the child; commitment; attention; learning style; family dynamics; cost; and interest. Additional factors to consider in selecting a teacher include: qualifications; experience; teaching style and personality; pedagogy and program; and studio policies.

OBSERVATIONS and CAUTIONS:

• A concert musician does not necessarily make a good teacher (though many are, and there are advantages to performance experience)
• A highly recommended teacher with high credentials and consistent success record may not be right for your child.
• Listen for prejudices (hate little boys? teenagers? theory, history, ensemble participation, etc.). Do they publicly criticize other teachers? other students? hate certain kinds of music?
• Teachers are human and are professionals. The teacher will need your support and help, deserves to be treated professionally and as a human being, will want to be appreciated.

Qualifications

• Find out about the prospective teacher's educational background. Do they have a degree in music? from where? Who were their teachers? Are they certified by a professional organization or examination system?
• Does the teacher continue professional development? subscribe to music education magazines? belong to professional associations such as a Registered Music Teachers Association? attend workshops and conferences?

Experience

• How much teaching experience does the teacher have?
• Discretely determine if the teacher retains students or whether many quit or transfer to other teachers.

Teaching Style and Personality

• Is the teacher inspiring and motivating? patient? flexible? What is the studio atmosphere? Does the teacher have high expectations? Are the lessons enjoyable while still productive?
• Does the teacher consider the whole child? Is there respect for the child's interests, tastes, social and peer needs?
• Also watch for teachers who won't allow students to perform in master classes for other teachers, study in summer programs with other teachers, play in ensembles, because they fear losing the student to another teacher.

Pedagogy and Program

• What instructional methods and materials does the teacher use?
• What if the child wants to also play pop or jazz?
• Does the teacher teach the students how to memorize? to improvise? to play by ear? to compose? to sight read?
• What performance opportunities does the teacher provide or arrange? Does the teacher have group lessons or periodic master classes? Are there opportunities for the student to perform regularly with an accompanist?
• Do the teacher's students participate in external evaluation activities such as examinations, festivals and competitions?
• What is the teacher's recommendations for music theory and history? ensembles?
• Inquire about visiting lessons or classes of teachers you are considering so that you can observe whether the instructional style fits with your child's learning style. See Issues section: Learning Diversity.
• Does the teacher incorporate the advantages of technology (computers, music instruction software and electronic keyboards) and the Internet?

Studio Policies

• Parent involvement. A good teacher expects parent involvement and support and will hold parent / teacher conferences formally or informally.
• Ask for clear policies regarding fees, payment schedule, absences, vacations, illness, lateness, telephone and other interruptions. Does the teacher facilitate communication through voice mail? email? a web site?
• How much daily practice time does the teacher expect? Will the teacher help the student to learn good practice skills?

Further Information and Assistance

• Registered Music Teachers Associations can provide names of teachers in your area:
  • Canadian Federation of Registered Music Teachers Association (CFRMTA)
  • Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association (ARMTA)
  • Manitoba Registered Music Teachers Association (MRMTA)
  • Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association (ORMTA)
    • Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association - Toronto Branch
  • Music Teachers National Association (USA)
• Excel-ability Music Teachers Online Community
• Inquire at local conservatory, university music department, and orchestra.
• Types of Programs: Private lessons. Dalcroze. Kindermusik. Kodaly. Music for Young Children. Suzuki. Orff. Gifted. Fine Arts - magnet. Music for Young Children. Yamaha. RCM/AMEB/AssocB exam "curriculum". Schools - public, private, commercial, conservatory type.
• Toronto area music programs
• Also see: RMT "points to consider", MTNA "How to Choose a Music Teacher",

Updated August 7, 2000
© 2000 Norman Burgess