Teacher Directory

When you have determined that you would like your child to learn the flute, you will want to find a teacher to work with you and your child. This is an important decision since this relationship can be a long-lasting one with a great impact on your whole family’s musical experience.

Once you have the names of some possible teachers, you can begin to gather the information you need to choose the best teacher for your child. Below are a few guidelines to help in this process.

• Observe several teachers. Some teachers may require prospective parents and children to observe individual and group lessons and other activities before beginning study.

• When you attend the lessons of a prospective teacher, observe the relationships between teacher and child, and teacher and parent. Is the atmosphere pleasant and relaxed? Does the teacher expect and receive respectful attention? Is there a good balance between concentrated work and good humor? Are the teacher’s comments supportive and encouraging even when necessary corrections are made? Does the teacher show a grasp of the basic technical problems and demonstrate how they can be solved? Does the teacher make sure that the goals for home practice are understood?

• Look for loving care of the child coupled with high standards for every level of performance. Each child should be consistently challenged to produce the best of which they are capable.

• Ask teachers about their training and experience. Most teachers are happy to give you this information. Don’t be fooled into believing that “anyone can teach.” It’s fine if one loves children, praises and encourages them, but the teacher must also have knowledge of the technique of the flute and of pedagogy.

• Find out about the teacher’s expectations of their students and let the teacher know about your expectations.

• Talk to parents of other students in the studio or program about their family’s experience.