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Here is some extremely helpful information from the National Music Teachers Association regarding how to find the teacher that is right for you.

Music teachers are unique individuals. Just as all dentists, doctors and other professionals are not the same, each music teacher offers a special professional perspective. The teacher closest to where you live, or the one who charges the least, is not necessarily the best choice. You want a teacher who will inspire you or your child and nurture you as you grow musically - someone whose techniques are appropriate for your personality and learning style.

Ask for teacher recommendations from friends, family, music stores, churches, schools and local music teacher organizations. Arrange to interview prospective teachers prior to making a commitment. Ask if the teacher's students will be presenting a recital, and attend it.

If your child is the one interested in music, it is especially important to find a good teacher. Your child will develop a special one-on-one relationship with their music teacher, who will help instill a lifelong love of music in your child. Another key factor in making music lessons successful is your involvement. Parental support in the learning process is vital. Whether or not you know anything about music, make time to listen to your child play, provide a quality instrument and practice space, encourage them to practice, and celebrate their continued accomplishments.

Teachers should have definite objectives and teaching techniques, and should be able and willing to explain them to you. Here are some questions to ask during the interview:

1. What level do you teach? (young, old, beginners, advanced and so forth.)

2. What is your professional and educational experience in music? (Educational background in music will vary.)

3. What do you do in the way of ongoing professional development? (Such as subscribing to music education magazines, belong to professional associations, attend workshops.)

4. What are your studio policies regarding fees, cancellations and make-up lessons, for example? (Ask to see a copy.)

5. Do you periodically conduct parent conferences to evaluate student progress?

6. What instructional materials and methods do you use? Do you tailor material to students' particular needs?

7. Do you teach any music other than classical music? What if my child wants to play pop, or I'm interested in learning to play jazz?

8. Do you teach students how to improvise? Memorize? Play by ear? Compose? Do you work on sight reading in the lesson?

9. Do you teach music theory? Music history? Technique? How?

10. How much practice time do you require each day? Do you spend time during the lesson helping students learn good practice habits?

11. Do you provide a venue for students to perform together?

12. Do you provide performance opportunities for your students, such as festivals, competitions, play-a-thons and so forth? Do you require students, to perform a certain number of times per year?

Ask prospective teachers for references, and evaluate each teacher's credentials. If a teacher has met the certification requirements for Music Teacher's National Association (for example) you can be assured that they are an educated, accomplished and dedicated professional.

Find out about the teaching philosophy that guides everything that goes on at Kato Music Studio.

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