This is by no means a complete list, but some observations from years of teaching saxophone to students of all ages and experience levels.
Your teacher….
1. should be organized, punctual, and communicative, and should give you all the lessons you’ve agreed upon
2. should be an excellent example of musicianship
3. should know that they are not the best player in the world
4. should be part of the historical traditions on their instrument, and pass those traditions to students
5. should give each student a reason/motivation to keep playing the saxophone every week
6. should challenge students to progress, sometimes beyond the expectations of the student
7. should support the student in developing performance skills and understanding of musical concepts
8. should always seek improvement in their own teaching and performance skills
9. should be encouraging through difficult times
10. should ask you questions
11. should be open to your questions about music, your instrument, or other things in life
12. should act with integrity. The motto, “do what you say, and say what you do” goes a long way.
13. should build positive relationships with their professional colleagues
14. should foster curiosity and allow students freedom to discover things rather than telling students how to do everything
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