To be a good music teacher, you need to possess a strong set of musical and instructional skills. You should be an accomplished musician who understands the concepts of musicianship, music theory, conducting, sight-reading and interpreting and reading musical scores. You should also have a strong understanding of music education and able to clearly and effectively convey musical ideas and concepts to students of all ages. In addition, it helps to be well-organized and comfortable with multitasking, as you will have a wide range of responsibilities to attend to within the course of your day.
Good music teachers display compassion and sensitivity to the needs of their students, according to the NAMM Foundation. For example, some students are highly sensitive to criticism and need a bit of extra praise and motivation, especially when they are trying their best and become frustrated. Unfortunately, a poor music teacher can be reason enough for a student give up trying to learn to play an instrument or even cause him to lose interest in music altogether. You should be enthusiastic, imaginative, dedicated and devoted to promoting musical growth and achievement in all of your students, regardless of their individual abilities or talents.
Providing constructive criticism and feedback is a crucial task for good music teachers. It is also an important part of the learning process, according to music education and music psychology professor Robert Woody. Good music teachers know how to provide encouragement and positive reinforcement, but they also know how to effectively help students improve their skills by offering critical feedback. The only way your students will truly grow and learn is if you let them know exactly what needs to be improved.
Good music teachers are well aware that music education is an underfunded area often in danger of being reduced or eliminated from public school programs. Music teachers understand the importance of advocacy for music education. They know how to promote and explain the importance of music education to administrators, parents and the public. According to Music for All, one of the nation's largest music education advocacy organizations, music education depends on expanding "public awareness of music’s impact on student growth and achievement."