Good Teacher - what do you want?

[JayKosta]

The typical advice to 'get a good teacher' is difficult because many people don't know what they want or need from a teacher. And there are many different methods of teaching - some work well for some people, and others don't.

A starting point to choosing a teacher should be a basic self-review of where you are now, and your expectations of what a teacher should provide.

Beginners need instruction on basic fundamentals of producing sound, mouthpiece position and pressure, lip control, articulation, air usage, posture, etc.
If there is weakness in these topics or slowness in getting them established, it can lead to long term difficulty.
A teacher might not be able to explain exactly HOW to do these things, but should be able to explain or demonstrate what needs to be accomplished for each item; and why the items are important, if that is needed for the student learn and accept.

As a player becomes more proficient it might be necessary to review and refine those basic fundamentals if there is any weakness that inhibits further progress.

For players at intermediate or advanced levels of playing, the teaching is usually more directed at handling complex rhythms, phrasing, musicality, different styles, etc. And the teacher can also function as a coach or mentor to keep the student focused and enthusiastic.

A reference article -
https://www.creativitypost.com/article/19_things_that_great_music_teachers_do

Jay
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Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
Oh ya, watch the conductor - they set what is 'on time'.

[Andy Del]

A good teacher teaches what you don’t, (or won’t) know. For trumpet they also need to have a sound handle on appropriate pedagogy for both the instrument specifically and teaching generally.

The student making these choices and exciting where they are are like then lawyer representing themselves...

Cheers

Andy
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so many horns, so few good notes...

[Jaw04]

A teacher needs to provide whatever the student needs. A good teacher has to be very flexible. Every student is unique, and not only that, but they are different each day and over the course of time.

What works for one student won't work for another. The best teachers adapt to the needs of the student whether they need motivation, encouragement, help setting goals, discipline, inspiration, knowledge, exposure to music, repertoire, exposure to the world of music (competitions, performance opportunities) technical information, career advice, etc. It's a very holistic art.

If a teacher is only teaching trumpet skills and techniques they are missing out on a lot. It's a relationship that is being built between the student and the teacher and that goes way beyond the technicalities of playing the trumpet.

[rufflicks]

Wax on Wax off… not every student will understand the lesson!
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http://www.youtube.com/user/Rufftips

Remember this is supposed to be fun.

[SMrtn]

Someone should have informed Dizzy Gillespie.