How to choose the right teacher?

[jsen]

I am 17 years old and I am thinking in applying to a conservatory/college in Europe, and auditions are in a few months to join a school next year (2013/2014).

I know the most important is not the school but the teacher.
Obviously , usually, best teachers are in best schools, and best schools have the best teachers.
So, if I am accepted in a good school, and that school has , for example, 7 piano teachers.How do I know which teacher to choose?? Already read that I should make a previous audition to meet the teacher, etc... But I cant make pre-auditions with 20 or more piano teachers... (not applying for just 1 school)

Thanks

[m1469]

Everybody is different, of course, with these things.  With one of my teachers, I stared at his photo for a bit, several times, trying to see deeply into his soul ... haha  ... before I ever contacted him.  Some of it may depend upon how the school itself works and whether they just assign you one (which I think does happen).  Do you prefer a particular school?  I agree it's about the teacher, but do you still prefer a school?  And no, I don't agree that the best schools automatically = the best teachers.  People get hired for various reasons, and it's not always a matter of being the best teacher, believe it or not.  You could at least see if you could write to the potential teachers, especially at your top choice school.  And then narrow down from there who you might like to meet with (if you are sure you'd have a choice).

[keypeg]

I'm wondering if your present teacher can give you insights.  That teacher would know your strengths and needs the best.

[danhuyle]

One who knows what you're after. 

I had teachers telling me everything is difficult like I was a classically disabled pianist.