Choosing a Teacher

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT TEACHER?

You'll want a teacher who will inspire and nurture a student's musical growth and instill lifelong love of music. When seeking a music teacher:

• Consult with friends, family and others who are acquainted with teachers in your community.

• Ask for recommendations from local music teacher organizations, music stores, schools or churches.

• Arrange to interview prospective teachers, in person if possible, before making a commitment.

• Ask permission to attend a recital of the prospective teacher's students.

Teachers are willing and eager to explain their techniques and objectives. The following are types of questions to ask during the interview:

• What is your professional and educational experience in music?

• What is your teaching experience? What age groups do you teach?

• How do you participate in ongoing professional development?

• Do you have a written studio policy? Will you review it with me?

• Do you regularly evaluate student progress?

• What instructional materials do you use?

• What kinds of music do you teach?

• What other elements are part of your teaching curriculum?

• Do you offer group lessons?

• Do you require students to perform in studio recitals during the year?

• Do you offer other performance opportunities for your students, such as festivals and competitions?

• Do you use technology in your studio, such as computers, music instruction software, digital keyboards?

• How much practice time do you require each day?

• What do you expect of your students? Their parents?

Teachers are also eager to get to know you and the potential student! Be prepared to answer the following types of questions:

• What is your family's experience with music?

• Have you had previous music lessons locally?

• Are you currently taking lessons with another teacher?

• What kind of instrument will be provided for the student to practice, and has it, or will it be regularly tuned?

• What are your expectations from a music teacher?

• What are your goals with lessons?

• Do you want to participate in competitions and festivals?

• How much participation in the lessons and at-home practicing will there be?

• What other extracurricular activities does your family participate in?

HOW DO I TRANSITION BETWEEN TEACHERS?

Teachers belonging to MTNA have a commitment to respect the personal integrity, the privacy, and the choices of students and families. The teacher also respects the student's right to try to obtain instruction from the teacher of his/her choice. At TVMTA, we also respect the reputation of colleagues and respect the integrity of other teachers' studios. As much communication as possible between parties may prevent the need to transition to a new teacher, or may help in guiding the family to a situation that better serves their particular needs.

Many festivals and competitions require that the students to have been with the teacher for 6 months before entering or participating in competitions or festivals in order to respect the integrity and contributions of the previous teacher's work. Therefore, the timing of the transition should be a consideration should you child be registered for festivals or competitions in the immediate future, and should you desire to participate in those events. Usually the end of the school year is the most convenient time for a transition.

Even when both teacher and family know that it is time to say goodbye, it can still be a painful process. Both teachers and students can grow to have tender feelings for one another, and many children can suffer from guilt or fear of hurting the teacher. A heartfelt note of gratitude to the teacher from both parents and child with flowers or a gift basket will help in ease this transition for all parties involved.

WHAT IS THE PARENT'S ROLE?

Parental support in the learning process is vital. Whether or not you know anything about music, take time to listen to your child play, provide exclusive practice time on a quality instrument, and celebrate his or her continued accomplishments.

HOW IS MUSIC BENEFICIAL FOR ALL LEARNERS?

Today there are unprecedented reasons for making music a part of everyone's life. Students taking music lessons now will determine the place of music in America and the value society places on music tomorrow. Regardless of what these students ultimately choose as a profession, music making will remain a part of their lives, whether it's listening to music, attending concerts or serving as leaders in arts associations, and community and church music programs.

Benefits of Music Study:

• Hearing music stimulates the mind.

• Music instruction enhances abstract reasoning skills.

• Grade school students who took music lessons generally scored higher on cognitive development tests.

• In older people, music helps lower depression and decreases loneliness.

• Playing an instrument strengthens eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills.

• Music lessons teach discipline, dedication and enable students to achieve goals.