When starting out in music, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how you’ll learn — and who you’ll learn from. Should you take private lessons? Try a group class? Use an app? Follow YouTube tutorials? Enroll in an online course?
With so many options, it can feel overwhelming. But choosing the right teacher or learning platform can make all the difference in your progress, motivation, and overall enjoyment.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to choose the best music teacher or course for your needs as a beginner — whether you’re learning in person or online.
Why Your First Teacher or Course Matters
Your first learning experience can shape:
- How confident you feel
- How consistent your practice is
- How well you develop good habits
- How motivated you stay in the long run
A good teacher or course will not only teach you technique but also keep you engaged, inspired, and progressing at the right pace.
Step 1: Know Your Learning Style
Before you choose a teacher or course, ask yourself how you learn best. Consider:
Do you prefer:
- Structure or freedom?
- Visuals (videos, diagrams), auditory (listening), or hands-on (doing)?
- Learning at your own pace or being kept accountable with a schedule?
- One-on-one guidance or being part of a group?
Understanding your learning style helps you choose a method that feels natural — which leads to faster, more enjoyable progress.
Step 2: Define Your Goals
Be clear about what you want to achieve, even if it’s basic.
Examples:
- Learn to play chords and sing along
- Understand music theory
- Read sheet music
- Join a band or jam with friends
- Play a specific genre (jazz, classical, pop, etc.)
- Compose your own songs
Your goals will determine what kind of teacher or course you need.
For instance:
- A classical piano teacher may not help much if your dream is to write indie pop songs.
- A course focused on improvisation might not be ideal if you want to read complex sheet music.
Step 3: Explore the Options
Now let’s look at the main ways to learn as a beginner, and what to look for in each.
1. Private Music Teachers (In Person or Online)
A private teacher gives you personalized instruction and feedback.
Pros:
- One-on-one attention
- Lessons tailored to your pace and goals
- Immediate feedback and correction
- Builds a long-term learning relationship
Cons:
- More expensive than group or online options
- Requires scheduling and commitment
How to choose:
- Look for someone experienced teaching beginners
- Ask about their teaching style and areas of focus
- Try a trial lesson before committing
- Make sure they’re supportive, patient, and encouraging
- Check reviews or ask for student testimonials
Red flags:
- They talk too much and don’t let you play
- They move too fast or too slow for your level
- They ignore your personal music interests
2. Group Classes
Often available through community centers, schools, or music academies.
Pros:
- Social and motivating
- More affordable
- Learn to play with others
- Good for general beginners
Cons:
- Less individual attention
- The pace may be too fast or too slow
- Fixed schedule
How to choose:
- Look for beginner-friendly classes
- Ask how big the group is (smaller is better for personal feedback)
- See if there’s a curriculum or learning outcome
- Choose a class that matches your age group and interests
3. Online Music Courses
Pre-recorded lessons you can follow at your own pace.
Pros:
- Flexible schedule
- Learn at home
- Usually much cheaper
- Lots of variety (genres, skill levels, techniques)
Cons:
- No personal feedback
- Harder to stay motivated without accountability
- Quality varies a lot between platforms
Popular platforms:
- Yousician – fun, game-style learning for multiple instruments
- Fender Play – focused on guitar, bass, and ukulele
- Simply Piano / Simply Guitar – easy for total beginners
- Pianote – structured piano courses with community features
- JustinGuitar – free, trusted site for guitar players
- Udemy – one-time payment courses in various styles
- Skillshare – music lessons as part of a creative subscription
How to choose:
- Read reviews and ratings
- Look for beginner-level roadmaps or step-by-step guidance
- Choose one that includes video lessons + practice exercises + play-alongs
- Check for downloadable materials or progress tracking tools
4. Music Learning Apps
These offer quick, fun lessons and games to keep you engaged.
Great for:
- Learning chords, scales, and theory
- Ear training and rhythm practice
- Practicing on the go
Popular apps:
- Tenuto – great for music theory and reading practice
- Perfect Ear – ear training and rhythm exercises
- TonedEar – interval and chord recognition
- Flowkey – piano-focused with interactive play-along
- Melodics – keyboard, finger drumming, and pad skills
Use apps to complement your main lessons — not replace them entirely.
5. YouTube Channels
A free way to learn music, with thousands of video tutorials for all instruments.
Pros:
- Huge variety
- Free and accessible
- Great for learning songs and quick tips
Cons:
- No feedback
- No structured learning path
- Can be overwhelming or inconsistent
Best used for:
- Supplementing lessons
- Song tutorials
- Specific techniques (e.g., fingerpicking, singing harmony)
Recommended beginner channels:
- JustinGuitar (guitar)
- Pianote (piano)
- GuitarLessons365
- MusicTheoryForGuitar
- The Vocalist Studio (singing)
Step 4: Set a Budget
Prices can vary widely depending on the method:
- Private teacher: $20–$60 per lesson (weekly or bi-weekly)
- Group class: $10–$30 per class
- Online course: $10–$40/month (or one-time purchase)
- Apps: Free–$15/month
- YouTube: Free
Remember: the most expensive option isn’t always the best — and the cheapest option might not give you enough structure.
Set a monthly learning budget that fits your lifestyle, and look for options within that range.
Step 5: Commit to Consistency
No matter what method you choose, your consistency will matter more than the platform.
Tips to stay consistent:
- Schedule your practice like any other appointment
- Choose one method and stick to it for a few months
- Set small, clear weekly goals (e.g., learn 2 chords, finish a lesson)
- Track your progress (use a notebook or app)
- Record yourself regularly to hear improvement
Step 6: Reevaluate Every Few Months
After 2–3 months, ask yourself:
- Am I enjoying this learning method?
- Am I seeing clear progress?
- Do I feel supported and encouraged?
- Is it helping me reach my musical goals?
If not, it’s okay to switch. The best path is the one that keeps you learning, growing, and inspired.
Final Thoughts: The Best Teacher Is the One That Keeps You Playing
The perfect course or teacher isn’t about credentials or fancy platforms — it’s about finding the right fit for you.
Choose a teacher or course that:
- Supports your goals
- Matches your learning style
- Keeps you motivated
- Makes you feel encouraged and empowered
Music is a journey, not a race. The teacher or course you choose now is just your starting point. Stay open, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to try new things until you find what makes learning music feel exciting.
You don’t have to figure it all out today — just start. The rest will unfold one lesson, one note, one joyful step at a time.