Speaking from Experience: Music Educators' Advice for First-Year Teachers

Whether you're newly directing an ensemble at a school, teaching general music in a classroom, or starting to build a roster of private students, you likely have a lot of questions during your first year on the job. We recently asked our community of music educators to reflect on their first year of teaching and to provide one piece of advice to current and future first-year music teachers. Here's what they had to say:

• Plan ahead! Check the school calendar prior to setting concert dates—before school starts in the fall, if possible.
• Find and join a music teachers' professional organization that has qualified teachers in whatever instrument you teach. You will learn so much from those who have "been there, and done that." Most professional organizations also offer workshops and continuing education. Those events are invaluable to your growth as a music teacher.
• While we all think we know it all coming out of college, you are first a learner, second a teacher! Be a sponge and soak up as much as you can from everyone you can (veteran teachers, students, parents, etc.). Learn your first year, then you can begin to make the program your own!
• Do not be afraid to ask questions. Research and read. If you teach in a studio with multiple teachers, be open to listen to other teachers who have many years of experience and learn from them. Don't think that you know everything.
• Always keep in mind that each parent who brings a child to you for lessons is bringing their pride and joy, and they envision them as a piano prodigy—it is up to you to help them strive for that goal. Always treat your profession as a profession, and others will also. And, a good sense of humor will take you a long way—especially on those days when the students don't practice like you hoped!
• It can be difficult to build up your student count in the first year (or five). Find places where you can interact with families. Volunteer at a school or after school program, get involved at a church, talk to your neighbors. Make sure you have a professional business card ready to give people. And be patient. You may get lots of people interested, but only a few that actually sign up. Just keep your spirits up and keep your presence out there!
• Just dive in! You have the education.
• My biggest challenge was billing. For beginners, I ask for a check for 10 lessons at the first lesson. Then after the 10 lessons, they can decide if they want to continue or not.
• Give technical exercises (warmups) from the very first lesson. That way, the students learn to accept technique as a normal part of practice.
• Make lessons fun—don't be deadly serious!
• I would tell a new teacher that they really need to know the progression of things to teach for a brand new beginner, because that is primarily the kind of student they will start with. Also, to really know the method(s) they will use so they're not surprised by each new page. I really like teaching more advanced techniques, so I wasn't as prepared for this when I first started teaching, and it was hard! I quickly realized what order I needed to teach concepts in, so I could set the student up for success.
• Radiate and express your love of music often to your students and parents. Expect good things from your students, but realize their abilities and what they can give, and don't expect too much from them. Be positive, and praise often!
• Go to meetings, read blogs, read and seek out other teachers' opinions. This will help broaden your view and solidify your thinking. You will either like what you hear and incorporate it in your teaching, or not like what you hear, then figure out why. Going to meetings and learning from others is all good!
• I began teaching 65 years ago, and still look forward to every lesson! A new teacher has so many goals and may be impatient with the actual progress of a student. I remember being frustrated one day, and looking at those little hands on my keys, and I realized that a mother and dad had entrusted those little fingers to me. Know your student, and be flexible in your approach, adapting your teaching to that unique student rather than trying to 'force' every student into a preconceived teaching method. Enjoy these students, and like me, you will be teaching their children one day!
• Students have different learning styles. Take the time to figure out each one and match it with your lessons.
• Keep notes of what works and what doesn't—keep that which works and either tweek or toss the activities that fall short. Don't be afraid to watch other teachers—they are usually happy to share—they were once new, too! Invest extra time before and after school to be prepared. It makes the next day's lessons much less stressful.

What's your best piece of advice for first-year music teachers? Share with us in the comments below!