Music is a very complicated art form for many to learn; you need to select a teacher for your child whom they feel very comfortable working with, and are capable of talking to without feeling bad about themselves.  Some instructors are better at working with children than others.  Your goal is to find a well-trained instructor who is comfortable working with children and has experience with children as well. 

For the best results in learning music, private lessons are the best, however group lessons are considered best for very young children, as well as they are cheaper.  Private lessons allow your child more time to interact with their instructor and truly learn what they are doing, without being distracted by other students.  You must remember when selecting an instructor that they are a very large part of your child’s learning experience, if they dread their lessons it might be a change of instructors necessary to remedy the deteriorating situation.

You should ask around to other parents, music stores, piano tuners, and performers for recommendations of good instructors.  Music departments at local colleges often are able to make recommendations, and some even have professors who offer lessons.  Explore these options fully before you start looking in ads and calling phone numbers, you find on flyers.  You should also make sure the instructor will do an interview before you send your child for any lessons, make sure you talk to them to determine their teaching style before paying for anything.

When you interview the instructor take your child with you, that way you can see how they interact together.  If your child seems highly uncomfortable around the instructor and does not warm up at all, then the instructor may not be right for you.  While they may be talented, if your child is uncomfortable then they are not the instructor for you and your child.  Some instructors do charge you for an interview, however if this is the case you should ensure you are well prepared, and they are an instructor that you are highly interested in working with. 

You should look for an instructor whom is patient, has a positive attitude, a creative approach to teaching, and has experience working with children previously.  You want to ask the instructor if they teach students to memorize, improvise, compose, or sight read.  While none of the answers is, better than the other it is important to know where the instructor stands in terms of instruction.  Does the instructor only allow classical music, or is contemporary music allowed?  You should also ask for clear and specific policies regarding fees, payment schedule, absences, vacations, illness, lateness and telephone or other interruptions. 

You should also find out the best way to communicate with the instructor, whether in person, by phone or even e-mail.  In the process listen to how the instructor talks about other students.  You do not want to hear any negativity in how they speak of other students and teachers.  You should also inquire about how much time the instructor requires from students for lessons as well as practices.  You want a studio that is spacious, warm and inviting so that students feel welcome and comfortable there.  You also want to look for an instructor who will provide formal as well as informal updates on your child’s progress. 

Make sure the teacher is enthuastic and has a catching love of music.  Find out if teaching is a hobby or a career for them, and how much they enjoy teaching.  You should also inquire about their teaching and training background.  Ideally, for beginner lessons you should seek a teacher who teaches the classical styles, so that the more contemporary styles can be added later once skills have been mastered.