Life as a musician is a never ending journey of collecting information and gaining knowledge from others. There are so many areas one can improve in.  Sound, technique, improvisation, creativity, rhythm, vocabulary, repertoire, composition, the list is endless.

When selecting a teacher think very carefully about what it is you wish to improve on and choose a teacher who you believe can help you in that area.  When an OOP student comes to me I immediately ask them “What brings you to me?  What do you hope to be better at by the end of our lessons?”  We then implement a strategy to accomplish the goals.

If you wish your teacher to assess you and offer their opinion, let them know that and be prepared to follow their suggestions to improve in the areas they identify. Choosing your teacher is a wonderful, personal freedom, but the responsibility is on the student to choose a teacher who can help them with their individual personal goals, and carry them towards a successful outcome. 90% of student improvement comes from disciplined practice.  A teacher can give you suggestions and advice, but it is your practice which makes those suggestions effective and successful.