Choosing the Right Music Teacher

Picking the right music teacher for your child can of course be crucial for a child’s musical development. The right teacher is an able guide who can help your child meet his or her potential. Much can depend on the teacher and child’s personalities, as well as the teacher’s qualifications and experiences. The best way to figure out if a teacher is the right fit is to meet a teacher, ideally for a trial lesson, but how do you even find teachers to begin with?

Lessonface qualifies teachers based on their background and experience, and allows you to search based on instrument, skill level, price range, and schedule. We are striving to be a go-to source for finding the best music teacher for your child. So, the self-serving first bullet here is to start here! (It bears noting that learning over video conference may not necessarily be for everyone. Children under 8 often need to learn from someone who is in the same room, as these children can lack the requisite attention span for online lessons. Even so, we note that some Lessonface teachers may live in your area and be willing to meet in-person).

Other Sources

It’s a good idea to simply ask the people you know who have relevant experience for suggestions. If multiple people recommend the same teacher, he/she could be right for your child. Or if a friend who knows your child recommends a particular teacher highly, this kind of input can be very valuable. If your friends and acquaintances are no help, various other sources should have lists of local music teachers, such as your child’s school or national institutions like Music Teachers’ National Association, National Association for Music Education, or the American String Teachers’ Association. Often teachers market themselves online with testimonials and videos, which you can review in making your decision.

Style

Many people also choose teachers according to a pedagogy or method. Below are some of the most common methodologies. If you find yourself attracted to a certain methodology, consider trying a teacher who specializes in it. 

Suzuki

This is one of the most popular methodologies, and it focuses on the mother-tongue approach, parent involvement, repetition, and encouragement, so it is often good for children or beginners. The mother-tongue approach is based upon the idea that the principles of language acquisition for children are applied to learning music. It includes its own set of books and materials for the student, with the books progressing from level to level. This method was originally intended for the violin, but now there are Suzuki books for the viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, harp, guitar, and recorder. You can go to http://suzukiassociation.org/teachers/twinkler/ for more information.

Kodaly

Pronounced “ko-day” with a silent “l,” this is another popular methodology. It stresses the benefits of physical instruction and response to music, with tools such as hand signs, rhythm solmization (do re mi, etc.), flash cards, echoes, body signs, picture symbols, musical ladders, musical shorthand, and/or stick notation. The voice is used a means for applying and understanding concepts, but this method can be implemented with any instrument. Go to https://www.oake.org for more information.

Orff

Another major methodology, it encourages improvisation and student self-discovery and discourages adult pressures and mechanical drilling. In America, there are four stages, which are imitation, exploration, improvisation, and composition. Because of its simplicity and its benefits for coordination, dexterity, and concentration, this method is often used for students with special needs. Percussive instruments such as xylophones and tambourines are often used as tools, but this method can also be implemented with any instrument. Go to http://www.aosa.org/orff.html for more information. 

Interview

After you initially settle on a teacher, be sure to ask some questions, and set up a trial session to make sure that not only are you finding a teacher who is well-qualified, but that you both see eye-to-eye on goals for the your child. Do you and your child prioritize excellence playing the instrument, or are enjoyment and personal enrichment the main goals? Does this teacher offer your child the opportunity to find both?

Continue reading the Lessonface Parents Guide:

Part 5: Outside of the Lesson: Setting Goals, Practicing, & Performing