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> Going To Meet A Prospective New Violin Teacher, Am I a 'freak' (please read post)
jojo
post Jun 16 2009, 09:54 AM
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Ok

yesterday I had a chat with my current violin teacher, been learning with him ever since I first held a violin in my hands (that was 2 yrs and 5 months ago).
I 'feel' I need different teaching methods/approach now that I have grown as a player and that although he is a very nice person and an experienced player, he might not meet my particular needs.

I am afraid either he does not understand me (or I don't understand him) or I am asking him to be the teacher he is not, either way, I could not achieve a compromise with him.

So now I am looking for a new teacher (have not told my current teacher yet of my intentions but when I find my new teacher I will give him notice).

Have contacted one prospective person, he is apparently very experienced (studied witih Sascha Lasserson if anyone knows this teacher, I don't) and teaches to diploma and beyond to all ages.
On the phone he seemed like he might be the 'type' I need.

I have told him I would do a couple of trial lessons (paid) and see how we get on, he is more expensive than my current teacher, but I don't mind.

I have written out a couple of pages explaining: my long term goals, my short term goals, what I 'expect' from a teacher and what can a teacher 'expect' from me
it will take 1 minute or 2 to read, its bullet pointed and concise with a brief explanation for each point.

Do you think I will come across as a 'freak' when I ask him to read my list so that he can get an idea of what type of things I hope to find?

The list is a 'guide' for him to know what I think and what I want to achieve, it can be discussed, it could be that I have some really 'out of reach' expectations and he could comment on this.

I would be happy to post my list on here if any of you would like to read it and comment on it.

I am meeting him this saturday (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Thank you
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Andy-piano-flute
post Jun 16 2009, 10:17 AM
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I think it's a great idea - there can be no mis-understanding about what you would like to learn/how you would like to be taught / what your expectations are, & much clearer when put in writing. If you would like someone to read through it you could PM it to me?
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Digby
post Jun 16 2009, 10:39 AM
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QUOTE(jojo @ Jun 16 2009, 10:54 AM) *

Ok

yesterday I had a chat with my current violin teacher, been learning with him ever since I first held a violin in my hands (that was 2 yrs and 5 months ago).
I 'feel' I need different teaching methods/approach now that I have grown as a player and that although he is a very nice person and an experienced player, he might not meet my particular needs.

I am afraid either he does not understand me (or I don't understand him) or I am asking him to be the teacher he is not, either way, I could not achieve a compromise with him.

So now I am looking for a new teacher (have not told my current teacher yet of my intentions but when I find my new teacher I will give him notice).

Have contacted one prospective person, he is apparently very experienced (studied witih Sascha Lasserson if anyone knows this teacher, I don't) and teaches to diploma and beyond to all ages.
On the phone he seemed like he might be the 'type' I need.

I have told him I would do a couple of trial lessons (paid) and see how we get on, he is more expensive than my current teacher, but I don't mind.

I have written out a couple of pages explaining: my long term goals, my short term goals, what I 'expect' from a teacher and what can a teacher 'expect' from me
it will take 1 minute or 2 to read, its bullet pointed and concise with a brief explanation for each point.

Do you think I will come across as a 'freak' when I ask him to read my list so that he can get an idea of what type of things I hope to find?

The list is a 'guide' for him to know what I think and what I want to achieve, it can be discussed, it could be that I have some really 'out of reach' expectations and he could comment on this.

I would be happy to post my list on here if any of you would like to read it and comment on it.

I am meeting him this saturday (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Thank you


you absolutely will not come across as a freak, you know what you want and need and there is no point starting out with a different teacher if it is not the right one. Hope you enjoy your lesson on Saturday I always feel dreadfully nervous meeting a new teacher.
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Terra
post Jun 16 2009, 10:44 AM
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Your being honest and thats important. It's much better to let him know what you are looking for then go in having false expectations and leaving him at a later date. I don't think you should worry about it. It's a good idea.
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jojo
post Jun 16 2009, 11:33 AM
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AAAwwww thank you everyone for your prompt replies!

I must admit, I AM nervous about meeting a new teacher and I would like to try and make sure this is going to be the one suitable for me forever although you can never tell as once you start developing you may find that things change......
in my dreams I'd love to find a teacher who sees me for many years to come or 'forever' kind of thing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

I will definitely let you know how my first meeting goes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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Jacobi
post Jun 16 2009, 11:55 AM
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I'm sure it will be fine, surely teachers much prefer students who are keen and interested/focussed on what they want to do! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

QUOTE(jojo @ Jun 16 2009, 12:33 PM) *

I must admit, I AM nervous about meeting a new teacher...


