Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Adult Beginners Forum Torn in half - need advice

I don't really have any advice, but I will say that I'm pulling for you. I'm over 50 (barely) and utterly devoid of talent myself. No teacher, though. When I don't want to play something I don't. I only play pieces I enjoy listening to. Of course, I'm not getting better, either, without a teacher to challenge me. You just have to decide if you want to be lazy like me and never get any better or continue with a teacher and make at least some progress in your playing. If the lessons are a financial stretch, perhaps your teacher would be open to reducing their frequency to save you some money.

Hi Frycek, I understand you. I passed thru a similar situation last year. The first teacher I had was pretty good, I started lessons with her in my former town. Later, because work, I moved to a new city and a new teacher. And he was totally nuts (the new teacher), old fashined (coins on the hands like), changed absolute everything my former teacher was doing, gave me terrible stuff to work on, and the lessons were terrible... the thing just didn't work (and he was the most expensive of all).

So I didn't think twice, I just changed teachers, and this was one of the best decisions I made recently. My new teacher is awesome! Amongst the 3 teachers I had, she cares less with stupid details (like if my mouth is half opened of closed when I play) and more in technique and good taste.

Don't be afraid, be honest with yourself, if you are not linking to the point you are even posting this here, so I think is time to change teachers!


cheers

OK, I've studied with her for five months. It's not so much a matter of my rising to her challenges as feeling that I'm spending an awful lot of time rapidly gathering low hanging fruit -in other words being made to learn the first movement of a Beethoven sonata in a week when I'd be a lot more satisfied and challenged spending a month on the first page of a Chopin etude. As for the lack of personal bond -it's just that, not a dislike - just an indifference on her part. I feel like I could fall of the earth tomorrow and not elicit so much as a casual sigh. That would be beside the point if I were otherwise satsified but it's a factor that would make leaving easier. If there were any sort of bond forming I might feel more comfortable with challeneging her "program" for me. As it is I feel her attitude is this his how I teach, take it or leave it.

I know how you love those challenging Chopin pieces! Perhaps you should simply tell your teacher you prefer to work on those pieces and that you would like her to help you master them.

Hi Frycek, life is too short to waste. The most important thing is to have fun. If you don't enjoy what you are doing, then change it. Good luck!

I took a dozen lessons. Totally bored. And my teacher would never 'show' me anything. I started 'self-teaching' in August of '09. I bought books and actually studied, took the tests, played everyday, studied on the internet, learned the keys, chords...I feel like I have learned more in 9 months than I could have learned in 5 years of lessons. There have been less than 5 days in 9 months that I don't sit at my piano.(until I just HAVE to get up!) It is one of the most enjoyable, fulfilling things in my life. And I see and feel growth every week. I would like to find a teacher that would show me the secrets, tricks, chord patterns... I'm almost 50 and am not going to be a concert pianist. But I can play just about any song in my church hymnal! And I am loving every minute of it. I guess I wanted a teacher that would show me more.

That's what's wrong with the teaching/learning profession. Is delving into such a great mystery so bland?
More sober but very true.

She makes you play Beethoven!? Why would you play Beethoven when you can play Chopin?

You mustn't lose your delight in music whatever happens, Frycek. Work from that premise and do whatever has to be done. A bit of thought should tell you exactly what is causing this loss of interest. Examine your finest moments in music and understand how they came into being. Think about the precise origins of your previous musical pleasure. Think about why these occurrences are now absent. I doubt the answers will be complicated and they may or may not involve your new teacher.

Of course if the same negativity is permeating the rest of your life, then that is an altogether different problem.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I've cancelled my lessons for now, ending on a friendly note hinting that I might like to come back some time in the future.

Hmmm, 5 months, that is probably 20 lessons... I think you either need to talk to her, or tell her she's fired.

Why is she having you play the Beethoven piece? Do you know what her teaching philosophy is, and agree with it? She has to have a reason for what she's having you do, and you have to understand and agree with that reason. If not, time to go elsewhere.

Given your love of Chopin, I can see how there would be great benefit in having you play some things from the standard repertoire that are a little easier and would allow a focused attention on certain technical and or musical aspects. But that only works if she's clear about why she's having you play something and if you're clear on what you're supposed to be getting out of each piece.

I think you either need to have a serious talk with her about lessons goals, or maybe you should quit. 5 months is long enough for both of you to be used to each other etc.

When I go to my lessons , I am always excited about going. When I finish my lessons I always feel like I've benefited from the time spent. That doesn't mean that the lessons are never hard or never frustrating. And there are times when I didn't prepare as much as I'd like. But my teacher understands that I am a grad student and school has to come first. She is always only ever encouraging. These are things we should expect from our teachers. Do not settle. Talk to her. And don't let this experience keep you away from the music you love.

Please let us know what you decide. And don't be discouraged by this , if it doesn't work out, it is not your fault!

One of the best (and most inspiring) posts I've read anywhere in the forums at any time - there is much wisdom in this for all us self-teachers - thanks HappyApple - you've made me a HappyCamper!

JF

Fyrcek, oops, you must have posted while I was typing.

Anyway,I am glad you came to a decision. Now, back to the keyboard and find your joy again!