What are your goals?

Do you want to grace the stage at Carnegie Hall someday, or are you just taking music lessons to have fun and learn something new? Whatever your goals may be, recognizing them is the first step to success. The more specific you can get with your instructor, the better equipped he or she will be to help you stay on track and reach those goals.

What is your schedule like?

Learning a new skill takes time. Take an honest look at your schedule and make sure you can set aside time for both consistent lessons and practicing on your own. This also includes the time of day that you select for your lessons.

What is your learning style?

Selecting a teacher who understands your learning style is important, so take some time to think about how you work best. Do you or does your child need an instructor who will provide critical feedback and be a bit strict? Do you learn best after you've reviewed the theory behind a concept? Are you hoping to learn a specific technique or genre? These are all good things to think about.

What lesson length should I choose?

There are a few things to consider when choosing between 30-, 45- or 60-minute lessons. First and foremost, take your age and experience level into consideration. You'll also want to think about your long- and short-term goals, and the time you'll need to reach them. Most importantly, consider how long you or your child is able to stay focused.