That's it. At last, our mind's made up. We'll be arranging next week for a consultation lesson for VN in March literally just before her audition.

Has anyone been as a young child or teenager? Would like to know whether we are asking for something a bit "unconventional" if her violin teacher pops along with dad, too?

I'm sure we can ask the professor whether that's OK but then I don't want to. I'm too shy to ask him as I don't know him at all and we wouldn't want him to think we're a bit odd/demanding/presumptous?

Any ideas (re. being accompanied by a teacher, as well, even if you've been only as an adult) ?

Thanks,
Tess & VN

Could you put in a bit more info about what the audition is for and what you are hoping to get out of the consultation lesson? I gather it's not a consultation with someone you want to take over immediately from her present teacher.

kinda confused what the question is, but couldn't you explain to the professor that it's new to you and ask if it's usual for teachers to come along too? i would have thought they'd deal with a lot of people who are new to it and wouldn't think you were demanding or anything. i'm sure he'd just want to help you

Actually VN is quite shy except when performing. As you've said earlier, she may get more out of the lesson if her present teacher is there and thus he will be able to take in what's said so as to discuss and hopefully, make use of it later. For undisclosed reasons (known only to her, I'd guess) she has said several times now that she prefers his to her dad's presence? I'm thinking of MAYBE saying the above to the professor???

Dacapo, it's not for changing teacher immediately though of course if they like each other, who can tell the distant future? It's just to assess her ability/temperament and to perfect technically her 2 audition pieces (which she must be sick of by now ).

Thanks crazy cow for our reassurance.

I'm confused about this question - is VN changing teacher because the current one is no good? Taking the old one along sounds slightly odd to me.

David

David,
As I've said to Dacapo, this lesson is NOT for changing teachers. It is:
(1) to assess her ability with a 2nd professional and independent opinion other than VN's own teacher who himself happens to teach in another Lonbdon conservatory different from that prof; and
(2) to perfect her audition pieces technically and further. If you want a bursary/scholarship, it's not enough to play well. You have to play very VERY well indeed! Like old folks say - You need to spend some money in order to get more money, needed.

VN and VN's teacher both like to go. Coincidentally, VN does not want her dad to go and he (her dad)has agreed to let her go with her teacher. Hope I'm clearer this time. She's definitely NOT changing teachers in the short run as she's only grade 5 level albeit a good one, we were told. One must not take things for granted - no matter how good she may be, even with easy/simple pieces, there is always always ROOM for firstly, humility and secondly, improvement/perfection.

She's got to learn THOSE 2 values (in fact, humility and the pursuit of perfection is actually inextricably linked) early, and, it will stand her in good stead in the future if her feet is firmly on the ground. It WILL be on ground level if another prof (not her teacher) corrects instead of praises her. VN is a very down-to-earth kid and unassuming but as a parent, I believe firmly in prevention being better than a cure. My guess is, parents on this forum are likely to agree with me that there's nothing more gross than a big-headed kid. I've met one.

Tess

Does VN's teacher know whether or not it's acceptable for him to go? Or do you not want to ask him either ?

Does her teacher play the piano? If so she could take him to the lesson in the role of accompanist at least: I saw Nicola Benedetti having a violin lesson on TV once, and she takes her accompanist to lessons.

You, AP, are a star! What a fab idea. Sounds very positive.

VN's teacher had simply assumed he could go as he went before in the past. It didn't even occur to him to ask me whether it's an issue. He just said - I'd love to go if "you" (not the prof!) don't mind? Just like that. His previous student who went was a teenager and they went without the parents, of course. I suppose teenagers can't stand their parents there. VN's accompanist is, yes, her teacher. Good idea, AP.

NOW, I'm sure I know what to say when I call. Something very positive. (I confess I'm a chicken, really, at heart.) Hmm, something like this: "I wonder if you mind if her teacher comes along? He's usually her accompanist and also, it'd be helpful if he could take in what you'll say and help her work it out later."

To be honest, I can't imagine ever coming across this scenario in this part of the country! Personally, as a teacher, I think I would feel somewhat 'miffed' that a pupil was going to see another teacher for a consultation/run though or for them to offer their opinion. I would hope that parents trusted my judgement. Personally, if a parent told me they were taking a pupil to another teacher to see what they thought about their playing/singing, I don't think I'd know what to say - less being asked to go too!

However, everywhere and everyone is different, so VN's teacher may be fine with this, though from my perspective, it seems a slightly peculiar position to be in.

David

I see this as more of a "masterclass" for VN, and I know my teacher would be very pleased and very interested if I got this sort of opportunity for some additional input and another professional ear.

I'm sure it can't be that unusual.


Oh and another thing...

I will regularly take the opportunity if I get it to attend extra curricular workshops or the like with other teachers (in fact I have been to a couple of them from this forum) and discuss what I have done with my teacher afterwards. Its no problem at all.

Yes, I agree with that.

Yes, that's how I have understood it too. It's not a chance for the second teacher to take over or trample over the first teacher, it's simply a second opinion, a new pair of ears, and some fresh input - all of which are hugely beneficial now and then.

Good lucK Tess. I know where you are coming from. I was going to post when I first saw this but I am glad I waited.

When I first saw your post I was going to say that my son was going to have a consultation with another violin teacher. The teacher came round tonight and they played together for an hour and then he discussed with me what was good and what needed work for his grade 5 and auditions that were coming up. It was very good for my son (who has got a stage of not listening to me !!) but I didnt sit in on the consultation and only heard it in parts, my son came out beaming and seems alot more positive from the experience.

Afterwards we both decided that he would take over the teaching for the next 1/2 term and see how he could develop my son's playing.

Will you have to go to one of the colleges of music for your consultation? Some of the professors are tutors in my son's bands/orchestra so it is good when one offers to hear them as they can compare their playing to those at junior college/academy.

David, this is quite common according to VN's teacher who teaches at RCM. He has been before with his other student although that student was a high grade 8 distinction level. He actually encourages it as it is effectively a masterclass with a top technique maestro. Don't know abt elsewhere but certainly in London, I was advised by parents on this forum that it is not only quite common but very much advisable prior to junior conservatory entry! Besides I didn't suggest the consultation lesson in the first place so I don't feel embarassed in this instance - it was first suggested to me by the prof himself when I asked him a question in writing about his involvement with a music specialist school. I mentioned VN's progress and her intent to go there at year 9 (she's in year 4 now) and then he became interested. The best thing is, as we are anonymous faces, not being musically in the know, we get some excellent advice that I'm confident will help her secure a slot in a place like say, JG, from this consultation and we have nothing to lose other than our face if VN fouls up!

Edit
Hurray! I've just spoken to him and asked whether VN's teacher could come and he immediately said - Of course, he could come!

Thanks for all your advice!