- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Making Music Magical
American Music Conference Offers Tips on Choosing the Right Music Teacher
Contrary to popular belief, a good music teacher won't drop you if you stink. A good music teacher won't force you to play Chopin if you prefer Coldplay. A good music teacher won't get frustrated if you make a few mistakes.
"All children have music inside of them; the idea is to let it out," says Laura Johnson, associate executive director of the American Music Conference (AMC), a leading nonprofit music advocacy organization. "A good music teacher will nurture your child's interest and inspire him or her to develop a lifelong passion that offers countless benefits. Studies show that making music helps young children perform better on standardized tests, and teens benefit academically and socially from active participation in music."
If your child wants to take lessons to learn to play an instrument for the first time or to accompany his or her school music education, a few simple tips can help you find the right music teacher to best suit your child's needs.
"Choosing a music teacher is just as important as selecting a doctor or dentist for your child," says Gary L. Ingle, Music Teacher's National Association (MTNA) executive director. "Finding the right music teacher is an investment in your child's future, so you want to make sure you do enough research to make an informed decision."