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
My current teacher is leaving soon and my new one came to my lesson the other day
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/eek.gif)
That's two people I had to play in front of!
Luckily it was fine though,
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)
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jojo
post Jun 16 2009, 12:23 PM
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QUOTE(Jacobi @ Jun 16 2009, 12:55 PM) *

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
My current teacher is leaving soon and my new one came to my lesson the other day
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/eek.gif)
That's two people I had to play in front of!
Luckily it was fine though,
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)


Well done for playing in front of 2 teachers !!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

hope you will have many valuable/enjoyable lessons with your new teacher (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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STRINGMUM
post Jun 16 2009, 01:15 PM
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It's good that you know what you want to do and where you want to go. Sometimes changing teacher is the only option. My boys have both had more than one teacher on their instruments and have benefited from it.
I think I should be ok with mine for a bit longer but I have taken advantage of extra help when the opportunity has arisen. The scariest thing I've done was playing in front of my son's teacher but it was well worth it. He didn't interfere with my teacher's teaching just complimted it with things I can do to help me and my son. It was also good to know that I'm on the right track with development.
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miffy
post Jun 17 2009, 05:28 AM
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If this teacher is who I think he is, you will not need your list. He will know what you need, he is very experienced and easy to talk to.
He will work you hard, if he is right for you, you will come out shattered but elated.
Hope you enjoy it!

Miffy
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jojo
post Jun 17 2009, 07:01 AM
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Thank you StringMum to share your experience, nice to know (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Miffy, I have sent you a pm! I am surprised you have immediately thought of someone, is it because there is not many teachers who had Sascha Lasserson as a teacher here in the UK?

(I am intrigued now....the violinists world may not be as big as I thought it was!)
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elisabeth_rb
post Jun 17 2009, 08:06 AM
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All sounds very sensible to me. A student who knows what they want from their studies is very good for a decent teacher. There's nothing worse than, 'Oh, whatever, you know!' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)
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lottie
post Jun 17 2009, 08:16 AM
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Well done Jo!!! A really exciting step !

I think your list is a great idea and I would have done exactly the same.


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Sadly I'm thinking of taking a year off lessons/exams etc to concentrate on my degree but I'm still hoping to join the orchestra in August and go along a couple of times a month (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Let us know how you get on - I'm dying to hear all about it!!!!
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jojo
post Jun 17 2009, 08:55 AM
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QUOTE(lottie @ Jun 17 2009, 09:16 AM) *

Well done Jo!!! A really exciting step !

I think your list is a great idea and I would have done exactly the same.


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Sadly I'm thinking of taking a year off lessons/exams etc to concentrate on my degree but I'm still hoping to join the orchestra in August and go along a couple of times a month (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Let us know how you get on - I'm dying to hear all about it!!!!


Lottie! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) about the no lessons for a year, but hey, life is life and when you are 'grown up' like us (in age not in the head (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ) then different commitments take hold of you! DO go to the orchestra as you said as that will keep your playing going and you will probably still progress in your ability anyway! I am finding the orchestra a real help!!!

As for my teacher, I have managed to hear from someone who knows him and he sounds like a real 'pearl', I might be onto a winner here!!!! Watch this thread as I will post on Saturday!!!

Saturday will be very busy:
9 am luthier shop to get a new shoulder rest/chin rest (I know I can adjust things better)
10:30 new teacher's lesson
2pm last official orchestral reahearsal before concert (although I am not taking part in concert I don't want to miss any rehearsals!)
7pm at church hall getting ready for concert (I will go there to support them and check tickets at door!!!)
9:30pm concert ends
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)
Sunday work from 6am to 9pm (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)
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lottie
post Jun 17 2009, 12:55 PM
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QUOTE(jojo @ Jun 17 2009, 09:55 AM) *



9 am luthier shop to get a new shoulder rest/chin rest (I know I can adjust things better)
10:30 new teacher's lesson
2pm last official orchestral reahearsal before concert (although I am not taking part in concert I don't want to miss any rehearsals!)
7pm at church hall getting ready for concert (I will go there to support them and check tickets at door!!!)
9:30pm concert ends
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)
Sunday work from 6am to 9pm (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)



Any chance of Monday... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) ?

Good luck with it all - let us know how the lesson goes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
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jojo
post Jun 17 2009, 01:05 PM
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QUOTE(lottie @ Jun 17 2009, 01:55 PM) *

Any chance of Monday... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) ?

Good luck with it all - let us know how the lesson goes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

NO Lottie!!! it's work again 6am start for me! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)
it's a tough life ours!!

ps just noticed a change in your signature: you love cuddling chickens! you must be just about as much nuts as I am! LOL
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