by Darren Senn

Created on: August 30, 2008   Last Updated: October 16, 2011

Tips on Selecting a Music Teacher

Selecting a music teacher is very similar to choosing a pair of shoes; the wrong fit makes you want to quit walking. There are many exceptionally talented musicians out there that are not able to explain how or why they do what they are so good at, but will charge you through the nose nonetheless. A good teacher isn't necessarily the greatest player, but is at least a little farther along than you and is able to explain their approach in a way that makes you think, "Well why didn't those other teachers just say that in the first place?!"

A good teacher knows that every individual learns in a different way. A good teacher doesn't have such a rigid style that they cannot adjust to suit your unique demands. Most importantly, a good teacher shows genuine enthusiasm for their profession, and naturally makes the learning process productive and fun at the same time.

"Ya Gotta Have Fun, Kid"

Life is too short to do things you don't enjoy. I know, sometimes it's inevitable, but when it comes to learning and playing music there should always be a heaping spoonful of fun involved. What teachers throughout life have made the most lasting impression on you? Ask yourself why. Well, you probably enjoyed the subject, but most likely the teacher had a style that worked for you. The most seemingly-complicated concepts can suddenly become ridiculously simple when presented in the right way. The ultimate goal in playing music is to have a blast. A good teacher is one you look forward to seeing even though you know they will put you to work.

Patience is a virtue, too

As is true for all good teachers, but especially true for music teachers, patience is of the utmost importance. Music is tricky and it takes some of us quite a while to get it down. The physical act of playing guitar, for instance, is very acrobatic and requires tremendous coordination. A really good lesson might only include on move or lick because of its difficulty. Maybe you spend the entire session on just one thing. This is how you learn! Good teachers have patience and will encourage repetition, so much repetition that anybody else around will start throwing things at you. The reward for this repetition comes full-circle back to the fun. You're a better player for it.

In Other Words...

If you're not understanding a concept for whatever reason, you should feel welcome to keep bugging your teacher about it until it makes sense. If you are asking for some elaboration, your teacher should be able to explain in completely different terms until you get it. This is the ultimate demise of so many of those aforementioned teachers who are so gifted in knowledge and skill, but just can't seem to deliver it in the right package. Ask for different angles, and if your teacher has them, keep him or her around.

You have to start somewhere, and you have to give someone a chance. But if after a few lessons you aren't having fun and you don't feel like you're learning much, it's time to start shopping around for a teacher that can tell it the way you wanna hear it! Don't ever forget though, that every experience you have in life is better or worse because of your attitude. As a teacher myself, I ask that my students try as hard for me as I am trying for them, and we always seem to have a great time!

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