“I want to learn to play the piano!” “I want to join the band!” These statements can be both exciting and scary at the same time. How do you find a good teacher for your child, or maybe even yourself? Keep reading for questions you should be prepared to both ask and answer when searching for a music teacher. Hopefully these will give you some insight and alleviate some of the anxiety around finding a good teacher.
7 QUESTIONS TO ASK
1. What is your musical background?
This may seem unnecessary as someone who is advertising music lessons is a teacher, right? While most of the time it is true, you want to be certain. Where did they go to school? Did they study music? Do they have a music degree and/or teaching degree? Do they have experience performing? Remember, not all teachers are performers and not all performers are teachers. The same way that doctors, lawyers, and even maintenance technicians specialize in one area of their field over another, musicians do the same.
2. How long have you been playing/teaching?
One of the myths about education is that the best teachers have years of experience. While it is very much true that experienced teachers are among the best out there, newer teachers can be ranked among completely competent and best professionals, too. Your personal comfort level will determine which you prefer.
3. How long is each lesson?
The 30-minute lesson has long been the standard length lesson for beginning students. As a student’s needs change and grow, the amount of lesson time needed tends to change as well. Depending on where you are at in your musical journey, expect to see 30-, 45-, and even 60-minute lessons offered. Which lesson length is the proper one for you is something to discuss with your prospective teacher.
4. Where are lessons held?
These days you have more choices than ever, not just in terms of music teachers but also in terms of your lesson format. Some teachers only teach in person at a specific studio location, others teach out of their home or travel to yours, some teach exclusively online and others choose a hybrid model of in person and online. I would encourage you before committing to only one format that you speak with teachers who teach in a variety of formats. The teacher who “clicks” with you and can meet your specific learning needs may actually teach in a different format than what you were expecting.
5. What is your make up/absence policy?
This is an important one to ask as not all teachers offer a uniform make up/absence policy. Some teachers offer to make up all absences, some make up only in case of illness, and others don’t offer make ups at all. Remember when you schedule a lesson with a teacher, you are reserving part of that person’s time. Just as you wouldn’t expect your exercise class or child’s soccer team to reschedule a practice just for you, your teacher may not be able to offer make ups on short notice. Be sure to ask what your prospective teacher’s make up/absence policy is so there are no misunderstandings further down the road. And while you are asking about this one, be sure to ask about any other policies they may have as well.
6. What are your rates?
This is the question most people jump to first: how much does it cost? I would posit that, while certainly one of the most important questions, it shouldn’t always be the first asked. Here’s why: asking the questions above will give you an idea of what different teachers offer and what value you get for the money you spend. If rates differ, are you paying for years of experience? What about the convenience of having online lessons and not having to leave home and/or the convenience of having a teacher come to you? You won’t know these things unless you ask.
7. What lesson times are available?
If the answers to these questions are agreeable to you, ask about the teacher’s availability. Let them know you are interested. Most teachers work on a first come, first served basis, so be prepared that holding a spot may not be an option. If you ask a teacher to hold a spot, be sure to follow up right away. And certainly if there is no room in a teacher’s studio, ask if they have a waiting list or can refer you to a trusted colleague.
3 QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
Just as you are interviewing a prospective teacher, they are also interviewing a prospective client: you! They want to make sure that they are the right teacher for you, so be prepared to answer the following questions.
1. What background, if any, do you have in music?
It doesn't matter if it's in the same instrument you want to learn or not. Music teachers just want to know what you already know so that they can take into account what you already know and plan lessons accordingly.
2. Do you have an instrument?
Music teachers expect that you will come prepared with an instrument. If you don’t have one yet, ask your prospective teacher for recommendations. They will let you know what you should be looking for in a quality instrument for your level and goals. Please don’t approach a teacher with a child’s toy, an app mimicking instrument, or even suggest learning without an instrument. These examples are not feasible for lessons. Rather they are avenues for frustration and even a path to ending a budding interest in music.
3. What are your specific learning goals?
What do you want to get out of lessons? Are you learning to play because you want to have fun? Or do you want to learn so that you can perform in front of others or make a career out of it? Knowing this can help a teacher decide on what or how in depth to cover materials. Someone looking to take a degree in music has different needs than someone who is just looking to play for their own enjoyment.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART
When looking for a new music teacher the most important part is that you find a teacher who fits your specific learning style and personality. Meet with your prospective teacher in advance, if possible. Ask all of these questions and more. If you feel like it’s a good fit, don’t be afraid to schedule. Hopefully you will have a long and positive relationship that yields years of musical enjoyment.
If you would like to discover whether or not Shades of Blue Studios is the right fit for you, please reach out and contact us!