Professional Qualities of Successful Music Teachers - Ervin

Britt Beil
MUSIC 23241
January 25, 2011

Professional Qualities of Successful Music Teachers

               In Max Ervin's article, he describes what qualities a music teacher must possess to be successful. Many of the qualities are quite obvious such as a love of young people, a love of teaching, sincerity, contagious enthusiasm, optimistic and organized. A few other qualities are a little less obvious but still very important such as a continued interest in learning, a sense of humor, faith in human potential, concern with personal appearance and mannerisms, and a sensitivity of emotions and intellect. He gives little details and examples of how these qualities are important and can put you ahead of the curve when applying for a job. 

               Although I have only had three different directors who have made an impact on my life, I feel that they all possessed most, if not all, of the qualities Ervin points out as being important. I know that whenever I go into my choir, if the teacher is in a good mood, I tend to join them because they are so optimistic and their enthusiasm is very contagious. Never have I had a teacher come into class dressed down or looking like a bum, and I feel that makes quite an impact because you know that they mean business and they aren't lazy. I have had issues outside of school, my teachers have always been supportive and have helped me out. 

               A teacher can have a major impact on their students and it is very important for them to realize this and do whatever they can to make their students happy. I definitely agree that having a strong concern in your personal appearance and mannerisms is especially important because your appearance is one of the first things anyone will notice about you and it can set the bar on the experience you have together. Also you must have a sense of humor or your experience will be a dull one.  The main trait I know I need to work on is sincerity, but mainly just the patience part of that. Nothing is worse than an impatient teacher trying to push you too work harder and stress you out.

Ervin, Max T. (1981). Personal qualities of successful music teachers. TRIAD, 57 (6), 12-13.