 |
How to Choose a Music Teacher for Your Child
 By Deborah Molodofsky Education and Performance Resume First, look at the teacherís educational and performance resume. It is very important to know where the teacher studied music, what his or her credentials are, and who he or she studied with at the university or conservatory. Your child will be on a path to progress to the technical and musical level of teacher he or she studies with, so it is important to know the teachers of your childís teacher. Major music conservatories include The Juilliard School, Curtis, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, Peabody, Eastman, Oberlin Conservatory, Indiana University, Yale University, University of Michigan School of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory, Moscow Conservatory, Leningrad Conservatory, Paris Conservatory, and the Mozarteum, among others. Teaching Experience Teaching experience counts! Experienced teachers have developed teaching methods over the years that are successful, leading to good results. Make sure your childís teacher has extensive teaching experience with children in the general age range of your child. Personality ñ the Chemistry Factor Chemistry between the teacher and child is key to your childís pleasure and subsequent progress in his or her musical studies. It is often a good idea to have a trial lesson so your child can experience the teacherís personality, style, and teaching method. If your schedule permits, it is often a good idea for you to observe the first lesson so you can get a sense of the interaction between the teacher and your child. If your child is happy, he or she will progress. Age and gender are unimportant; the relationship is what counts. About the Author Deborah Molodofsky is the founder of Amadeus Conservatory of Music and Theater, located at 201 King Street in Chappaqua, Bedford and Rye. A conservatory trained violinist, she founded Amadeus in 1993 to inspire children to love music through the joy of playing, providing the finest teachers from Juillard, Curtis, Yale Manhattan School of Music, and the like. For information call 914-238-0388 or visit www.amadeusconservatory.com. |