Having the right music teacher can make all the difference if you’re learning how to play. Your teacher can have a massive impact on how much you enjoy music going forward, as well as play a huge role in your success as a musician.
Here are several key characteristics - aside from having the necessary expertise and knowledge - that the best music teachers in Auckland tend to possess so that you can better spot them.
They Truly Love Music
The best music teachers are not just passionate about their specific genre or instrument, but they have a deep love and appreciation for the art form of music as a whole.
This passion and enthusiasm for the magic that is music as an art form is contagious. Students tend to respond well to teachers who genuinely love what they teach.
They Make Lessons Fun
Music lessons should be fun and enjoyable. A good music teacher knows how to make their lessons as fun as possible, whether it be through their personality, their enthusiasm or by incorporating the student's favourite pieces of music into the lessons.
Whatever the case, if your teacher makes you dread lessons, then perhaps they need to revise their approach to teaching or you should find a different teacher.
They Value The Fundamentals
Any good teacher places great value in the fundamentals of their subject. When it comes to music teachers, this applies to both technique and theory.
Good music teachers understand that the training and reinforcement of core elements - such as breathing, hand positions and proper posture, for example - are essential for a student to progress and gain mastery over their instrument.
Also, good teachers know that a solid understanding of music theory helps students personalise and understand the music they are learning.
They Have A Positive Attitude
Your teacher's attitude has a massive impact on how you experience and learn music. You should look for a teacher with a positive outlook who can help you overcome your inevitable moments of frustration and doubt.
A good teacher is encouraging and will offer constructive criticism that focuses on what you're doing well. This will keep you motivated and feeling good about your development as a musician.
They Have Patience
Being an effective music teacher requires emotional intelligence, people skills and a lot of patience. Not all students develop at the same pace, so it’s necessary to have a teacher who can listen to you play, identify what’s holding you back and provide constructive critiques to help you improve.
The best music teachers know that musical mastery requires repetition, patience and a lot of support.
Here at the Music Education Centre, we have some of the best music teachers in Auckland. Contact us today to arrange for lessons and change your life!