If you are taking private music lessons, you want to get the most out of your investment of money, time, and effort. So it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of your teacher. Here is a point system totaling 100 points that you can use to "grade" your teacher.

• Does he/she truly play or perform on the instrument he teaches? Can he demonstrate? For example, if you are studying piano, make sure that piano is his main instrument. (This item is worth 10 points).
• As a beginner, did you learn to read fluently within 3 to 4 months? Did you learn all the note names and time values? (10 points)
• Has she taught you how to count correctly as you play, and does she make sure that you do it consistently? (10 points)
• Does he emphasize proper hand position and posture and give exercises to develop it? (10 points)
• Can he explain the logic behind all his methods and concepts until they make sense to you? (5 points)
• Has she given you training and exercises in music theory to help you understand the structure of the music you are playing? Do you understand key signatures, chords and scales? Can you play them using correct fingerings? (10 points)
• Does he help you isolate difficult passages, dissect them, and learn them bit by bit until they are no longer problematic? Does he give you short cuts to learning? (15 points)
• Does she show you how to play with feeling and dynamics, and how to communicate the meaning of the music, even in simple pieces? (15 points)
• Do you feel fully prepared for a performance well in advance? (15 points)
  

If you feel your teacher or your education is lacking in any of these areas, first talk to your teacher. Second, if necessary, you may want to look for a new teacher. If you have any questions, we would be happy to assist you.

THE TINTURIN MUSIC STUDIO
(909) 337-3811