Great teacher is a guide. He/she hopefully went through rigorous training as a musician and a performer and has experienced and negotiated all the highs and lows we musicians experience– and overcame it all! Having experienced the joys and sufferings of music making, good teacher should have compassion to guide his/her students through the same process–with kindness and an occasional firm hand
When contacted, teachers are usually more than willing to explain their techniques and educational backgrounds. The following are types of questions to ask during the first interview:1. What is your professional and educational experience in music?
2. What is your teaching experience? What age groups do you teach?
3. Do you have a written policy? Can I see it?
4. What methods and materials do you use?
5. What styles of music do you teach and most comfortable with (classical, jazz pop etc)
6.Do you offer group lessons?
7. Do you hold student recitals? How often?
8. Any of your students participate in competitions and/or festivals?
9. Do you require your students to take music exams (MTNA, ABRSM)
10. How much practice time do you require each day?
11. How much do you charge? Monthly? Any discounts? What forms of payments you accept?
12. What is your policy regarding cancellations of lessons and make-up lessons?
Can we do a trial period, say one month?
13. Do you offer half-hour, 45 minutes, one hour lessons?
14. Any opportunity to participate in ensemble (duos, trios quarters…) performance activities?
Next entry: Questions a teacher might ask before accepting YOU as a student!