|
Asking the
right questions will give you the ability to properly evaluate a music
studio or a music teacher. It is important that you ask each
individual the same questions so that you can do an
accurate comparison of each program. Some areas of concern should
be the structure of the program, safety issues, quality of instructors,
developmental/skill factors and cost. The questions you ask will
vary depending on whether you are interviewing a private teacher or the
owner of a music studio. Key questions that a
parent should ask are as follows:
Studio/Management
Questions....
-
Is the program run by
volunteers or is the owner on the premises?
-
Will your
child always have the same teacher?
-
Who is the
contact person for the studio if you have a problem or
question?
-
What is the
philosophy of the
studio and its owners or the teacher? Do they think learning
should be fun?
-
Is the number
one goal to teach people to play an instrument?
-
What is the
atmosphere/environment of the studio?
-
What
instruments do they give lessons for?
-
How many
students do they have?
-
How long have
they been in business?
-
Do they
conduct parent conferences?
-
Are
background checks done on instructors?
-
What level
of training/accomplishments do the instructors have?
-
What are the
policies regarding cancellations and make-up lessons?
-
Do you teach
music theory? Music history?
-
What type of
music is taught (classical, jazz etc)? Is this flexible if a child
wants to learn a particular song?
-
How long does
a student typically study with you?
-
Can you
recommend a place to get the instrument and materials? Do they
offer a discount?
-
Have you
taught children the age of my child?
-
Are parents
allowed to observe a lesson?
Competition/Recital
Questions...
-
Do their
students regularly attend competitions?
-
How
successful have they been at competitions?
-
Do they do
recitals? How often?
Payment Questions...
-
What are the fees
for service?
-
Do
stated fees cover all costs or will there be hidden charges?
-
What is the
payment policy?
-
How long
is the instructional session and when does it begin?
-
How do you
register?
-
What is the time commitment
at home for practice?
Fundraiser Questions...
-
Will you
be responsible for promoting a fundraiser?
-
If there
are fundraisers does the studio/teacher get the money or will it defer the child's
cost?
It
is not necessary to ask all of these questions it is simply a guideline
to help you. You may have others that you feel need to be addressed.
What's important is that you feel extremely comfortable with the studio
or teacher that you select. Always remember that it should be a
positive, fun experience for your child!
|
