how to choose the right music teacher (not just the closest or the cheapest)

Because wouldn't it be nice if lessons came with a free test-drive and a return policy?

If you’ve ever searched for a music teacher for your child, chances are you started with two simple questions:

“How much does it cost?” and “Where are you located?”

Fair enough—those are important! But if you’ve ever called around for lessons and hung up after getting a quote and an address, you might be missing some of the questions that really matter.

Of course, in an ideal world, we’d all find a teacher who checks every box:
✔️ Years of experience
✔️ Classically trained
✔️ Plays like a concert pianist
✔️ Holds a fancy degree
✔️ Has a spotless, peaceful studio
✔️ Works beautifully with kids and adults alike
✔️ Charges a fair price
✔️ Offers perfect scheduling flexibility
✔️ Lives in your neighborhood or does home visits

We’d all love to find that unicorn.

But here’s the truth: even parents who do dig deeper often end up weighing things like credentials, personality, and pricing based on assumptions. For every trait you think you want in a teacher, there’s often an “opposite” that might be just as important to recognize.

This blog is for those moments when you're thinking beyond the basics—because choosing a music teacher isn't just about who’s closest or cheapest. It’s about who’s right for your child.

🎵 Talent vs. Teaching
We’ve all heard it: “Those who can’t do, teach.”

Except… after 35+ years running a music school, I can say that sometimes it’s more like: 
​"Those who do too much, forget how to teach."

We’ve hired some incredibly talented performers over the years—Juilliard grads, Berklee pros, even Oberlin Conservatory alumni. But sometimes, when someone’s entire musical world is advanced performance, they genuinely forget what it’s like to be a beginner. That first-year student, full of curiosity and wiggly fingers, ends up overwhelmed and frustrated. The teacher might be dazzling—but the student stops learning (or stops showing up).
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Not every great player makes a great teacher. And not every great teacher has to play Liszt from memory with their eyes closed.

​🧑‍🏫 Education vs. Connection
Of course, musical education and credentials matter—but so does the ability to teach. Some teachers never really planned on teaching. It’s a side hustle, and gigging is their true love. And while there’s nothing wrong with balancing both, you want a teacher who’s actually present—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
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On the flip side, you might find a teacher with modest credentials who absolutely lights up when helping students succeed. And trust me, that spark? It matters.

​🧠 Knowledge vs. Repertoire Awareness
A teacher may play beautifully, but how wide is their knowledge of repertoire? And, if it’s not that wide, will they help your child explore beyond what they themselves know and can play—or just teach what they know by heart?
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Some teachers only accept students up to a certain level—and that’s fine, as long as you’re aware. But often, it’s because they feel they have to play every piece a student works on. That may sound great… until your child grows used to hearing every song before they try it. That might make things easier in the moment—but it’s not the path to true independence as a musician.

​💬 Relationship vs. Results
A teacher who connects with students is gold. I've even heard many a parent say they want their child to build a personal connection with their teacher so they'll enjoy the lessons more. But some take “connection” a little far—like chatting away half the lesson while your child barely touches the keyboard. 

​On the flip side, the super-structured teacher might never ask how your kid’s week went—but you’ll see progress like clockwork.

​Ideally? You want someone who finds the balance. They know when to laugh, when to listen, and when to say, “OK, let’s get back to that tricky measure.”

💵 Cost vs. Confidence
Pricing is tricky. Too expensive? You wonder if it's worth it. Too low? You start to question if the teacher values their own time—or if they’re just undercutting everyone else to fill a schedule.

But price can go both ways. A rock-bottom rate might signal inexperience, lack of confidence, or a revolving door of short-term students. On the other hand, a sky-high price tag and an impressive bio don’t always guarantee the right fit either. Some higher-priced teachers intentionally keep only a small handful of students, justifying premium rates with their credentials (perhaps they want only "serious" students, or simply aren't interested in devoting too much time to teaching). And while that may work for them, it’s a very different model from a moderately priced studio whose mission is to serve the community, offer consistent instruction, and provide accessible, high-quality learning experiences.

In most cases, a fair, transparent rate reflects a teacher or studio that knows the value of their time and expertise--without trying to win you over on bargain pricing alone.

👵👩‍🎓 Older Teacher vs. New/Younger Teacher​
​Experience is valuable—but so is enthusiasm. While veteran teachers can bring years of wisdom and stability, don’t count out the newer faces in the studio. Everyone has to start somewhere, and many younger teachers are doing exactly what they set out to do: teach. They often bring a fresh perspective, a sense of excitement, and a deep commitment to helping students explore new and challenging music. In fact, some of the most inspirational teachers we’ve seen are the ones just getting started—because they remember what it’s like to be a beginner and genuinely want to grow alongside their students.

​So... What Should You Look For?

Let’s be honest: it’s a lot to juggle. You want the best for your child—but that doesn’t mean you need to go into hock for music lessons or drive to the next state every Tuesday afternoon. So here’s a little checklist we do recommend when choosing a teacher or studio:

✔️ Professionalism and organization
✔️ Clean, welcoming space
✔️ Reasonable, transparent pricing
✔️ Good communication
✔️ A teacher who makes you (and your child) feel heard
✔️ Someone who asks, “Tell me about your child,” before listing off all their own accomplishments

​Because in the end, it's about how your child feels while they’re learning—excited, confident, successful, happy--and whether they’re actually progressing.

One Last Thought...
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A music lesson shouldn’t feel like a recital for the teacher. The best teachers aren’t the ones who play the most during the lesson, but the ones who listen the best, guide with patience, and create a space where students feel empowered to explore. And don’t worry if someone in your child’s class has a teacher who used to perform at Carnegie Hall. That sounds impressive (and it is!), but what really matters is whether that teacher is just as excited about your child’s progress, goals, and musical dreams. Because the right teacher isn’t focused on where they’ve been—it’s about where your child is going.

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