How to Choose a Teacher

How To Choose a Private Teacher

In the Beginning...

Choosing the right teacher for your child requires thoughtful consideration from parents and may take some time. There are no certification requirements for teachers in order to open up a studio, therefore anyone can teach regardless of his or her qualifications. It is a parent's job to interview potential teachers to find the right fit in terms of the candidate's qualifications, instructional style, personality, and studio practices.

First, it is important to understand that there are two main sources of studios: those which are more commercially based (often linked with music stores, or music schools) and those which are independently owned by the studio teacher. If you are looking for a teacher to come to your home, be advised that you will have the most success in finding someone through more commercial avenues. While there are plenty of exceptions, teachers who travel to individual homes are often less qualified and charge more than their colleagues.

Second, do your research before you begin interviewing teachers. Violin and viola instruction generally falls into one of two main categories: Suzuki based or traditional methods. While traditional methods vary widely from instructor to instructor, information is readily available about the Suzuki Method. (Click here for Suzuki Literature) Once you have a sense of which type of instruction appeals most to you, begin searching for teachers who advertise in that style. (Click here for Instructor Lists) Be prepared for the fact that many teachers in the area maintain full studios, meaning that open slots for new students are a rarity. One the one hand, this can be frustrating for parents with children who are eager to begin their studies, but on the other hand, this can be a sign of a good teacher and may mean the teacher is worth waiting for. Additionally, word of mouth can be a very effective way of finding potential teachers, especially if the same names keep coming up from multiple sources. Again, these studios are likely to be full, but it never hurts to inquire about space.

Making Inquiries

When it comes to making your inquiries, have several questions in mind. Ask the teacher about his or her professional background. While having a degree in music performance or music education is not a must, it is strongly recommended. At the very least, a good teacher will be an expert on his or her instrument. Follow up with further questions: How long has he or she been teaching? How many students are in the studio? In what musical organizations do the students participate? Additionally, it might be useful to inquire about the teacher's performance schedule, if any, and the professional organizations to which he or she may belong. This should help you formulate a more complete understanding of the teacher's professional abilities. It is important to be aware, however, that a fantastic performer may not be a fantastic teacher, just as a fantastic teacher may not be a fantastic perfomer. It is up to each individual family to find what balance is right for their child.

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
- William Arthur Ward

Many parents without a musical background, and even those with some musical history, may not be aware of the large number of motor-skill-specific details required to build a solid foundation on the violin or viola. In fact, it is widely recognized that in the early stages of learning, the stringed family of instruments is the most demanding of all instruments to master. For this reason alone, parents may do an unfortunate and lasting disservice to their children if they do not find a teacher who is qualified to work with beginners. It is far too easy to learn poor habits which will limit a child's longterm potential. A careful teacher will work with parents to help prevent this from happening. As a result, this means that parents (particularly parents of young children) will play a very large role in the early instruction of their child. While the heavy responsibilities placed on parents can come as a surprise, be certain that any teacher who does not require parental participation with their children in the early stages of learning is not likely to be a qualified teacher. It is important to note, however, that this warning is pertinent only if your intention is for your child to acquire the skills necessary to play his or her chosen instrument well. If it is your intent as a parent to simply expose your child to musical ideas within a general framework of learning an instrument, it is less crucial for you to be heavily involved in your child's instruction.

Style of Instruction and the Role of Personality

In addition to studio differences based on the method of instruction, the instructor's personality will heavily influence the mood or "feel" of a studio. This is another extremely important element to explore when interviewing teachers. While a teacher might be the perfect fit for one student, the personalities might clash heavily for another, making it much harder for that student to feel satisfied and successful on his or her instrument.

One of the best ways to judge the fit between your child and any potential instructor is to observe several lessons before making a commitment to that teacher. Most instructors will recommend these observations (free of charge) without being prompted, but do not be afraid to ask for the opportunity if it hasn't been mentioned. It is wise to observe several lessons, instead of just one, to get a more reliable sense of the instructor's style, personality type, and pacing during lessons. Another way to gauge the fit of any potential relationship is to ask the instructor to give you a detailed description of what he or she expects from parents and students. Ask about what is expected of practicing. Ask about what happens if expectations are not met. You will quickly get a sense of the tone of the studio with answers to these questions, but do not forget that high expectations do not necessarily mean the process can't be or isn't fun! While some families may feel like certain studios require too much of them, others may find it just right. The right studio will fit well with your personal circumstances and the needs of your child.

Costs

The cost of violin or viola lessons inside the Beltway ranges from $50 an hour to as much as $75 an hour, with many studios averaging just over $60 an hour. Artist teachers and other pre-conservatory level studios may charge more. Beginning students usually start with half-hour lessons, and fees are adjusted accordingly. Additionally, many studios (particularly those which are Suzuki based) recommend or even require group class participation which is usually charged separately and varies widely from studio to studio. As in many other things, there may be further fees involved for things like accompanists at recitals, space rental, or the purchase of materials. While cost is an important consideration as families seek lessons for their children, it is crucial to remember that finding a skilled teacher is essential for the success of the student. There are always exceptions to the rule, but generally, teachers who charge a much lower fee for lessons than the average rate in the area are likely to be less qualified and looking for an easy way to make money. With careful interviewing, you can avoid this type entirely.

In Conclusion

Finding the right teacher for your child is not a process which should be rushed. This person has the potential to be a significant adult influence in your child's life for years to come. Be extremely selective. Switching teachers is a major upheaval for a child's instruction, and while there can be good reasons for switching, a parent's job in the initial stages is to minimize the likelihood of doing so within the first year, or even two. Through careful interviews, honest evaluation of your child's temperament (and yours!), and an objective look at your family's schedule and priorities, you can be certain of finding the right teacher.

Things to Remember

1.) A qualified and careful teacher is absolutely essential!
2.) Interview and observe multiple teachers before making your selection.
3.) Parental involvement is essential for the success of young children. (Anyone who would convince you otherwise has raised a major red flag!)
4.) This process may take some time. Do not compromise for the sake of convenience or availability.
5.) A good teacher is worth a good fee.