How do you decide if a piano or flute teacher is right for you? Do you see an advert or get a recommendation and commit to lessons straightaway? Or do you opt for a trial lesson to see if you and your music teacher are a good fit?
Here are my top tips for finding the right music teacher.
Tips for parents:
If you’re looking for a piano or flute teacher for your child, I would advise you to not rush into committing to ongoing lessons. Ask if they can offer your child a trial lesson or a few trial lessons before you decide.
Your child needs to feel comfortable with their music teacher, as a 1 to 1 lesson is very personal. As a parent, you want to feel reassured that your child and their teacher are a good match too. So take your time before you take the plunge. Make enquiries, ask for recommendations, and ask prospective teachers if they offer trial lessons.
I offer prospective students a trial lesson before I take them on and I always ask them (or their parents) if they feel I’m the right music teacher for them.
This is really important as the experience your child has in their lessons will influence how they feel about future music lessons, and their music practice in general.
Tips for adult students:
If you want to find a music teacher, head online and do some research. You can search on https://www.musicteachers.co.uk/ for your nearest teacher and you can also see details of their qualifications and testimonials from former and current students.
Before you commit to lessons, it’s a good idea to think about your goals and expectations. For example, if you just want to learn to play your favourite tunes on the piano as a hobby, but you sign up for lessons with a teacher who expects you to enter for high level exams, it won’t work. The mismatch of expectations means that neither of you will get what you want out of the lessons. Make sure that you’re both on the same page from the start.
Who do I teach?
Most of my students are university students. I also teach adult beginners who want to enjoy a new hobby, as well as music teachers who want to continue developing their skills, or take higher level exams.
I help to prepare Durham University music degree students for their exams and recitals. To achieve this, I teach them musical technique as well as coaching them to develop the confidence they need to play at their best even when they feel nervous.
I love teaching adult beginners who have a desire to learn and most importantly, the time to spend about 30 minutes a day to practise! One of the challenges busy adults face is a lack of time, so take this into account before you commit to music lessons.
Ask the right questions
You’ve seen their qualifications and they have some great reviews. But before you book lessons with a prospective teacher, check if they teach what you want to learn, and if they teach your age group.
All music teachers are not equal! Different teachers specialise in different age groups. Teaching different age groups requires different teaching skills, so don’t forget to chat with your prospective teacher about what they specialise in or which age groups they enjoy teaching.
Want to know what to expect from music lessons?
I want to make sure that my prospective students and I are a good fit for each other, so I offer a free trial lesson. This is an opportunity for new students to get to know me and for me to get to know them, and their musical goals and wishes.
Do you want to try a lesson so you know what to expect before you commit?
I’m looking forward to meeting you!