Here are some things to consider:
- How do you feel after each lesson- invigorated and excited to try out what you've learned, or frustrated to the point of not wanting to continue piano? (some frustration is to be expected, but not at the cost of desiring to play)
- Has he directed his behavior towards you at all?
- Have you made efforts to discourage such discussion in your lessons by either redirecting to questions or issues you had with your practice, or by being frank and asking him not to discuss such things with you?
Depending on how you answer these questions will hopefuly help you determine how you should proceed.
Well it seems that the responses reflect my mixed emotion about him as well. Thank you all again for sharing your thoughts.
Morodiene, great questions.
1. I do feel invigorated and most def. excited to try the new things we discussed. The further/better I've gotten too, it seems I'm more excited than when I began. I like the music better too now which helps.
2. Nope. Not at all. That I would not tolerate.
3. No I haven't. I didn't want to be rude...and I guess my professional attitude 'make no judgement on people' (heck, believe me, everyone has their hangups and what's normal is well...pretty varied). And, I didn't want to upset him and effect my lessons not that he ever has gotten angry or acted out in anyway. He is just the way he is...and I've been very willing to overlook some of his behavior, it was just this whole lack of an empathic response to my losses that upset me most and made me bring this topic up.
Hreichgott, 'Sounds like not a normal person but maybe a very good teacher.' Pretty much exactly.
Much food for thought.
Chris