Suggestions for Finding a Private Music Teacher

It is important that you choose the best possible teacher for your child. Convenience and cost should not be the sole deciding factors. Listed below are guidelines for interviewing a teacher.

What does their program include?

Auditions/ performance opportunities and tips/ partial choice in music/ balanced literature from all periods/ technique/ theory/ sight reading/ memory work/ perfecting skills/ class lessons/ community involvement/ computer enrichment/ composition/ improvisation/ jazz/ electric keyboards/ holiday music.

Do they belong to and participate in the local, state, and national associations of professional music teachers?

Does the teacher hold certification through a professional organization such as MTNA/IMTA? Look for the NCTM (National Certified Teacher of Music) accreditation or visit www.mtna.org and “find a teacher”.

Does he or she engage in continuing education programs such as seminars and workshops on piano teaching and materials?

What musical activities to they encourage students to participate in?

Do they participate in IMTA Festival? IMTA auditions? Guild? Federation Festivals? RCM Exams?

If the student has an opportunity to participate at school, etc., is there help offered at the private lessons?

How responsive if this person to your potential student?

Does the teacher convey enthusiasm and a love for music?

Is there private and/or group lessons offered?

Does he or she make lessons interesting?

How does your student react to this person?

Sit in on a lesson or attend a studio recital or public performance.

The most important element to find is someone that your student feels comfortable working with.

Suggestions for Finding a Private Music Teacher

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For more information on membership or for a list of names of teachers in your community please call Barbara Williams (319) 226-5317 or

Pat Reuter Riddle (319) 236-1273