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 bepaired with an instructor that understands where youcurrently are and can relate to where you want to go.When you begin, you may not even know where you wantto go – and that's ok. Your instructor should be able tohelp you take small steps that help guide you and helpyou see the picture of what you want to accomplish.The chemistry between the student and the instructor isreally important. There should be a natural respect andfriendliness between the two. There are many styles of instruction, so find someone that fits your personal style.Some people learn better with a more disciplinedinstructor that pushes them. Others learn better with amore laid-back, assertive style. Be honest with whatworks for you. When speaking to your lessons company,express the style of instructor that you think will workbetter for you.Chris Waldron, Director of Recruiting for TakeLessonsLearning Centers, has hired thousands of instructors andsays a key to good instructors is not only their musicalaptitude, but their attitude as well. "A good instructor willshare in your success and help you through the roughpatches. He or she will challenge you to get better whilegiving you insight, tools, and training on the best way toimprove. They are there to help you achieve higher skilllevels and maximize your potential while providingconstructive feedback that leads to continuousimprovement.", Waldron says.Remember, however, that private lessons are a two-waystreet and the relationship should be mutually beneficial.Instructors are not baby-sitters or therapists and they willexpect you to uphold your end of the bargain bypracticing, trying hard, coming to the lessons prepared.They cannot make you great. YOU make yourself great.They are there to encourage and challenge you, butultimately, your success is going to depend on your ownmotivation levels and how much you decide to applyyourself.
Here's a checklist of what to look for in aninstructor. Your instructor should:
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Have passed a criminal background check
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Have positive feedback from other students
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Have a degree in music, working on a degree, or several years of experience
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Enjoy the style and genre of music you wish to learn
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Be a good listener
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Focus more on you, and less about themselves
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Helps you discover your strengths
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Help you set high, yet attainable milestones
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Be clear on what is expected of you each week
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Hold you accountable for practicing and continuedgrowth
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Provide you with timely and specific feedback
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Use technology to help keep track of lessons andmonitor your growth
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Offer the option for you to perform at a local concert or recital
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Help you get excited about learning and stayinginvolved with lessons
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Be constantly growing themselves—musically and as ateacher
Finding the rightinstructor
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