7 ways to become a more confident instrumental teacher

The following list was published as part of a larger feature on Teaching Pedagogy published in The Strad's September 2013 issue. Subscribe and login, download on desktop computer or through The Strad App.

* Observe yourself teaching. A video recording gives you a clearer picture of the interaction between yourself and your students, and will help you become aware of any unhelpful patterns that need to be addressed.

*Talk with other tutors in your community about teaching. Sometimes the best environments for learning are informal meetings.

*Make a commitment to your professional growth by attending continuing education courses, workshops, or symposia.

*Arrange to observe other teachers. Be sure not to limit your observations only to your instrument and teaching situation — learn from the best music teachers in a variety of settings.

• Read: Growing pains: bringing out the best in teenage students
• Read: The motivation to practise should come from the student - not the parent or teacher
• Read: 7 views on teaching stringed instruments to beginners

*Become a member of a professional teaching organisation. Your attendance at conferences and other events will increase your visibility as a professional, while contributing to the mission of shared ideals.

*Collaborate with other teachers in the organisation of concerts, masterclasses, festivals or joint sponsorship of a guest clinician.

*Nurture students in a positive environment and motivate them with high artistic standards towards fostering the full potential of each individual. Although it is wonderful to perform music, it can be even more gratifying to share the joy with others.

The Strad's Teaching Pedagogy feature is published in the September 2013 issue – Subscribe and login, download on desktop computer or through The Strad App.