How much are you learning from? I have had teachers that I had a little too long and I wasn't progressing as fast as some teachers that I only studied, like six months with or even less where I only had a handful of lessons another thing that is hard to discover

because another thing that's kind of hard to discover without going through enough people is finding what types of methods are these teachers teaching you? Over time I found I have like a plethora of practicing techniques and learning techniques that I've collected over the years from all of my teachers and I did not find the most effective one until later on.

how do they respect my time and energy and another thing that I grade teachers on our weather they are for me it is important that I can get along with my teacher and be myself around my teacher I do not want to perform or have to force myself to be a certain way in front of these teacher ears. So I really do appreciate when people when I can be myself and get a lot of stuff done. Because ultimately, in my humble opinion, music lessons are should be fun and should not just be about productivity and getting information. I know that's a very old school thing, but it's like I would like to enjoy my time learning music and be able to giggle and laugh in order to keep moving on because part of music isn't just being a robot trying to get all the notes perfect. It's also about being fun and being able to just have a genuine connection with someone who is

teaching you not only music school skills, but like life skills and performing skills. So after making a fair assessment of this teacher and you still find yourself not liking this teacher,

And some criteria may be different for you versus mine. Personally, I require teachers to I require two feet. Personally, I require that my teachers be politically aligned or somewhat understanding of my body politics and or, and this is a big or being able to remove any political talk within the music lesson. I've been in situations where I've had teachers be negligent on their language and be harbury harmful in fact, on how they communicate to me, I have been insulted and honestly discriminated against and micro aggressed against is a Latina woman. And for me if that is a conversation that we cannot either openly have or just avoid altogether then you are not the teacher for me. There are other things that I do to assess a teacher and I will put the link below here for you to take a look on how I assess teachers for my own personal methods. Another thing to consider is balancing out is it worth being a little uncomfortable with your teacher and gaining the knowledge that you need? And some cases this might be a hard no or let's see how long I can go with this teacher. If it's a matter of you not connecting with your teacher on run just on terms of compatibility. Then, but you're getting a lot of good information it might be worth sticking it out with that teacher.

I've also found that depending on the stage of life that I have been this has been relevant or very relevant in my musical learning. When I was in university, I very much was like indifferent whether we had a conversation or not. Now that I am outside of learning or getting a degree in performance, I'm much more care whether if I'm going to have a good time with a teacher or not. Because at this point, I'm just taking them for fun. And but that's just because of where I What stage I am in my life. If you asked me whether having a good connection with a teacher mattered, like 10 years ago, I would say no, but it's also a consideration on why are you taking lessons so you have to make an assessment on why you want to learn or why you are taking lessons. Because if you don't know what you want, then you can't really put an expectation on the teacher on how to be take it as lessons like okay, you know, I found that this particular method of teaching does not work with me. I found that this teacher is very audit, very much an auditory teaching teacher versus what I need is a visual teacher. So, and again, this takes a little bit of practice and self analysis and self assessment to fully understand why you like certain teachers and why you don't like certain teachers. So let's get to the good part where Okay, you've made the assessment and

Sure, here's an expanded version of your blog post:

Embarking on the journey of music education through private lessons is an exciting endeavor. However, finding the perfect teacher can sometimes be a daunting task. As a seasoned learner who has been through the ropes, I've come to realize that there are several essential questions to ask when considering a potential private lesson teacher. Here are some crucial aspects to explore before making your decision:

Learning Pace and Progress

The duration of lessons isn't always synonymous with progress. I've experienced both shorter and longer engagements with teachers, and it's not always about the duration. I've noticed that some shorter stints with teachers yielded quicker advancements than longer ones. It's crucial to ask yourself, 'Is my learning pace aligned with this teacher's approach?'

Teaching Methods

Different teachers have distinct teaching methodologies. It took me time to uncover a repertoire of effective practice and learning techniques from various instructors. The search for the most effective method can sometimes be a journey, but it's worth the exploration. Inquiring about a teacher's approach early on can save you valuable time.

Respect for Time and Energy

Time is precious, and so is your energy. Does the teacher value punctuality and provide focused sessions? These aspects can significantly impact your overall learning experience and progress.

Teacher-Student Relationship

Establishing a comfortable rapport with your teacher is paramount. Being yourself and feeling at ease during lessons fosters a conducive learning environment. Music lessons should be enjoyable, and a genuine connection with your teacher contributes to that.

Personal Alignment and Boundaries

While music should be a unifying force, your teacher's alignment with your personal beliefs can impact your experience. For me, it's vital to have open discussions about these boundaries. A harmonious learning environment stems from mutual respect and understanding.

Assessment Criteria

Defining your assessment criteria can help narrow down your choices. What matters most to you? Whether it's a good connection, teaching methods, or shared beliefs, having a clear set of criteria guides your decision-making process.

7. **Stage of Life and Learning Goals:**

The stage of life you're in and your learning objectives play a significant role in your choice of teacher. While university days may have leaned toward detached learning, life outside academia might require a teacher who aligns with your goals and brings a sense of enjoyment to your lessons.

8. **Self-Awareness and Reflection:**

Evaluating your preferences and learning style takes self-awareness. Reflect on what resonates with you and why. Analyze past experiences to understand why you've enjoyed some teachers more than others.

Choosing a private lesson teacher isn't just about finding an expert; it's about finding the right match for your unique learning journey. Remember, every interaction contributes to your growth as a musician. As you embark on this path of discovery, be mindful of what aligns with your needs, values, and aspirations. With the right teacher by your side, your musical journey can be both enlightening and fulfilling."