What do I look for?
It is possible you will receive a rather long list of teachers. Don't despair. Again ask the middle school teacher "out of all these teachers, whom would you recommend the most, given that my child has ADHD?" (etc).

In my opinion, the least important factors are 1. How much the teacher charges, and 2. Where the teacher lives.

I think you know me pretty well by now, and it might amaze you to realize that most parents call (or have their child call) and ask those two exact questions. Not that you should pay more - I had a student in the Seattle Youth Symphony's top orchestra who commented to me that he had stand partners that were paying over $120/lesson, and couldn't fathom why they just didn't take from me at (only) $60/hr. My rates are a little higher now, as that was back in the 90's. Nothing against those other teachers - I'm sure they are excellent. I can understand about wanting to know where the teacher's studio is located. I didn't say it wasn't important at all, just one of the least important, in my opinion. Truthfully, if it were me, if it were a toss up I would just pick the teacher that was closer. Or least expensive.. if it's a toss up, why not?

OK, on to what's important:
I believe that your child should be taught the following:

1. Good mechanics/technique.
2. Ability to read music.
3. Musicality and self-expression.
4. Basic theory (key signatures, scales, etc).
5. Fun pieces with performance opportunities.

By performance opportunities I mean things as informal as workshops, which I hold at my home, maybe only 3 - 6 students at a time. If I charge a small fee it's only to help cover the cost of hiring a professional accompanist. It gives the students a chance to share their music, meet the other students and, most importantly, grow up being comfortable playing in front of other people. At workshops I tell students it's ok to stop and start over if they feel like it, or sometimes they play their piece twice, or the play only part of their piece. Often it's like a masterclass and I remind them of things which they can practice while standing in front of the other kids.

I also frequently host more formal recitals. There the goal is to prepare their piece to a higher level, learn to perform without stopping, and even to dress nicely.
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