hi,
my piano teacher, who i have been going to for 6 years, took a stroke 4 months ago, and he is still in hospital. I don't think he'll be able to teach me for at least another 2 months, so i need to decide what to do. I need advice whether to get a new teacher, which would probably mean traveling 2 and a half hours once a fortnight, or finding a local teacher or just carrying on by myself until i can get my own teacher back. I really dont know what to do, so any advice would be much appreciated!
thanks, melody_maker xxx

Sorry to hear about your teacher .

Your around grade 6 so you would be capable of playing pieces on your own without a teacher. You can relax and play some stuff that you enjoy. Are you close to doing any exams?

Also, may I suggest music by a man called Joe Hisaishi. Just trying to spread the love.

My immediate reaction to your post is, what sort of standard are you that you feel you need to travel such a distance for a teacher, or what sort of reputation do the local teachers have that they are second best?

If someone has had a stroke you can not assume that they will wish to, or be in any position to continue to work as before. I have had very limited experience of people with strokes but have had some and if they are still in hospital 4 months later, I would assume it was more than a very minor one and they will possibly not be in any state to resume work as before, ie, they may need to recommence gradually, they will get tired very quickly and will probably need to take a much reduced work load. Again with a 4 month hospital stay (and I hate to say this) if it was more than a very minor stroke the standard of teaching that you receive following this may not be what you experienced before. So whilst you will naturally feel a sense of loyalty towards your teacher, personally I would start to look around for a new one, you can always switch back if they should bounce back as before.

The very best of luck, and I wish your current teacher a full recovery.

Sorry to hear that.
My teacher of several years was taken ill about this time last year so I know how it feels. With me I was told after a month that he would not be teaching again so was not left hanging aroud wondering for too long.
Although at first I thought I would wait some time before looking for another teacher I decided after some consideration to move on quite quickly and it has worked out really well for me.
I wish your teacher well and hope that you come to the right decision for yourself.

sorry to hear that.
i know it is hard for you..and i hope your teacher will be well as soon as possible.

Same here!

Car Expert

Sorry to hear about your teacher!!

My friends piano teacher injured his back earlier this year and couldnt teach her for about 3 months i think. She just carried on by herself but then again she IS at diploma level anyway. When my old piano teacher went on maternity leave I changed teachers as i was in the crucial part of learning for a grade.

Yes, same here too. Sorry to hear the news, and hope things work out for you either with a new teacher, or managing on your own in the meantime.

Amber
x

Sorry to hear about your teacher, melody maker. I hope he makes a speedy recovery.

If you're looking for a new teacher, try musicteachers.co.uk. Alternatively, let us know where you're based, as there might be a forums piano teacher not far from you.