The genius in teaching music is a very rare thing. So it is a great success to find a brilliant teacher.
An American writer William Arthur Ward said “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Where to find such a person?
Many people choose their music tutor based on price, skill level, or style of music the teacher specializes in. All this is important, but there is another effective approach when choosing a good teacher. Try looking at these pro music tutors from a different angle.
Based on the experience of students who have repeatedly encountered in the past many problems and difficulties in this matter, we offer you a list of the most important things to avoid in your future music tutor.
The teacher does not care about you as a person
Many tutors ask their students about types of music they like, what they can play, what they want to learn. But very few tend to discover something about you. In this case, the whole process is just mechanical studying. Such a teacher will not be able to get the greatest possible results from you. So if you do not feel any personal interaction with your tutor, it is very unlikely you will progress with him.
The teacher is too stressed
If you do not receive enough attention from your music tutor, it is most likely he is overloaded with too many classes. Find out how busy the teacher is during the week, and you will know if he has enough strength to deal with you.
The teacher does not know your goals
You will not be able to play the instrument the way you want it unless your tutor knows your expectations. He can teach you various things, but will they relate to what you want to achieve? The teacher should know your goals and have effective strategies for achieving them. A decent teacher will immediately tell whether he can guide to your aim.
The teacher has no methods to track your success
You will notice some improvement, even if it is not measurable. However, tracking progress in all areas of your playing is important, as you can have more success in one area than in another. Having an effective system for tracking progress will help you find flaws in your performance or weaknesses in teaching methods.
The tutor teaches directly from the book
Books are great, but the only thing they can offer is information. There are no two identical students, therefore, they should not be taught in the same way and in the same order. An individual approach is a must for each student. Consistency plays a big role in achieving your goals with minimal time. So, it’s good when your teacher uses the book, but it should not be just reading books throughout your class.
The teacher constantly teaches you something new
It is a common myth that students need to get new information continuously. This is wrong and can distort the whole learning process. New information feeds our brain with interesting ideas, but it also creates obstacles. A continuous flow of new things distracts you from achieving your goals. Music skills should never be taught in a rush. The tutor should give you enough time to hone your skills in playing, writing songs, and improvisation.
Very cheap classes
It is a sign that a music tutor is not very experienced. Of course, you can say that there are different rates nowadays. However, if the teacher’s lessons are cheap, then, as with fast food, they will lack flavor and nutrients. You can pay less for a lesson, but in the long run, spend more money on learning what another teacher would teach you better and faster.
The music tutor has no reviews from his students
Some teachers simply do not know the value of such feedback. In this case, you can just ask previous or current students if they have a good teacher. The received opinion of other students is very significant. The experience of the others will immediately create an image of your future teacher.
The teacher did not compose any music
Your tutor does not have to be a virtuoso to get good results from you. But he really needs to know how to write music. Undoubtedly, every teacher will be able to give you some tips. Though, if you wish to learn nuances on how to compose your own music, then your tutor should know how to do it.
A self-taught teacher or without a good education
It is not a must for the tutor to have a degree in music. But he is required to have a real, professional education to guide you through the world of music.
There are many approaches to learn music as all people are different. But the main rule when looking for a music tutor is to find a professional that motivates you and encourages you to learn. A good teacher should love music and love teaching. If he likes what he does, then he can share his knowledge with maximum results.
