Finding the Perfect Music Instructor

Finding a good music instructor can be a daunting, but very rewarding, process. When one goes to a music store or school, the student is often matched with a teacher purely on available times. Unfortunately, taking lessons with a teacher based purely on convenience can turn off a student to lessons if it is a bad match. Additionally, starting music lessons can be a bit scary, especially for young children. In private lessons, the student is not able to blend in as they can in a classroom. The focus is solely on the student and his or her performance. Plus, this occurs in the presence of somebody the student may have never met before. Because of these reasons, it is very important to do your research in order to find an instructor that is the best match. With the right instructor, the student will be motivated to practice and master their instrument.

I’ve highlighted 10 important qualities to look for in a music instructor, in no particular order.

Promptness

Being punctual communicates the teacher’s respect for the student’s time. It also shows that the teacher is structured and organized which often carries over into their instructional methods.

Teaches at Your Age Level

A good instructor knows who they can and cannot teach. Some are able to teach people of all ages. Others may be better with certain age groups. If a music school or instructor tells you they cannot teach younger than a certain age, look elsewhere. Don’t try and convince them your child is an exception. Young children do not learn in the same way adolescents and adults do. They need a school and instructor that understands this.

An Effective Communicator

In order to teach well, an instructor has to know how to explain the lessons in several different ways, through discussion, performance, and written music. An effective instructor can explain the lessons on the student’s level in a language that is straight forward and jargon free.

Expert in Your Style

If you have a particular genre of music you would like to learn, find an instructor that can teach it. Most instructors are able to teach the basics in a variety of styles. This will only get you so far. If you know what you want to learn, take your time to find an instructor that specializes in it.

Enthusiastic

It is important for a teacher to express excitement and passion about music during lessons, especially with young children. That excitement is infectious and will get the student excited as well. The student will want to practice at home and come back each week to an enthusiastic instructor.

Positive Reinforcement

Instructors need to praise the efforts of the student, even when the results aren’t perfect. Playing an instrument is hard and the student needs to be supported on the journey towards becoming a musician.

Constructive Criticism

In addition, instructors need to correct the student’s performance in a positive way. Overly negative instructors won’t have students for long. Through modeling, scaffolding, and verbal directions, the instructor provides many ways to mold the student’s performance.

Structure

The lessons should have an overarching plan. Each week they should be building on previous material learned. If you feel like you’re starting from scratch each week having to explain to the instructor what you worked on during the previous lesson, it may be time to find somebody new. The teacher should be keeping note of your progress and where you are going.

Flexible

It is okay to deviate from the lesson plan once in a while. Some days you need to have variety and a break from structure. Good instructors are able to teach what you want along with what you need to keep you motivated.

Challenging

The material being taught to you should be just above your current performance level. Experienced instructors can accurately identify your current performance level and provide material that challenges, not discourages, you.

Are there any other qualities that you consider important in a music instructor?

Richard Sanger, M.A. is the owner of RS Music Company,  a local business that provides in home music lessons in the Central Jersey area. You can find more information atwww.rsmusiccompany.com.