How to Find a Qualified Private Music Teacher

by Mage, Nationally Certified Teacher of Music

Last Updated: May 31, 2022

A quick Google search for private [insert name of instrument] tutor or private [insert name of instrument] teacher (you could substitute the words “tutor” and “teacher” with “instructor”) yields nearly 20 million to 40 million results. Some of the results will lead you to teachers in your local area, while others will lead you to teachers who teach using the internet, either live (student and teacher meet at the same time) or asynchronously (the student submits work to the teacher, and the teacher sends feedback to the student).

Before we begin, I would like to provide you with resources to help you find a qualified music teacher either for yourself or for your child.

Where to Look When Searching for a Qualified Music Teacher

The problem with simply Googling for a private music teacher is that many people do not know how to tell whether or not the teacher is of high quality. If you would like the highest quality of music instruction, then opting for a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music will ensure that your music lessons are handled by a true professional that serves as “your best source to facilitate musical learning in an environment that encourages student confidence, independence, teamwork and high achievement” (see Choosing a Music Teacher for further information).

Learn Which Questions to Ask When Seeking a Music Teacher

*A quick Google search for **private guitar teacher** shows four (4) Ad results near the top. How do you know which result is the best solution for you?*

Your best bet in finding a reputable qualified private music teacher is through the Music Teachers National Association, Royal Conservatory of Music, and National Association of Teachers of Singing as well as other reputable resources.

If you do not happen to know a reputable qualified private music teacher yet, your best bet in finding one is through the Music Teachers National Association, Royal Conservatory of Music, and National Association of Teachers of Singing as well as other reputable resources.

A **Nationally Certified Teacher of Music** will ensure that your music lessons are handled by a true professional that serves as “your best source to facilitate musical learning in an environment that encourages student confidence, independence, teamwork and high achievement” (see **Choosing a Music Teacher** for further information).

Music Teachers National Association

The MTNA or Music Teachers National Association has been around for over 100 years and “is dedicated advancing the value of music study and music making in society and to support the professionalism of music teachers” (see Your One Source for Making the Most of Music Study for more information).

Find a Teacher through the Music Teachers National Association

Royal Conservatory of Music

The Royal Conservatory of Music “provides an internationally renowned standard of music education and achievement” (see About the RCM Certificate Program). This is the gold standard for music education.

Find a Royal Conservatory of Music Teacher Near You

National Association of Teachers of Singing

If you are interested in learning how to sing, you may wish to opt to study with a teacher who is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). NATS “is the largest association of teachers of singing in the world with over 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and over twenty-five other countries, offering learning experiences to its members with workshops, intern programs, master classes, and conferences” (see Find-A-Teacher Directory for more information).

National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) Find-A-Teacher Directory

Other Resources to Find a Music Teacher

You may check your local state for various music teachers association. You may also check other states, and teachers can teach you online using videoconferencing and video messaging both live and asynchronously. For example Mage Music is located in the state of California, and two of the largest California state music teachers associations are the California Association of Professional Music Teachers [State Affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)] and the Music Teachers’ Association of California.

What about those other find a teacher websites such as TakeLessons, ThumbTack, Musika, Wyzant, etc.?

***Mage Music is a proud Top Pro at Thumbtack***

Some of these websites can be good places to find qualified teachers, but not every teacher is qualified on these platforms. Mage Music is a proud Top Pro at Thumbtack. Our recommendation is to check to see if the music teachers that you find on these platforms are members of the Music Teachers National Association, Royal Conservatory of Music, National Association of Teachers of Singing, and other music teachers associations. If you can find a teacher that is certified, even better!