Finding a music teacher is the best way to learn a musical instrument. Finding a tutor in your chosen field is the best way to learn any subject.
You learn from your mistakes, which is partly true because you will end up learning what NOT to do. However, I think there is an important point that was missed: at least you are doing something Piano Lessons.
A teacher is someone who will show you the way, the "light at the end" of the tunnel. They know what they're talking about at the end of the day - which is probably not the case for you - so you need to be careful about choosing the right teacher.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you choose the right teacher.
Advice 1 - Previous Experience
Your teacher should have experience in teaching and performing music. Your music teacher should be a musician. The best example I can offer is this: Instead of learning an instrument, you would like to learn how to dive. Do you want to be taught by someone who is a novice diver but has never been in the water?
Your teacher's ability to perform music gives you some assurance that they are musically competent. If they can't play an instrument, they won't be hired.
Second, teaching experience. It is crucial that your teacher has experience teaching music after discussing the importance of music involvement. Teaching music is an entirely different art than performing. Teaching is a completely different art than performing. Most musicians say they learn more from teaching than any other source.
This is also true. How many times have we heard people who just passed their driving test tell us that you don't learn to drive until you are out on the roads on your own. (This is a carry-over from a future article: Why performing is crucial to your musical progress.
Make sure that your teacher is both a musician AND a teacher.
Advice 2 - Attitudes and Personality
People ask for character references quite often - employers, estate agents - when hiring someone. This is true even if you're looking for a music teacher.
It is easier to learn in a relaxed environment. Did you know that teachers who are funny and fun can often teach you the most? It is normal for humans to be stubborn and resilient. Teachers' personalities and characters can help you connect with others, making it more enjoyable and increasing your productivity.
Although it is unlikely that a teacher will give you a character reference, you can still use the first lesson to get to know them and get to know their teaching style. If you are having fun and enjoying every minute of the lesson then you've likely found a teacher who has a positive attitude and a great teaching approach.
Talk to your potential teachers' regular students if you are able. Ask them if they enjoy the lessons and what their overall impressions are of the teacher's quality and attitude.
Advice 3 - Teacher Flexibility
This covers both flexibility as a musician and teacher.
You will eventually expand your musicality over the long-term. Woodwind players usually start with one instrument, such as clarinet or the saxophone. If they are interested in music, they will eventually learn other woodwind instruments. For example, a clarinet player might start learning flute, clarinet and even the oboe.
This is why you need a teacher who can keep you on track over the long-term. You won't be able to continue learning with your current teacher after years and months of lessons.
These are some positive things to keep an eye out for:
o If your teacher has still had lessons and practices (even professional musicians still have lessons) - please see my article - Practice music - what you can do outside of your private lessons to understand how difficult it is to master all aspects of music.
o Your teacher may teach more than one instrument. However, be aware of teachers who are fluent in trumpet or flute. While musicians may end up playing instruments that are not their main instrument, they will usually teach it.
o Your teacher may still be an active musician. This is a grey area. It is possible for your teacher to prefer teaching to performing, and it is possible to assume your teacher is not an active musician. If they are still active musicians, the benefit is that they will continue to learn and will also be active teachers.
Another thing to be aware of is how they organize lessons. Regular lessons, or any kind of lesson, is a good idea. Regular exercise is good for your health, regular sleep is good for you, and lessons can help you improve your musical playing.
It will be a problem if your teacher calls you constantly to re-arrange lessons, misses lessons often, or is late for lessons. The fact that your lessons are not routine and that you feel let down can make you less excited about your music lessons.
Find a teacher who offers years of tuition, not just a few months. Also, someone who keeps regular dates and holds true to his promises.
Conclusion
This article should give you some ideas if you're looking for a teacher in music. But remember, if you don't enjoy learning your instrument and are having fun with it, you might need to look elsewhere.