7 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Private Music Teacher
At Music House School of Music, we know how exciting — and overwhelming — it can feel to start the journey of private music lessons. Whether you're a brand-new beginner or someone picking up an instrument again after years away, finding the right teacher is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Unfortunately, it’s also where many people run into issues that can slow down progress or even dampen their love for music.
Because we’re a community founded and operated by professional musicians and teachers, we’ve seen firsthand what separates a great musical experience from a frustrating one.
Here are 7 common mistakes to avoid when choosing a private music teacher, so you can set yourself — or your child — up for a lifetime of musical growth.
1. Choosing Based Solely on Price
It’s understandable to want affordable private music lessons. But when cost becomes the only factor, you risk missing out on quality education. A less expensive teacher may lack training, experience, or a strong curriculum. At Music House, we believe music instruction should be an investment — one that provides real value through expert instruction, diverse performance opportunities, and a community that nurtures passion. Our students don’t just take lessons — they jam with pros, perform onstage, and connect with other musicians.
2. Not Considering Teaching Style
Every student learns differently. A teacher who works wonders for one student might not click with another. When choosing a private music teacher, it’s crucial to consider their teaching style: Are they patient and encouraging? Are they flexible, or do they stick to rigid lesson plans? At Music House, our team of over 30 instructors is handpicked not just for their musical ability, but also for their ability to connect with students and adapt to individual learning needs.
3. Overlooking Community and Performance Opportunities
Private music lessons are important — but they’re only one piece of the puzzle. Too often, families pick a teacher without considering what else is available outside of lessons. At Music House, we built our school on the belief that passion and advancement thrive within a vibrant community. That's why we offer group classes, rock bands, and specialized ensembles — along with opportunities like Jam with the Pros and monthly Student Showcases. Students aren't learning in isolation; they’re growing alongside others who share their love for music.
4. Ignoring the Importance of Curriculum
A strong curriculum provides structure, sets goals, and ensures steady progress. Without it, students can become frustrated, feeling like they’re spinning their wheels. Some places simply offer a collection of tiny studios rented by independent teachers, with no cohesive plan behind the instruction. That’s not how we do things at Music House. Our administrators and teaching faculty continually work together to improve and innovate our curriculum, ensuring that students experience a rich, rewarding journey from the very first lesson.
5. Failing to Prioritize Passion and Connection
A technically skilled teacher who lacks passion can make music lessons feel like a chore. Students need teachers who are enthusiastic, who inspire curiosity, and who show that learning music is exciting. At Music House, almost every member of our teaching community is an active performer as well as a teacher. This real-world experience translates into dynamic lessons that keep students engaged and eager to learn more.
6. Not Thinking About Long-Term Growth
A lot of families focus only on getting started — but it’s just as important to think about where the journey leads. Does the school offer opportunities for students to continue advancing as they improve? Can students branch into different instruments or styles? Our students at Music House aren’t boxed into one track. We encourage exploration, collaboration, and ambition, offering everything from beginner group guitar and piano classes to advanced ensembles and solo performances. We make sure students have room to grow every step of the way.
7. Skipping the Visit
You wouldn’t buy a house without walking through it, right? Choosing a music school or teacher should be no different. It’s crucial to visit, meet the instructors, and see the environment where learning happens. Music House isn’t just a place for private music lessons — it’s a home. Our locations in Overland Park, Lenexa, and Prairie Village feature lesson studios, large group classrooms, comfortable hangout areas, and state-of-the-art auditoriums. We built our spaces to foster community, creativity, and comfort. When students walk through our doors, they feel like they belong.
Private Music Lessons Are Just the Beginning
At Music House School of Music, we know that private music lessons are a vital part of learning — but they’re not the whole experience. We believe in a complete cycle of learning: students Learn, Play, and Perform. Private lessons are where students build their fundamental skills. But it’s through our jam sessions, student showcases, and group classes that they develop the confidence and passion that makes music a lifelong joy.
Over the last 17 years, we’ve taught over 9,000 students and built a team of 37 administrators and teachers who are deeply committed to making Music House a place where students don’t just learn music — they live it.
If you're ready to get started with private music lessons and become part of a thriving, passionate musical community, we invite you to schedule a visit to Music House. Come tour one of our vibrant locations in Overland Park, Lenexa, or Prairie Village and experience the Music House difference firsthand. We can’t wait to meet you and help you or your child discover the joy of music!
