Hi,

I have just passed my Grade 5 in piano. I have had the same teacher for about 4 years, a normal lesson consists of me sitting down playing stuff and she'd say if anything was wrong.

This was OK during the earlier grades, but I started to notice in grade 5 that she wasn't really teaching me any more and didn't remember what we had previously covered and at times I would have to correct her with some stuff. I decided the last straw was the week before my grade 5, she noticed that I had been playing a section wrong despite having had lessons off her regularly.

Because I've only ever had one teacher I'm not sure if this is what lessons are supposed to be like. Is this a normal teaching experience? Am I expecting too much from my teacher? What can I expect to be taught from grade 6 onwards?

Cheers

Chris

One of the first things I would do following a (fairly major) milestone like grade 5 is to sit down with a student and discuss what we do next. I am always keen to broaden musical experience, and I sometimes produce a list of examples of music across the centuries that I feel (erm - not should - not a helpful word!!) ... would be useful to explore.

To some extent this depends on what you have studied and played before. But filling in gaps is something I'm always keen to do. We would listen to some examples from the list and choose a couple to explore.

I realise this doesn't answer all your questions but it's something I feel is important. David gave you a good list of what a lesson *could* include.

I have to dash now but will check the thread again later as there is much more that could be added.

Thanks for your replies so far!



I think you've highlighted one of the main problems I have, Dave. I don't really know what I need to be taught for higher grades or what I should be asking her to teach me...if that makes sense? I get the impression she doesn't know either as I'm now the highest grade she has taught. I've also got more annoyed by her lack of preparation for lessons, is expecting her to be familiar with my pieces too much? I really like her and she is a nice woman but I think it might be time to move on to a more experienced teacher.

Cheers

Chris

A. Looks like you have already decided to change teachers, and from the tone of your post that is probably best as the relationship might not work in future. The relationship works best when you have complete faith and trust in your teacher, and they appear to have been lost.

B. Whatever you think of your present teacher they must have been doing something right. You have, after all, reached Grade 5 standard.

C. Have you tried reading some books on piano technique and piano teaching. They disagree a lot, but you can still learn a lot from them, and when you find your next teacher you'll be better placed to decide quickly if they know what they are doing.

D. There is not really a typical lesson. Some teachers teach entirely differently with different students, both in content (having figured out what you most need) and style (how will you best learn it).

E. There is a lot of luck in whether you end up with a superstar teacher, an average teacher, or a charlatan. You should be able to spot the charlatans quite quickly. As most teachers are (by definition) average, that is what you are likely to end up with!

F. Once you are past childhood you become responsible for your own musical progress. A teacher is essential for most of us, but it is your job to find the right teacher for you.

++++++

I have had four teachers. They all had some great strengths, and some of them certainly had some weaknesses, but somehow they all managed to give me what I needed at the time.

1. First teacher - to grade 5

Strengths: Knowing how to present difficult new material to complete beginners. Patience
Weaknesses: Her own playing standard was not high

2. Second teacher - to grade 8

Strengths: Solid technical training, scales, arpeggios, chords, touch, control ...
Weaknesses: Possibly did not push me enough

3. Third teacher - to Diploma

Strengths: Revealed an entirely new higher standard of playing. Finding "the line" in music
Weaknesses: He thought I was better than I really was

4. Present teacher - hopefully to performing artist

Strengths: Perfectionist in every aspect - timing, touch, dynamics, accuracy. And very supportive
Weaknesses: Haven't found any yet

You don't say how well you did in you G5. If it was a great/good pass then all credit to you and your teacher. I am sure she was equally as horrified when she realised you had played a passage incorrectly for so long. She probably just didn't show it!

It then comes down to confidence. Do you have the confidence to let this teacher take you to G6 or not? Only you can decide.

After that it boils down to satisfaction. Are you satisfied with your teacher and everything you have been taught so far? Are there things you want to learn but haven't been covered or worked on enough? Again its up to you.

I changed teacher after G6 because that teacher didn't teach past that grade. With hindsight I should have changed before G6. My playing standard and confidence has improved ten-fold with the new teacher who also sets me greater challenges in other areas than playing for exams. I am happy for now but know there are things I would like to move on to do that this teacher doesn't cover so no one teacher is a perfect match to any pupil but the bottom line is that you need to be satisfied with the lessons you are receiving (and paying for). If you aren't then its time for change.