How Can You Tell If a Violin Teacher is Good?

The main reason you want to find a goodLook for a professional performance resume
teacher is to get access to learning correct violinMost good violinists have delivered some notable
technique. Why do some violin players onlyperformances at some point. These could include
perform in the local school halls while others gracetheater or concert, TV performances or traveling
national concert halls and world renownedoverseas to perform. Recordings or touring with
recording studios performing with symphonyartists who are publicly known is a good indicator
orchestras? A great deal has to do with correctthat a musician has reached a proficient level.
technique.Look for a professional teaching resume
Don't Be FooledAlso a good indicator is a violin teacher who has
Just because a musician puts an ad in the localsome teaching experience in a quality educational
paper advertising their services as a musicmusic facility. Some musician are so good that
teacher, does absolutely NOT mean that theythey don't make very good teachers mainly
may suitable or even appropriate as a violinbecause they don't know how to break down
teacher. Notice I didn't mention qualifications?complex musical concepts into small 'bites size
Once again, if a violin teacher has a BA in Music orpieces' for students to pick up and digest. You
a 4th grade "this "or 5th grade "that" may alsomay find these quality education facilities as high
not be a definitive indication that this violin teacherpriced private high schools or colleges.
has herself been taught correct violin technique.A good idea might be to call up the school and
So how do you judge?ask who the violin teacher(s) there is. Then ask if
The Best Advice Herethey teach privately. Ask them about fees (also
A virtuoso Australian jazz pianist who also wasanother good quality indicator - generally high
the head of music department at a prestigiousprices indicate quality, but not always). Also ask
arts school in Australia always used to say inthem for a professional resume or less formally in
lectures - "It all comes down to; how well can youconversation "who do you perform with?" If they
play your instrument" That may seem simplisticsay an orchestra of some description, make a
however that's where the beauty lies...note and look them up. They may also say a
If you ever try to get a job with a symphonystring quartet. Again, look this up on the Internet.
orchestra you'll find out that they're not thatConclusion
interested in the "pieces of paper" you have, butStarting with a teacher that will teach you correct
you can count on having an army of people sittingtechnique from the start is absolute GOLD! If
at a table watching you carefully and listening toyour serious about learning an instrument, spend
your audition. Again, I pose the question - "Howsome time to find that teacher. Good luck in your
well can you play your instrument"endeavors.
So, therefore a good teacher will have these: