What to look for in a music teacher

Often times people will take music lessons or take their kids to a music instructor without putting much thought into how well that teacher appeals to the student's strengths.  Most teachers only teach one way and do not adapt well to students who may have different learning styles.  If this is the case, you really have only two options, other than muddling along with an inadequate teacher:  Help your instructor understand what works for you, or find another instructor. 

The best teachers will teach you how to teach yourself.  Some examples of a teacher that you may want to avoid would be one who is inflexible,  who insists the you play songs you don't like, or is impatient with your mistakes or bad habits.  A good teacher is positive, flexible, and willing to seek out pieces that suit the students technique and taste.  Also, the ability to communicate and relate to the student is paramount to quality skill development.  If you feel that you are not making progress, or you feel that you are less interested in the lessons than you expected to be, it may be the teacher, and not you.