How Do I Find a Private Lessons Instructor?

How Do I Find a Private Lessons Instructor?

Are you interested in learning to play a stringed instrument or already playing an instrument at school and wanting to take your musical knowledge to the next level? Private lessons are one of the best, and fastest ways to learn. One-on-one instruction enables you to be taught in a way that best suits your learning style, allows you to work at the pace you’re currently capable of, gives you the opportunity to ask applicable questions, allows you to give extra attention to weak areas, and often results in fast progress in learning and achieving your goals.

Finding an instructor for the first time can be overwhelming, but knowing your resources will help the process.

There are many simple routes and options that you can take in finding a teacher. Here are some that we recommend:

1. Check with a local music/orchestra teacher at one of your local schools. Ask if they offer private lessons, or if they have a list of recommendations of private teachers in the area.

2. Do a quick internet search for local arts conservatories, or community music groups in your area. If any are found, look for their contact information and ask if they offer private music lessons for the instrument you desire.

3. Contact your local University’s music department and ask for a private teacher referral. The faculty may or may not offer private lessons themselves, but could easily offer recommendations of grad students who offer lessons.

4. Contact a local Violin Shop. If they don't already have teachers that teach out of the shop, they usually have lists of recommended teachers.

5. Use a music lessons networking site. There are multiple websites and organizations online that are dedicated to matching students with teachers. These websites feature hundreds of music teachers as well as offer information about them. All that you have to do is type in your region and the instrument you wish to learn. A few of these websites include, takelessons.com, privatelessons.com , musicstaff.com , lessons.com , and thumbtack.com.

6. Ask a friend. If you’ve known anyone who has taken lessons or who has had a child that is taking lessons, reach out and ask them about their teacher!

When a potential teacher is found, the next step is to figure out if they are a good fit for your particular needs and preferences.

Here are some general rules of thumb:

1. Check with them about their availability and where the lessons would take place.

2. Find out how much they charge per lesson, how long the lessons are, and their particular payment and cancellation policies.

3. Ask about their teaching method/style.

4. Ask them what age groups that they normally teach.

5. If you schedule a first lesson with them, make sure that you are aware of what items will be needed for it.

It is important that you leave your lessons feeling encouraged and excited, yet challenged. Learning an instrument should be a positive experience. A good teacher will work to build you up, help you work through challenges and weaknesses through constructive criticism, be able to adapt to the way you learn best, and give you an uplifting and beneficial music education.