How to Choose the Best Music Teacher (and Help Your Child Succeed in Lessons)

If you’re like most, you can look back and pinpoint a teacher who made an impact on your life. Likewise, choosing the right teacher for your child’s music lessons will make a huge difference in musical success. A great teacher can inspire a lifelong love of music, while the wrong fit may lead to frustration or discouragement.

Whether your child is just beginning or older and already active in the school band or orchestra program, the combination of finding the best music teacher for private lessons, classroom instruction and your encouragement at home can make all the difference in your child’s music experience, now and well into adulthood.

What Makes a Great Music Teacher?

It takes more than teaching notes and scales to be a great music teacher. The best private music instructors inspire creativity, nurture curiosity and adapt their teaching methods to meet each student’s unique learning style. Here are some qualities to look for in a great music teacher:

• Experience and Qualifications: Look for a music lesson instructor with a strong educational background in music, whether through formal degrees or extensive teaching experience. Ask about their familiarity with children at your child’s age or skill level, ensuring they can provide appropriate guidance. A Meyer family member at each of our three locations can help you match a qualified instructor to your child’s age and instrument.
• Patience and Enthusiasm: Learning music takes time, and your child needs a teacher who is patient and enthusiastic. A passionate teacher will keep lessons exciting and maintain your child’s motivation.
• Adaptability: Every child learns differently. Effective music lesson instructors tailor their approach to match the student’s learning style, using creative techniques and constructive feedback to help overcome challenges.
• Communication Skills: Clear and helpful communication with both students and parents is vital. Music lesson instructors should set realistic goals, provide regular updates and offer guidance to help you reinforce lessons at home.

At Meyer Music, our private music instructors combine expertise with a student-centered approach. They strive to create a positive learning environment that fosters both skill development and a lifelong love of music.

How Music Lessons Supplement School Band or Orchestra

Private music lessons can significantly enhance your child’s progression in school band or orchestra programs. Here’s how:

• Individual Attention: School band and orchestra directors often teach large classes, limiting the time they can dedicate to each student. Private music lessons provide one-on-one instruction, addressing specific challenges like tricky fingerings or refining tone quality.
• Technique Development: Issues with posture, embouchure or bowing can go unnoticed in a group setting. However, private instructors focus on building strong foundational techniques, preventing bad habits that are hard to break.
• Repertoire Expansion: While school programs emphasize ensemble pieces, private lessons introduce solo repertoire. This broadens your child’s musical exposure and helps them develop as a more versatile musician.
• Audition Preparation: From school band placements to honors ensembles, private lessons equip students with the confidence and skills needed to excel in auditions. Tailored guidance ensures they are fully prepared.

Meyer Music instructors work closely with students to supplement their school-based learning, ensuring they excel to the best of their abilities in both group and individual settings.

How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Music Lessons

Your role as a parent or guardian is important to your child’s success in music. Here are some ways you can provide support:

• Create a Practice-Friendly Environment: Set up a quiet, distraction-free space for practice. The area should be well-lit, and the instrument easily accessible and in good condition. A comfortable “setting of their own” can make practice sessions feel special and productive.
• Establish a Routine: As with most things, the more you do something, the better you become at it, so consistency is key. Help your child create a regular practice schedule, even if it’s just 15-20 minutes daily. Use a practice journal to track their progress and celebrate milestones along the way.
• Encourage Without Pressure: Focus on effort rather than perfection. Celebrate small achievements and avoid comparisons with other students. A positive attitude fosters enthusiasm and confidence.
• Stay Involved: Communicate with your child’s teacher to stay informed about their progress. Your involvement shows your child that you value music education.
• Expose Your Child to Music: Broaden their musical horizons by attending concerts, listening to different genres and encouraging creative expression. Attending live performances can be particularly inspiring and eye opening.

Signs You’ve Found the Right Teacher

The Meyer Music family only hires qualified teachers who hold music degrees or are currently working toward their degree and have teaching experience. We extensively interview the teachers and conduct careful screenings before they join our team. Some private music teachers specialize in a specific age group. If you have a special request or questions, simply contact any one of our three convenient locations in the Kansas City area.

When you’ve found the right private music instructor, you’ll see positive changes in your child:

• Excitement for Lessons: They look forward to lessons and enjoy sharing with you what they’ve learned, as well as when they feel they’ve mastered something.
• Steady Progress: Whether nailing a simple melody or tackling advanced techniques, their growth will be evident.
• Increased Confidence: Success in lessons boosts self-esteem, often positively impacting other areas of life, such as social and academics.
• Improved Focus: Their ability to concentrate during lessons and practice will improve over time and often spills over to other types of tasks.

If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to discuss your child’s experience with the private music teacher.

Why Meyer Music Stands Out in Kansas City for Music Lessons

At Meyer Music, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional music education tailored to every student. Here’s what makes us unique:

• Expert Instructors: Our teachers are skilled, compassionate and dedicated to nurturing each student’s potential.
• Flexible Programs: We offer lessons for a variety of instruments and skill levels, accommodating even the busiest schedules.
• Instrument Rentals: Our Rent-to-Own program ensures access to quality instruments at an affordable cost. As a child progresses and needs a higher quality instrument, our Soloist Program makes it easy to upgrade any time.
• Community Commitment: As a family-owned business, we are deeply connected to the Kansas City community and staunch supporters of area school districts and their music and competition events.

Need Help? Ready to Get Started?

Our helpful staff can assist you with choosing a private music teacher who is compatible with your child’s personality and skill level. Contact us to learn more about enrolling in music lessons.