Every student is different, and every teacher has different skills and a unique approach to teaching. At Top Music Teachers, finding the perfect teacher for your needs is easier than ever before. Teacher profiles include a summary of teaching and performing experience, academic qualifications, a description of teaching goals and philosophy, and testimonials from current and former satisfied students. Browse through profiles to find a teacher whose experience and personality pique your interest. Check the teacher’s availability to find a time that works for you, and sign up for your first lesson!
If you need help choosing a teacher, you can always Contact Us.
You can read our complete Cancellation Policy here.
You should arrive at your first lesson with a working instrument. Some instruments come in different sizes, so be sure you have the appropriate size for your child. In addition, it’s a good idea to take a notebook to record homework and notes from the lesson.
If you have previous experience, bring any music that you have worked on in the past. Consider preparing a piece to play so that your teacher can assess your level.
No. Signing up with us is free!
At TMT, we give teachers the freedom to decide how much they want to charge for their services. That means that lesson rates vary depending on the location, duration, and instrument, and on teachers' qualifications and level of experience.
Music lessons are not subject to GST or PST, so the rate you see is what you are charged, no taxes or administration fees.
For questions or information write to us at info@topmusicteachers.com
If you need support please submit a ticket or send and email to support@topmusicteachers.com
Or reach us by phone at 1.844.300.6030 or 604.445.1700
©Top Music Teachers Inc. #300-128 West Hastings St.
Vancouver BC V6B 1G8 Canada
At Top Music Teachers your safety is our top concern. Look for teachers with the Background Check badge indicating that they have undergone an extensive security and background review through BackCheck, North America’s industry leader in security checks. Teachers with the Credentials Verified badge have submitted copies of their diplomas or transcripts for TMT administration to review. You can also browse through testimonials to read what other students have to say.
For more information, please refer to our Trust and Safety page.
Yes. However, if after your first lesson you are not completely satisfied with your teacher, we will fully refund any remaining lessons, or help you find a new teacher.
Yes. You must have your own instrument for lessons and practice. Many local music stores provide musical instrument rentals at reasonable rates. Second-hand instruments can be purchased locally or through online listings. Please note that some instruments, such as violin, cello and flute, come in different sizes to accommodate small children. Your teacher will be able to advise you if you have specific questions about renting or purchasing an instrument.
If you want to improve at your instrument, enjoy your lessons, and get the most out of your musical education, a daily practice commitment is necessary. How much you practice each day depends on your age, level, instrument, and musical goals, but here are some very general guidelines:
- Beginner (Preliminary-Grade 2): 15-30 minutes/day
- Lower Intermediate (Grade 3-5): 30-45 minutes/day
- Upper Intermediate (Grade 6-9): 45-60 minutes/day
- Advanced (Grade 10 and up): 1-2 hours/day
At the moment, we do not offer group classes, but stay tuned! It’s something we’re planning for the future.
You may request to reschedule your lesson at least 48 hours in advance. Go to the Lesson Log under the Lessons tab, find the lesson you want to reschedule, and click Request Change.
Less than 48 hours in advance? Check out our Cancellation Policy.
It depends on the teacher, but normally a trial lesson includes a brief interview and then an introductory lesson. Be sure to take your instrument with you! If you have taken lessons before, it would be a good idea to take any music you’re working on, as well as a list of repertoire you’ve worked on in the past. The idea of a first lesson is to assess what level you are and what your goals are, so that your teacher can devise a plan for your lessons.
It is NEVER too late to discover the joy of music making! In fact, studies have shown that music lessons can help prevent memory loss, cognitive decline and hearing loss and improve cerebral plasticity, even when begun after the age of 65. Music lessons also bring positive physical effects, including improved coordination and balance, and increased levels of Human Growth Hormone--the chemical responsible for fighting osteoporosis, aches and pains, and even wrinkles! Plus, playing music reduces stress more than other relaxing activities like walking or reading the newspaper, and is known to alleviate depression and raise self-esteem.
Testimonials help your teacher attract new students, and lets us know we’re on the right track. To leave a testimonial, log into your account, go to the Lessons tab, and click Add Testimonial. Then let the compliments flow! Your testimonial will be posted after review by TMT administration.
Of course! Many people study two instruments at once, and find that their progress on one instrument propels them forward on the other.
If you mean two teachers on the same instrument, though, please note that many music teachers consider it unethical to work with another teacher’s student without their knowledge. If you do decide to sign up with two piano teachers, for example, be sure to let both teachers know your intentions from the outset.
Absolutely! At Top Music Teachers we believe that with the right teacher anyone can improve their skills and find lifelong enjoyment in music. Many of our teachers have experience working with students with learning disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities and other challenges.
If you need help finding a suitable teacher for your child, please Contact Us.
Enjoyment in music depends on progress and progress depends on committing to a regular routine, so we strongly recommend taking regular weekly lessons. However, our system is currently set up to allow you to take irregular lessons if you prefer. Please note that some teachers will not accept students who do not commit to a weekly lesson, both for the reasons mentioned above and because they reserve a specific weekly time for you.
Sure! Once your teacher has accepted your lesson request and your credit card has been charged, we will provide you with your teacher’s contact information. We recommend that teachers contact new students before the trial lesson, but some teachers are shy, so feel free to make the first move! It’s a great idea to establish some rapport before your first lesson.
No. When you create your account, enter your own information first under Contact & Personal Information. Then you can click on Student Information and add your child's information, including musical goals and experience. To add student information for additional children, go to the bottom of the page and click Add Another Item.
No. All payments must be made through the TMT website. Under the terms of their contract, teachers are not allowed to accept any payments directly from students.
Enjoyment in music depends on progress, and progress depends on committing to a regular routine, so we strongly recommend booking a package of at least 4-8 lessons. This allows your teacher to reserve a weekly time for you and to begin to develop a plan for your education. Our system is currently set up to allow you to book as few as one lesson at a time; however, some teachers will not accept students who do not commit to a longer lesson package.
Remember that your first lesson is always a trial lesson. If after the first lesson you are not completely satisfied, we will help you to find a new teacher or refund any future lessons, no matter what lesson package you choose.
Once a teacher has accepted your request for lessons, you can find his or her contact information under the Lessons tab.
We are striving to build a comprehensive music learning network. That means we are always looking for exceptional teachers in all instruments, styles and subjects, including theory, composition, conducting, music production, piano tuning, and more! Search our database for the right teacher for you.
Can’t find a match in your area? Contact Us and we will redouble our efforts to provide the perfect teacher for you.
Contact your teacher. In some cases there are still things that you can work on--rhythm drills, theory exercises, left-hand etudes--that make a lesson worthwhile! In other cases, it may be best to take a break until your arm is in working order.
Not yet. But we're looking forward to adding student recitals in the near future!