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During the first free trial lesson with a student I ask about your musical goals and tastes so I can communicate the material in a way that connects everything we're doing with where you want to be as a player.
Rather than making the mistake of trying to reinvent the wheel for each student, I use a set of top notch curriculum (some I've written myself, some off the shelf) and present it in a way that moves you toward your musical goals.
Most importantly, you'll learn how to think like a musician as well as move your hands like one.
BA in Music from San Jose State University as well as studying with a couple dozen private teachers over the years.
I'm also a nationally touring performing artist and have been banging around stages (where the real training takes place) for over 20 years.
I took a position teaching an after school music program for Guitar Showcase many years ago. I'd already been playing for a long time but they trained me in how to teach music.
After a year with them I branched off into my own lesson studio where I've been teaching since 1994.
I take Piano students as young as 5 year old. For Guitar and Flute I accept ages 8 and up.
I've yet to find an upper limit for the ages of my students. The 80 year old man in a wheelchair that was learning Gypsy Jazz guitar with me showed me that anyone who wants to play can.
Have a clear idea of what kind of player you'd like to be - "I want to play songs for my kids" or "I want to form a band and do gigs.", etc.
That goal can certainly change later on, but at the beginning it will give the teacher a clear of idea what and how to teach you.
Make sure the teacher has experience teaching music. Teaching is a different skill than playing and ideally they should be good at both.
That said, you might click with a less experienced teacher and that's fine. Personal chemistry goes a long way in making the lessons fun for everyone. You may have to try a few teachers before you find the right one.