The Traits of a Good Music Teacher
A good teacher is a person who is able to accommodate for the needs of their pupil. Music is fairly demanding in multiple ways. And like learning anything new it can be frustrating at times for both the student and the teacher. There are many components to music and unlike learning something like math, where if you understand the concept you can find a solution, music requires skills in multiple areas. In music creativity and logic blend together, and that is difficult to teach. Additionally, there is a fair amount of practice involved. At times you just have to put in the raw effort, so motivation and drive are involved as well.
Some may think that all a teacher has to do is present the information, but good teachers explain the material and have a relationship with their students. They are patient and offer good constructive criticism. A teacher guides their student through the learning process and pushes their students to reach their full potential while also being flexible enough to accommodate for their students and meet them where they are at. A good teacher is also a good learner. Some of the best instructors are willing to learn themselves.
One can teach music theory, music fundamentals, and the proper techniques to play an instrument (or sing). But one thing to never forget is that teaching and learning is a two-way street. Both parties must be willing to do their part to make the relationship a successful one. Teachers of all sorts play an important role in each of our lives, regardless of whether it was their profession or not. We have learned many things from many different people, and ultimately the best teachers are the ones who help make the lesson stick, regardless of what it is.