Interviewing Potential Guitar Teachers

Most private guitar teachers set their own rates, schedules and policies. Since you will need to learn how each teacher runs her/his studio, the phone interview gives you the opportunity to listen to the way each teacher answers your questions so you can get a good feel for each teacher's style and personality.

The phone interview can help you determine if a teacher is a good listener, patient and able to give you the information you need to know. If a teacher cannot sufficiently answer your questions during the interview, she/he will probably not be able to sufficiently explain what makes a G7 chord different from a G chord.

Here are some questions that you may want to ask each teacher:
1. What is your education background?
2. How long have you been teaching people how to play the guitar?
3. How many students do you currently teach?
4. What musical style(s) do you teach?
5. What age and levels of students do you enjoy teaching?
6. What are your strengths, and what things set you apart from other teachers?
7. Where do you teach, what do you charge and what is your cancellation policy?

You should never feel rushed to commit to a permanent lesson time, but a good teacher may be honest and tell you that this is the only lesson time available. If the teacher sounds like she/he may be a good fit for you, ask to take a trial lesson, which is not a free lesson.

Good teachers know that there isn't one teacher who is right for everyone, and most teachers will appreciate your effort to find a good match, so let each instructor know that you are taking lessons from several teachers until you find the best one for you. After you decide on a teacher, remember that you can always go someplace else if you are not satisfied with your lessons.

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