Whenever I get a call or email from a potential student, I always wonder about two things…how the student will react to my studio (it’s cluttered with instruments!) and more importantly, what the chemistry will be like between the student and me. For years, I have told prospective students and parents that (presuming a competent teacher!), the most important thing is how the student and teacher interact. All the knowledge about technique and teaching are useless if the personalities of the student and teacher are incompatible. It always pays to take time to get acquainted with a new teacher before you start lessons. The extra time is well worth it in the long run.