Picking the right music school and teacher

Hints to help you find a reputable music lessons company

When moving forward with lessons, it's best to work with an established music learning company with private music school teachers. When you call and speak with them, they should be friendly, excited to help you, and focused on what YOU want to learn instead of what they want to teach. Beware of instructors or programs that have an air of arrogance about them. Normally, these instructors are focused more on what you can do for them instead of what they can do for you. Also, beware of programs that are so strict that the lessons no longer are fun.

Your lessons company should also have a documented, thorough application procedure for their instructors. This includes interviews, reference checks, background checks and ongoing quality certifications. They should also require liability insurance for their instructors. Feel free to ask them to see their liability insurance paperwork. If they cannot provide documentation, you are risking a higher liability with the instructor.

Finally, working with a lessons company helps ensure your money is safe. There have been many stories from unsuspecting students who write a check or pay cash to an instructor they found online or in a classifieds ad, and that instructor never showing up after the first lesson. Others have paid for a semester or year's worth of lessons, only to find their instructor has left town or shut down their studio.

Here's a checklist of what to look for:

• The company should offer several instructors in your area. This way, if the first one doesn't fit your style, you can find the right music school instructor at no cost to you.
• The lessons programs should be focused and tailored around what you want to learn, and the company should provide an instructor that is suited for your style of music and your skill level.
• Look for a company that has instructor certification processes which includes criminal background checks and ongoing quality ratings. Ask the percentage of instructor applicants that get hired. If it's more than 40%, the company may be accepting anyone who applies and may have a quality problem.
• The pricing should reflect your skill level. If you are a beginner, chances are you don't need the instructor with a PhD and 30 years of experience. You'll overpay. Find a company that has a selection of instructors with differing levels of experience and reasonable rates.
• Make sure the company has an established online lessons tracking system. This allows you to access your lesson notes from anywhere on the web and creates accountability between you and the instructor. If you are a parent, this allows you to see what your children are working on during the lessons, thus ensuring you are getting your money's worth.
• The company should always protect your money. If their instructor does not show up, their policy should be to issue you a quick and full refund.
• The company should allow you to obtain a refund if, after your first lesson, you do not wish to continue.
• Never pay for more than a quarter's worth of lessons upfront (three months).
• Always pay by credit card or debit card. This way, if there are billing issues, you have recourse through your bank or card company.
• Check the Better Business Bureau to ensure the company treats its customers well.
• Check the company's web site for the owners and employees. They should be transparent about who runs the company. Also check for press releases, financial backing, advisory boards, and partners. All of these items help you see if they are an established, reputable company.
• Look to see if they have partnered with community organizations such as the YMCA or PTA and if they run programs for private schools after-school programs, or corporate wellness. If they have proven themselves by working with these partners, there is a good probability they are reputable.



The Instructor — It's about chemistry

For most students, music is about having fun, living your dream, and discovering your music. You'll want to be paired with an instructor that understands where you currently are and can relate to where you want to go. When you begin, you may not even know where you want to go – and that's ok. Your instructor should be able to help you take small steps that help guide you and help you see the picture of what you want to accomplish.

The chemistry between the student and the instructor is really important. There should be a natural respect and friendliness between the two. There are many styles of instruction, so find someone that fits your personal style. Some people learn better with a more disciplined instructor that pushes them. Others learn better with a more laid-back, assertive style. Be honest with what works for you. When speaking to your lessons company, express the style of instructor that you think will work better for you.

Chris Waldron, Director of Recruiting for TakeLessons, has worked with thousands of instructors and says a key to good instructors is not only their musical aptitude, but their attitude as well. "A good instructor will share in your success and help you through the rough patches. He or she will challenge you to get better while giving you insight, tools, and training on the best way to improve. They are there to help you achieve higher skill levels and maximize your potential while providing constructive feedback that leads to continuous improvement.", Waldron says.

Remember, however, that private lessons are a two-way street and the relationship should be mutually beneficial. Instructors are not baby-sitters or therapists and they will expect you to uphold your end of the bargain by practicing, trying hard, coming to the lessons prepared. They cannot make you great. YOU make yourself great. They are there to encourage and challenge you, but ultimately, your success is going to depend on your own motivation levels and how much you decide to apply yourself.

Here's a checklist of what to look for in your search for private music school teachers. Your instructor should:

• Have passed a criminal background check
• Have positive feedback from other students
• Have a degree in music, working on a degree, or several years of experience
• Enjoy the style and genre of music you wish to learn
• Be a good listener
• Focus more on you, and less about themselves
• Helps you discover your strengths
• Help you set high, yet attainable milestones
• Be clear on what is expected of you each week
• Hold you accountable for practicing and continued growth
• Provide you with timely and specific feedback
• Use technology to help keep track of lessons and monitor your growth
• Offer the option for you to perform at a local concert or recital
• Help you get excited about learning and staying involved with lessons
• Be constantly growing themselves—musically and as a teacher