Hi Piano Teachers,
Was wondering..how many of you out there teach piano (privately or thru school) and still study under a mentor? And how often do you go to your teacher /lessons?

I 've always wondered if music teachers stop learning from their own teachers once they qualify to teach students. Or do they learn on their own?
I know my current piano teacher is too busy to take any lessons..her schedule is packed..and her wrists are ruined for life..she can't play for long hours anymore. But my last piano teacher I had was still studying under her professor (but she learned on her own and only went to see her mentor to review or rehearse before giving a concert etc).

Would parents expect teachers to be still constantly learning and updating knowledge? Do they care as long as you can teach their children and be progressing through levels?

Thanks.

Hi Margave. I haven't come across any parents who ask if I go to a teacher myself. I think they're just interested in results. Some are only concerned that their child HAS an interest (and not stuck on TV or computer games).

I don't go to a teacher, but I am CONSTANTLY learning. I feel this is very important to keep yourself out of a rut and remember your own love and passion for music - which can get a little squelched when you have a full schedule of beginner or early intermediate students.

Because teaching is my main concern, and not performance, I add to my music knowledge library all the time, set specific goals for myself. The internet is a great source of information about techniques and methods - Kodaly, Dalcroze, Orff, Suzuki. It's great to immerse yourself in different ideas or angles.

Again, personal practise is very important to keep that love and hunger for music alive. I also like to learn other instruments. I tried to get a violin teacher, but our schedules clashed, so am teaching myself.

I find these music forums a wealth of knowledge, because you're not just picking up tips from one teacher, but learning from a world wide teaching group!!

I still take lessons as I want to continue performing and eventually do my fellowship, I am also a very new teacher and my teacher used to teach teachers for a major music college so there is still alot I can learn and always will be, Its also fun to have someone to go to teachers courses with, like Kodaly and the intro of the new syllabus etc.

My students are actually surprised when they find out I still take lessons, but I certainly don't hide anything they know exactly what qualifications I have, my average results and what I want to achieve for me, and them!