I've mentioned what I expect from a prospective student (albeit briefly) and suspect that there might be questions as to what a student should expect from a prospective teacher.
Here are a few thoughts:
The prospective teacher should be proficient on their primary instrument and at least familiar with the other instruments that they teach. Being a great player doesn't mean being a great teacher but bad playing (outside of a few specific physical disorders) is a red flag. If the teacher is giving a recital by all means, go! I've had the opportunity to hear a number of performances by University Faculty, it is usually a treat and I've heard many fine performances. If members of the studio are playing on the recital? So much the better, it allows you to hear the spectrum of improvement that comes with working with a well qualified teacher for an extended period.
The teacher should be approachable. This can be a very individual thing, one person's approachable is another persons aloof or silly or overly familiar. Much more important that you are able to talk with the person than someone you know finds them approachable and you aren't able to speak with them in a comfortable manner. Part of this is based on that fact that you'll be spending a bunch of time with your studio instructor in a very intense setting. Part of it is that you will be setting life goals based on that interaction.
The teacher should be honest and compassionate. You will be walking in to learn, the studio teacher should be willing to see you as a person first and a set of problems to overcome never. A teacher who can diagnose playing issues is good, a teacher who can help you use the strengths and skills you already posses to grow, gain skills and overcome the issues you face through your journey is best.
Just a few thoughts.
*edit 3/15/12*
A link regarding the same basic thoughts, used by permission:
http://yeodoug.com/resources/faq/faq_text/teacherstudent.html
With thanks to Mr. Yeo. Very intuitive and quite practical.
No comments:
Post a Comment