<p>As an initial screening for undergrad, S found attendance at or participation in master classes to be quite helpful. Not all college profs give master classes, but some do. They’re a good way of experiencing firsthand how a teacher addresses certain facets of technique as well as the flavor of student/teacher interactions. </p>
<p>Violadad’s suggestion of tapping other students’ experiences is a good one, as is attending summer festivals, etc. </p>
<p>Most of S’s undergrad auditions were followed by a trial lesson/interview, sometimes right after, other times later in the day. </p>
<p>An important factor for S was the size of trombone studio(s). He did not want to be “one of the masses” fighting for two/three seats in the orchestra. He also wanted a teacher who was invested in teaching and who would be available to him. He’d heard of some talented teachers who, because of their outside commitments, were not always available for small ensemble coachings or not flexible in terms of rescheduling lessons, etc. </p>
<p>One can assume that someone teaching an instrument at the college level has to be “good”. What you’re looking for the person who can best help you attain your goals. As others have stated time and time again on these boards, it’s all about finding the right match. </p>
<p>Hope this is helpful. Feel free to PM me if you need/want more info.</p>