If your child is ready for music lessons, you may be wondering how to find a great music teacher. Although there are many factors that will contribute to your search, we’ve compiled a few essential considerations because we believe that finding the right teacher will have a positive effect that lasts a lifetime.
Great Teachers Have a Gameplan. There should be a plan on how the teacher will teach your child the first few years, and what can reasonably be expected. Also, the teacher should have a vision for what to expect from him/her once the basics have been mastered and the child is ready to move into more serious performances, whether it’s in small venues such as family gatherings, church, with a garage band, or in orchestra-level goals.
Great Teachers Are Committed to Students. This may seem like a no-brainer, but there’s more to it than finding someone who knows how to play an instrument and also happens to have a block of time free every week to teach. Remember that one teacher in school who believed in you and somehow changed your life? Mine was a voice/piano teacher who taught me to read music and sing from the heart. She expected – no, demanded – that I practice every week, and she didn’t have a problem fussing at me when I was a slacker. It wasn’t about a monthly paycheck. She genuinely cared about me.
They Teach Proficiency. In essence, they teach until they’re no longer needed. Eventually, your child will have learned not just the basics of scales and simple songs, but music theory and perhaps even being able to play by ear, in any key. Great teachers instill the habit of self-reflection and analysis in children, not to create insecurities, but to build character. After all, when we can look at ourselves and see what we’ve done well and what we might’ve done better, we grow wise beyond our years.
They Should Offer Live Performances. The teachers who expected the most from me also had their own groups, and watching their performances made me want to practice more. Some teachers specialize in formal, more classical style and others are awesome at teaching country or even improvisational jazz. Choose someone who regularly plays the kind of music your child likes and take your child to their shows. There’s nothing like live performances!
Although there are many more factors to consider when looking for the best music teacher for your child, we hope these tips help. Fortunately, Asheville, NC is a fantastic city for musical instruction. If you would like to learn more, give Music Academy – Asheville a call at 828-252-1888 or visit our website at musicacademyasheville.com.