Find A Teacher
Find a teacher through the MTNA Online Teacher Directory
Finding the right teacher for you or your child is one of the most important factors in insuring a positive experience. It is wise to interview more than one teacher to assess their teaching philosophies, expectations and experience. Matching your personality with that of your teacher is a key ingredient for a successful music experience.
How Do I Find the Right Teacher?
- Consult with parents who you know who have their children in piano lessons.
- Visit websites for local music teacher associations. Qualified teachers tend to be active members of music associations and have opportunities to enter their students in festivals, competitions and recitals.
- Ask for recommendations from music stores, schools or churches.
- Arrange to interview prospective teachers in person before making a commitment.
- Ask permission to attend a recital of the prospective teacher’s students.
How Do I Interview Prospective Teachers?
Teachers are willing and eager to explain their techniques and objectives. Here are some sample questions you may wish to ask during an interview:
- What is your professional and educational experience in music?
- What is your teaching experience? What age groups do you teach?
- How do you participate in ongoing professional development?
- Are you nationally certified by MTNA?
- Do you have a written studio policy? Will you review it with me?
- Do you regularly evaluate student progress?
- What instructional materials do you use?
- What kinds of music do you teach?
- What other elements are part of your teaching curriculum?
- Do you offer group lessons?
- Do you require students to perform in studio recitals during the year?
- Do you offer other performance opportunities for your students, such as festivals and competitions?
- Do you use technology in your studio such as computers, music instruction software or digital keyboards?
- How much practice time do you require each day?
- What do you expect of your students? Their parents?
What is the Parent’s Role?
Parental support in the learning process is vital. Whether or not you know anything about music, take time to listen to your child play, provide exclusive practice time on a quality instrument, and celebrate his or her continued accomplishments.
How Important is MTNA Certification?
MTNA’s Professional Certification Program exists to improve the level of professionalism within the field of music teaching and helps the public readily identify competent music teachers in their communities. A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) has demonstrated competence in professional preparation, teaching practices, ethical business management and lifelong learning. An MTNA certified teacher is your best source to facilitate musical learning in an environment that encourages student confidence, independence, teamwork and high achievement. To date, more than 3,500 teachers across the United States have earned the NCTM designation.
(Source: MTNA tips on finding a teacher)
MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) is an excellent resource for finding a teacher.