If you or one of your family want to learn to play an instrument, chances are you’re going to need a music teacher.

But how do you go about finding a teacher and how do you know if they’re going to be any good? Here are a few places you can start with that are sure to have quality music teachers.

Places to find a music teacher

• Music Stores
• Arts Colleges
• High Schools
• Australian Music Teachers Registry
• The Internet

Music Stores

Retailers that sell musical instruments, whether they specialise in one type of instrument or stock a broad range, are the perfect place to look for music teachers. Many stores will have a listing or notice board of suitable teachers, whilst others will have more exclusive relationships with only a few teachers. Some specialist retailers, guitar stores for example, will even be run be talented individuals who also function as music teachers. A great way to ensure you purchase the correct instrument for you is to engage with a music teacher before you make the purchase.

Arts Colleges

Performing Arts Colleges are replete with teachers of nearly every musical instrument imaginable. So if you’re looking for a teacher of a less common musical instrument, such as the flute or violin, a performing arts college is a great place to start. In addition to the range of qualified teachers, there are also likely to be talented senior students working as tutors and teachers part time. This is a great option if you are unable to afford the price of a professional music teacher.

High Schools

High Schools, to a lesser degree than performing arts colleges, will also have access to professional music teachers and part time tutors. Even if your child doesn’t attend a particular high school, it is still worth enquiring if the school can recommend or provide the type of music teacher you are looking for. High School and even primary school music teachers will often run group or one-on-one private classes outside school times for their students.

Australian Music Teachers Registry

The Australian Music Teachers Registry (http://www.amtr.com.au/) is an online service which aims to connect music teachers, tutors, accompanists and students. The site enables people to register as a music teacher, tutor or accompanist and then allows students to search by a wide range of criteria, including: region, instrument, musical specialty and style among others.

The Internet

If you still can’t find the music teacher who suits your requirements, then try searching the internet. Whilst not everyone providing services will be able to afford their own web site, there are numerous registers, blogs and forums which will still be able to give you both names and recommendations – you just may have to search a bit harder.

Always remember, if you are looking for a music teacher for a child always ensure that the teacher has either a State Teacher Registration or a State Working With Children Check.