Depending on your age and location and of course, your instrument, finding a teacher is a bit of a lottery. It is a similar process to finding someone to teaching you driving.
Always my first advice is to go by recommendation. If someone can suggest a teacher to you, there is every possibility that you will find someone appropriate. Failing that, a search of local music shops, post office small ads, rehearsal rooms etc. may yield something.
Online resources for finding teachers exist and can vary in quality. A google search for ‘find a music teacher’ gives several results, none of which I am prepared to endorse or mention.
Once you have found a teacher, whether it is someone you know or a complete stranger, here are some suggested questions:
- How much do you charge? (The Musicians’ Union standard rate from September 2009 is £27 per hour, £13.50 per half hour and £9 for 20 minutes). You will find cheaper and more expensive – you can be the best judge and if not sure, check with a friend.
- What frequency/length of lessons do you recommend?
- Do you use contracts (Recommended, contracts protect both you and the teacher).
- Do you have Public Liability Insurance? (In case of accidents, MU and ISM members have PLI cover).
- Do you teach at your house, my house or somewhere else?
- I am particularly interested in jazz improvising, double hand tapping, world music etc. Can you teach me that?
- Do you recommend I take exams?
- Do you have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau check)? Appropriate for children and vulnerable adults.
It may seem overkill to wade in at the start with heavy questions like this, however it preserves that teacher/pupil relationship version of professional detachment which in my experience is good to have.
I would suggest, even if the teacher doesn’t, a trial lesson where you can meet, talk about plans and aspirations and deal with any other issues that may arise. From there, you can either agree to continue or not as appropriate.
Insist on using a practice diary if not provided as it is an ideal way to note targets to meet on a lesson by lesson basis and to agree dates of next lessons etc.
Review from time to time the targets you are working to. This is easier if working to exams, but ensuring that you are progressing as you should and that the teacher is doing their best to fulfill their role is a good habit to get into.