Questions to ask at a trial music lesson

A trial lesson is a single lesson that lets a family and a teacher test the fit before signing up. Watch how the teacher speaks to your child, check that your child learns one new thing, and listen for clear directions for home. Then ask about teaching, practice, and policy. Twenty minutes of questions now can save a year with the wrong teacher.

Before the lesson

Tell the teacher these things when you book.

• Your child’s age and any past lessons
• What your child wants to play
• What you hope for: fun, exams, a school band, or serious study
• Anything that affects learning, such as attention, reading, or sensory needs

Ask if the trial is free or paid. Both are common. Ask how long it lasts, and if you may watch.

Bring the instrument, if your child has one, and any books they have used.

What to watch during the lesson

Watch for	A good sign
The first two minutes	The teacher speaks to your child, not only to you
The level	The teacher finds out what your child can do before teaching
The steps	New ideas come one at a time
Mistakes	The teacher treats them as normal and shows a fix
Your child	They try, answer, and lean in
The end	The teacher sums up and says what to do at home

For more on this, read how to choose a music teacher for your child.

Questions about teaching

• What method or books do you use with beginners?
• When do your students start to read music?
• Do your students play by ear, improvise, or compose?
• Do you prepare students for exams or festivals? Is it required?
• How many recitals do you hold each year?
• What ages and levels do you teach most?

Read Suzuki vs. traditional music lessons and music exams for kids.

Questions about practice

• How much practice do you expect each day at this age?
• What is my part at home?
• Do you write the assignment down?
• What do you do when a student has not practiced?
• Do you want me in the lesson?

Read how long should kids practice music each day? and should parents sit in on music lessons?

Questions about fees and policy

• What is the fee, and is it by the lesson, the month, or the term?
• What happens when we miss a lesson?
• What happens when you miss a lesson?
• How much notice do you need if we stop?
• What other costs come up, such as books, recitals, or exams?
• Do lessons run in the summer?

Ask for the studio policy in writing. Read makeup lessons and studio policies explained and how much do music lessons cost for kids?

Questions about the instrument

• What do we need at home before lessons start?
• Is a keyboard fine for the first year, or do we need a piano?
• What size of violin, cello, or guitar does my child need?
• Do you suggest that we rent or buy?

Read renting vs. buying an instrument for a child.

Questions for your child afterward

Ask on the way home, while it is fresh.

• What did you learn?
• What was the best part?
• Was anything hard to follow?
• Do you want to go back?

A child’s answer to the last question counts for a lot. A child who likes the teacher is more willing to practice.

Things that give pause

• The teacher talks through most of the lesson, and your child plays little.
• The teacher cannot say how a normal first year goes.
• There is no written policy.
• The teacher will not let a parent watch.
• You are pressed to sign up or pay for a long term on the spot.

One of these alone may have a good reason behind it. Ask about it.

How to decide

Try two or three teachers if you can. Use the same questions with each, and write the answers down the same day.

Then weigh three things: your child’s response, the clarity of the teaching, and how the schedule and the cost fit your family. If two teachers are close, pick the one your child liked.

When you choose, tell the other teachers. A short, kind note is enough.

Print and play

Print the lesson notes page and write your questions on it before you go. Read what to expect at a first piano lesson and private vs. group music lessons.