The first step in booking private guitar lessons for your child is to find a great teacher. Some parents make the mistake of looking online or a quick Google search and picking the first name they come across.
Selecting a guitar teacher isn’t quite that simple, though. Here are a few of the most common mistakes that parents make when finding a great guitar teacher for their child.

1. They Don’t Take Learning Styles into Consideration

The relationship between the student and teacher is the greatest factor for your child’s attitude toward lessons. You have to make certain the teacher gets along well with your child and teaches them in a way that is conductive to their learning. Not everyone learns in the same way.
For example, some people learn visually, while others learn with a hands-on approach. If your child’s teacher isn’t able to adapt to their learning style, it can be frustrating for both student and teacher. Your child may become so upset with themselves for not learning, even when it’s not their fault, that they give up guitar completely.

2. Selecting a Teacher Just Because They’re a Great Guitar Player

Just because someone can play guitar doesn’t mean they can teach it. Some of the most amazing guitarists in the world simply cannot communicate how they play or what they do to make their playing so incredible.
On the other hand, there are amazing guitar teachers who have never been on an album or on stage in front of more than a hundred people, but they are able to teach guitar in such a way that their students understand the instrument. Be sure to evaluate a potential teacher’s ability to actually teach and don’t get blinded by their fame.

3. Don’t Simply Rely on Their Degree or Education

Find a teacher who has training in guitar, of course, but don’t necessarily assume that someone who has a master’s or even a Ph.D. in music is going to be an amazing guitar teacher. There are many different college programs that award degrees in guitar, but not all of these programs are equal. Some may provide students with a strong foundation in guitar playing, but others may not.
Also remember that a degree in guitar is not the same as a degree in teaching guitar. These degrees are focused on performing, not teaching. There are specific music education programs that train people to teach guitar and other instruments, though, and those are the degrees you may want to look for on a guitar teacher’s resume.
However, it’s also important to remember that someone who is passionate about guitar and is a great teacher may not have a degree, and that’s perfectly fine.

4. The Teacher Is Nice

Of course, you want your child to learn from someone who is nice. You wouldn’t intentionally hire a rude or mean guitar teacher! But just because someone is nice doesn’t mean they’re a great teacher.
Teachers have to know when to discipline their students and put a little extra pressure on them, even if the student doesn’t like it. If your child is skipping practice or isn’t learning their current music, a nice teacher may not necessarily push them to have better playing habits. That’s detrimental to their learning. You want to find someone who is certainly going to be nice to your child, but will also push them to become a better guitarist.
If you’re looking for a great teacher for your child, we’re here for you. Our teachers come directly to your home, so you don’t have to go anywhere. Being in a familiar environment can help relax your child, helping them focus more on learning. Contact us today to learn more.