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It’s a strange contradiction.  I am sure you have heard about the studies that prove that exposing a child to music early on (preschool age) improves math, science and spatial skills up to 34 percent  (See American Music Conference’s website www.amc-music.org for more info).   However, due to budget cuts, schools around the country are cutting out music programs.  Besides not teaching are children arts and creativity, we are limiting their capacities to learn.  Parents are now required to take more responsibility in providing their children with a musical education.

Ultimately, you are spending your hard-earned money for lessons, and you want to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.  No matter what the age of your child, he can reap the benefits of learning music.   And, whatever the instrument your child will be playing, you play a big part in creating a successful, enriching and enjoyable experience for him or her.  It can be a daunting task finding a teacher that everybody is happy with, so how do you begin the search?

1.) The best place to start is with you.  What are your expectations?  What are you experiences with music?  What are your philosophies regarding music education?  What kind of a teacher are you looking for?  Do you want your child to play Carnegie Hall or just enjoy playing as a hobby?

Lessons can be at a store, a studio, the teacher’s home and of course, your home.  There are group lessons as well as individual ones.  There is no right or wrong here, it’s what you prefer.  Each has its benefits and drawbacks. 

2.) Once you have decided the “where,” it’s timed to find the “who.” Traditional teachers are those who use traditional methods -- books, scales and exercises.  These methods have worked for generations; however, many of today’s students have different expectations.  There are many more musical choices than there were years ago.  There is classical, pop, rock, jazz, R&B, improvisation, Latin... the list goes on.  Are you looking for a teacher with a more traditional approach, or someone who thinks outside the box?  I always say, “All things being equal, Beethoven and Billy Joel both had very successful careers.”

The best way to find a teacher is to ask around.  Ask your friends, your child’s friends and parents who they use.  Nine times out of 10, you will find someone you will be happy with this way.  If this doesn’t work, go to a local music store and talk to the sales people.  If they have in store lessons, you can find out right there.  If you are looking for lessons in your home or a teacher’s home, very often a store has a list of people they will recommend to you.  You can also always check the yellow pages.