How to Learn Music Intentionally: Part 1 of 4-

Choose the Right Music Teacher for You

How to Learn Music Intentionally: Choose a Teacher, Practice, and GrowPart 1 of 4

Choosing a music teacher is one of the most important decisions you can make as a player—whether you are a beginner, have played for a while, or are highly experienced and seeking master-level instruction. The right teacher shapes how you approach learning, how you practice, how you stay motivated, and how you continue making progress over time.

This article is Part 1 of a four-part series, How to Learn Music Intentionally: Choose a Teacher, Practice, and Grow. We offer this series to help music students at all stages build strong foundations, practice effectively, and work through challenges that everyone encounters along the way.

Match Your Teacher to Your Experience Level

Music students’ needs depend on where they are in their learning. A teacher who understands your current level—and where you want to go—can make a significant difference in how you get there.

Beginners often benefit from teachers who:

• Emphasize fundamentals and good habits early

• Keep lessons structured but engaging

• Focus on consistency rather than speed

• Help students build confidence

Intermediate Students often need guidance with:

• Refining technique

• Developing musical phrasing and tone

• Learning how to practice more independently

• Understanding why progress may feel uneven

Advanced Students may look for teachers who:

• Specialize in advanced repertoire or specific styles

• Prepare students for performances, auditions, or ensembles

• Focus on interpretation, nuance, and long-term growth

It’s normal for a student’s needs—and the ideal teacher for them—to change over time.

Why Choosing the Right Teacher Matters

A good music teacher helps you understand:

• What to practice

• How to practice

• Why practice matters and how it supports your goals

The right teacher can:

• Make difficult concepts feel approachable

• Help you build productive practice habits

• Keep you motivated when progress feels slow

• Adapt lessons to your learning style and goals

Even highly motivated students can struggle if the teacher–student fit isn’t right.

Teaching Style and Learning Style

Teachers vary widely in how they approach lessons. Some are highly structured and detail-oriented. Others focus more on musical expression or performance readiness.

There is no universally “best” teaching style. What matters is whether the approach works for you.

A good fit means:

• You understand what you’re being asked to practice—and why

• You feel comfortable asking questions

• You leave lessons with clear direction

• You feel encouraged, not discouraged

If lessons consistently feel confusing or unproductive, it’s important to talk with the teacher about adjusting the approach. In some cases, it may be appropriate to consider a different teacher.

In-Person and Online Lessons

Both in-person and online lessons can be effective, depending on the student.

In-person lessons often provide:

• Clearer technique and posture correction

• Easier communication

• Stronger personal connection

Online lessons may be helpful when:

• Scheduling flexibility is needed

• Distance is a factor

• The student already has a solid technical foundation

Many students—especially beginners—benefit most from in-person instruction. All of Meadowood’s teachers prefer in-person lessons, and some offer online lessons when a student cannot come to our studios.

What to Expect from a First Lesson

A first lesson is not about proving ability. It’s about establishing direction.

You should expect:

• Questions about your goals and experience

• Clear guidance on what to practice next

• Constructive feedback

• A sense of where your learning is headed

If you leave the lesson knowing what to work on and why, the lesson has done its job.

When It’s Reasonable to Reevaluate

As students grow, their goals and needs evolve. It’s reasonable to:

• Reevaluate the fit over time

• Adjust lesson focus

• Change teachers if goals or learning styles no longer align

No one is the ideal teacher for everyone at every stage of learning. Intentional learning allows for reassessment without guilt or frustration.

This Article Is Part of a 4-Part Series

• Part 1: Choose the Right Music Teacher for You (this article)

• Part 2: Set Practice Goals You’ll Achieve

• Part 3: Adopt Practice Routines That Work

• Part 4: Break Through Plateaus in Your Playing

(Backlinks to this article will be included as subsequent articles are published.)

Explore Music Lessons at Meadowood Music

If you’re looking for music instruction that supports intentional learning and steady progress, Meadowood Music offers in-person lessons for students at all levels.

 Explore music lessons at Meadowood Music