Just recently, after moving countries, I've been struggling to find another teacher for my son. I think I've found the ideal person now and I thought I'd share with you some factors that I've taken into consideration as we've gone through this process, based both on my own feelings and advice from my son's former teacher.
Choosing the right teacher for your child can be the single most important factor that determines their success in achieving mastery of their instrument. A good teacher can be the making of your child's musical education, while a poor teacher can dampen the most enthusiastic child's spirit and actively hamper the growth of their talent, yet parents are often unclear on exactly what makes a good teacher.
Quite often they will sign their child up for lessons with a teacher recommended to them by a friend or acquaintance, or they may enrol their child in lessons offered through the school, or even simply pick a name off the internet. These may all be good places to start, but it would be foolish to believe that the search should stop there, or that all teachers are basically the same.
The first thing to bear in mind is that it is important not to sign your child up to a large programme of lessons at the first meeting. In fact, a good teacher would never do this. If you're pressured to sign up straightaway, it may indicate that they're more interested in your money than your child. A good teacher will want to talk to your child, find out about them as a person, and see what she or he is able to do for them before deciding to take them on. A teacher who thinks that all children are the same and they can all be taught in the same way is not a good teacher. Each child is an individual, and good teacher will need to assess whether they will be able to teach your child well.
What should a parent look for at the first meeting?
Some points to consider:
Does the teacher ask to hear your child play? Even if your child is a complete beginner, it can be useful to see how she or he approaches the instrument, and if the teacher isn't interested in hearing your child play at the first meeting, they're unlikely to develop an interest as time goes on.
Does the teacher watch your child's entire body, not just their hands? Correct posture has a large influence on the sound a musician makes.
Is the teaching room quiet, well-lit, warm and comfortable? Children can easily lose concentration if they're cold or distracted by noise.
Does the teacher listen and watch carefully, perhaps making notes?
Does the teacher give feedback and is it positive? Most children are extremely sensitive to criticism, and the smallest ill-considered comment can have a far-reaching impact. A good teacher will be able to find something positive to say about a child's playing, no matter how much it hurts the ears!
Finally, is he or she able to offer concrete advice on playing - practice points, ideas for listening etc.?
I would say that if you're unable to answer 'yes' to all of these questions, you may need to seriously consider looking for another teacher.
Some other points to consider:
Compatible personalities
Most piano teaching is done on a one-to-one basis, and for this reason it's important that teacher and child get along well with each other, so you need to consider what the teacher's manner is like, and whether this suits your child's personality. Some children feel intimidated by a serious teacher, while others respond well. Some children need a teacher who is kind and gentle, or playful and funny.
A learning community
Introducing your child to a community of children learning the same instrument can do a lot to help their motivation. Ask the teacher if she or he offers the opportunity for the children to sit in on each other's lessons, or perform together. Perhaps the teacher introduces the parents to one another so that the children can meet up outside lessons or go to concerts together. This would be a sign of someone committed to supporting your child's interest and ability. (As a parent you may be able to organise some of this yourself.)
Qualifications
Qualifications give a good indication of a teacher's commitment to their profession and tell you something about what other professionals think of their ability, either as a musician or a teacher, or both.
Conversation versus learning
Some teachers love to talk! Either to you, or your child, or anyone else present. Of course, some communication is necessary but this can be done to excess by verbose individuals. Such a teacher is probably not ideal. Your child will learn best by listening to music, not words, and by playing rather than talking.
Experience
Long experience may be an indication of quality in teaching, but it also may not. Most helpful to you will be the current and former pupils and parents that your prospective teacher will hopefully be able to refer you to.
Finding a good teacher for your child can be a time-consuming process, as it has been for us, but in the end seeing your child take pleasure in their lessons, make good progress and produce beautiful music, makes the effort worth it. I hope these these ideas have been useful to you.
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