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How To Choose a Good New Teacher Ask the following questions and record points for answers in the blanks provided. There are 14 points possible. If your prospective teacher scores 10 or better, they are probably very good. (Note: This system applies to teachers of beginning violin students. Critiquing teachers of advanced students is a lot more complicated.) _____ Do they have a waiting list? (This doesn’t guarantee anything, but it’s a good sign.) Yes = 1 point _____ Are they a successful performer? (Not required, but a good indicator.) Yes = 1 point _____ What groups do they play with? Are the groups professional? Yes = 1 point _____ Have you heard the teacher play? (zero points here, because a novice may be impressed by not so great playing) _____ Have you heard any of their students play? (This is important because great players aren’t guaranteed to be great teachers.) Were they good as far as you could tell? Yes = 1 point _____ Do you know anyone who has studied with them? Ask them for references. _____ Do they hold recitals? (Students need chances to perform. It motivates and teaches students skills they won’t get otherwise.) Yes = 2 points _____ Do they belong to any musical organizations such as the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), the Suzuki Association of the Americas, the International Suzuki Association, or others? (Not required, but a good indicator.) Yes = 1 point _____ Ask them what method they teach. They should have a pretty definitive answer to that. For instance, my answer would be, “I start all my beginners with the Suzuki Method, but I do introduce note-reading earlier than the pure Suzuki method.” 2 points for a coherent answer _____ Ask them what bow hold they teach. (This is really mean…it will throw off all but the best.) Their choices are “Franco-Belgian,” “Russian”, “Galamian”, or they should at least be able to describe it to you. 3 points for an answer that is not a blank stare _____ Ask them which sort of vibrato they teach. (You are looking for “arm,” “wrist,” or “combination”) If they can’t answer, then they don’t have a plan for teaching it. 2 points for a direct answer Here are some things you should NOT base your decision on: Personality—sure it’s fun when you LIKE your teacher, but you’re not paying them to be your best friend. Price—obviously you have to be able to afford it, but don’t let a high price impress you, and don’t let a cheap price entice you! Whether or not the teacher gives “extra long lessons” is not a reflection on their ability as a teacher. “Mean” or “Nice” doesn’t mean good or bad. But a teacher shouldn’t be hurtful to your self esteem. [ 本帖最后由 第一名 于 2011-5-1 16:44 编辑 ] |
