Might sound like an odd subject for a music teacher to choose to write about. But hear me out on this. I have had to do this very thing several times as a studio owner when I need to extend our sub contractor reach. I can only teach so many hours in the day. I love what I do, I feel I am good at what I do (and my retention rate and students who go on to higher education also backs up that statement) but I still have room to learn and grow.
I feel that a GREAT private music teacher is one who doesn't treat their teaching schedule as a job. A person who truly loves sharing their knowledge, goes the extra step (few minutes or mile) to not just stop the learning because the clock says TIMES UP! A person who doesn't put a dollar amount on every minute.
Now do not get me wrong, I make a living at being a private music teacher. I also work a lot more than the average american work week because I give a lot of lessons away too. I also own the studio, so other things are my responsibility on top of my teaching schedule.
So, some key questions to ask your potential educator. Is education your primary goal? If they are actively teaching, are a member of teaching organizations, have written teaching programs, these are all great signs of an educator.
Do you actively perform? Will that performance schedule interfere with your teaching schedule? If the answer is yes to both of these questions, ask yourself if your schedule is flexible enough to handle repeated changes. I myself do still perform, but if it is going to interfere with my students lesson time, I don't take the assignment. I have canceled Saturday lessons just twice to perform in weddings, and both of those were a former student and a family members ceremony. If I must miss a lesson I do my best to have a qualified teacher cover for me (shout out to Ms. Karla and Ms. Doreen!) I value your families time and schedule.
Once lessons have started, is your educator available to answer questions? Most questions should be asked during the actual lesson time, so that your educator might demonstrate or explain by example. But questions do come up outside of lesson time. Is your teacher available to return phone calls, emails? Do you feel rushed, or told we will discuss that at next week's lesson repeatedly?
Is your educator respectful of your time? Is he/she close to schedule? Waiting for your musician with a smile? Prepared to start?
Are you offered outside events? Performances or Recitals? Is your teacher in attendance? Do you feel that your teacher is supportive of your musicians accomplishments? Does your teacher show interest in your musicians other interests?
I feel being an educator is not just about teaching music. It's about nurturing the whole student.
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