I am going to begin to search for a guitar tutor this coming school term. How do you choose the right person ?

Hi Caz. I'm a professional classical guitarist. Here is what to look for in a guitar teacher. If you want to learn classical guitar, find a teacher who has a Bachelor's degree or better. You are in luck, because there are more of us out there than the market can bear, so a lot of fine teachers are branching out, not being able to get the rare university teaching positions. They're teaching privately and in all kinds of institutions. So you're likely to find someone good, esp. in a major metropolitan area like Melbourne.

Now , I'm not sharp on the scene in Australia, but I can tell you some more things that should help you. It is true that your teacher should be someone who is well-versed in music, and in the style you're interested in. Studying with a blues guitarist who has no experience with classical guitar, for ex., would be a trial.

Now, someone mentioned a "test lesson" - someone mentioned this.... You won't know enough after one single lesson about the teacher or his/her methods after a single lesson to judge. Instead, do your research before hand thoroughly, and sign up with the teacher you choose for a good three months or more. It would be ok to look for someone who is "nice" as well - nice makes it easier to learn, but you don't want a teacher who is too "nice" or they may not have the courage to tell you when you're on the wrong road.

Here are some very good links that should help in your search! The first is the Guitar Foundation of America. It is a treasure trove of everything classical guitar. The links page has a lot of great info, and you should look at the Guitar Societies in particular.

http://guitarfoundation.org/

http://www.classicalguitarsydney.org.au/

http://www.guitarwa.com.au/

those last two are much closer to home. Good luck, and if you want some assistance, feel free to contact me via my 360 page.

Get a list of teachers, make contact, cross of anybody who doesn't sound real nice when you approach them, ask for a "reference"/speak to their current/former learners, and then just as the previous answerer says take a test lesson. Good luck - maybe we'll be buying your CD's in a few years time!!

Talk with the prospective teacher and find out if he or she enjoys the same type of music you do.

Test lesson. It is the only way.