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ADVICE ON SEARCHING FOR A MUSIC TEACHER

ACCREDITATION/QUALIFICATIONS

In searching for a music teacher, Music. Play for Life strongly recommends that you check whether teachers are accredited or otherwise adequately qualified.

There are persons claiming to be music teachers who do not have the necessary skills. There is no legal requirement for a person to be accredited or qualified in order to offer music lessons.

In each of the listings here, Music. Play for Life informs you as to whether information is given about qualifications or accreditation.

Even professional musicians may not know the significance of some qualifications shown in these listings. If you decide to explore taking lessons with a particular teacher, you might then attempt to get further insight into their qualifications and experience. If there are no qualifications, you would be strongly advised to enquire about the teacher’s success or otherwise before making any commitments.

SOME OTHER THINGS TO ASK ABOUT

Accreditation gives confidence that a teacher has received an acceptable level of training but is no guarantee of skill. Here are some other questions that might assist you in reaching a decision.

1. What musical styles do you teach?

2. Can I come and watch a lesson with a student of a similar level?

3. How long have you been teaching?

4. Where or with whom did you study?

5. Do you have relevant formal qualifications? Where and when did you receive them? Do you have accreditation as a teacher of this instrument/voice/subject?

6. What are the levels that you teach? Do you take beginners? advanced students? students who are aiming at a professional career as a musician?

7. How many minutes do you recommend for lessons for this student?

8. How much practice do you recommend for this student?

9. (If you are the parent of the student.) What sort of involvement do you recommend for the parent?

10. (If this is important to you.): Do your prepare students for exams - if so which ones (e.g. AMEB, Trinity College)?

11. What opportunities will there be to play with other students, or to perform for others?

12. Do you teach improvisation?

13. Do you yourself give public performances?

14. How much do your charge for a lesson?

15. Have you made a commitment to a formal ethical code for music teachers?