What makes a good teacher?
What Makes a Good Teacher?
Welcome to the Raising Musos blog, where we share valuable music education tips to help parents support their child’s musical journey. Today’s topic delves into an essential question: What makes a good teacher?
As the owner of a music school and someone who has hired, interviewed, and worked closely with music teachers, I’ve spent considerable time reflecting on this. While there isn’t a definitive answer, I’ve developed a personal set of criteria that guides me when hiring teachers. Let’s explore the three key traits I look for: warmth and human connection, professionalism, and a willingness to learn.
1. Warmth and Human Connection
The most critical quality of a good teacher, in my view, is their ability to connect with others on a human level. Teaching is fundamentally about relationships. A great teacher exudes warmth—they’re welcoming, friendly, and genuine. They create a safe space for students to express themselves and grow.
My favorite teacher once told me, “When students like you, they’ll do anything for you.” That’s why I prioritize finding teachers whom kids will enjoy being around. When students love their teacher, lessons become more enjoyable and impactful, not because of the subject matter alone, but because of the relationship they share with their mentor.
Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve come to realize that my students don’t just love the piano or harp—they love spending time with me. Even though I didn’t consider myself a natural teacher at first, my ability to make students feel seen and heard has been the foundation of my teaching success.
When assessing warmth in potential teachers, I pay close attention to their mannerisms, behavior, and the way they make others feel in their presence.
2. Professionalism
While warmth is crucial, professionalism is equally important. For me, professionalism is about taking the role of teaching seriously and understanding the impact a teacher’s actions have on students and families.
Professionalism shows up in various ways, such as:
Timely and clear communication
Attention to detail (e.g., avoiding spelling mistakes in emails)
Punctuality and reliability
Respect for policies and systems
Presenting themselves appropriately in both appearance and demeanor
Ultimately, professionalism demonstrates a teacher’s commitment to their craft and their respect for the families they serve. It builds trust and ensures that lessons are delivered with consistency and care.
3. Willingness to Learn
The willingness to learn has become a non-negotiable trait I look for in teachers. None of us start as perfect educators; teaching is a skill that requires constant self-reflection and growth.
I’ve improved as a teacher because I’ve been willing to admit my shortcomings and invest in learning—whether through courses, resources, or experimenting with new methods. Self-reflection is vital. It’s easy for teachers to fall into patterns, repeating the same methods even when they’re not effective. True growth comes from being brutally honest with oneself and having the courage to adapt.
I once spoke with a teacher who acknowledged the limitations of traditional teaching methods but wasn’t willing to change her approach. That interaction reinforced how essential it is to hire teachers who are open to evolving and refining their skills for the benefit of their students.
Beyond Skills and Qualifications
Interestingly, skills and professional qualifications don’t top my list. While technical proficiency is important, being an exceptional musician doesn’t necessarily translate to being an exceptional teacher. Teaching is a distinct skill set that requires empathy, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others.
Many of us have had lecturers who were brilliant researchers but lacked the ability to teach effectively. The same principle applies in music education: great playing skills alone don’t make a great teacher.
What Do You Think?
These are the three traits I believe define a good teacher: their ability to connect with students, their professionalism, and their willingness to reflect and grow. Of course, there’s much more to say about this topic, and I’ll likely revisit it in the future.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you: What do you think makes a good teacher? Why do you enjoy lessons with your teacher? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!
