2. Insist on In-depth Lessons that Cover All Aspects of Music

Look for teachers that are not only adept at playing their instrument, but also understand theory, chords and chord progessions, include pitch and ear training, improvisation, rhythm awareness, transposition, and composition.

3. Take Lessons in a Professional Teaching Environment

Learning music is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also having an enviroment that is focused on music education. In a professional school environment a student cannot be distracted by t.v., pets, ringing phones, siblings or anything else. With only 1/2 to one hour of lesson time per week, a professional school environment can produce better results since the only focus at that time is learning music. Students ina school environment are also
being exposed to a variety of musical instruments. In a music school, the lessons are not just a hobby or side-line for the teacher but a responsibility which is taken very seriously.

4. Make Practicing Easier

As with anything, improving in music takes practice. One of the main problems with music lessons is the drudgery of practicing and the fight between parents and students to practice every day. Here are some ways to make practicing easier:

a) Listening

Make sure that the method that is taught includes a CD with all of the songs from the book. Set aside time to listen to the songs your student is currently working on.

b) Time

Set the same time every day to practice so it becomes part of a routine or habit. This parents to get the child to practice.earlier in the day practicing can occur, the less reminding is required by parents to get the child to practice.

c) Repetition

We use this method quite often when setting practice schedules for beginners. For a young child 20 or 30 minutes seems like  practicing their instrument, but knows if they are onexample, practice this piece 4 times every day, and this scale 5 times a day. The child then does not pay attention to the amount of time they are praciticing their instrument, but knows if they are on repetition number 3 they are almost finished.