Hi all

I know this thread has been done before but I'm in a dilemma and I really could do with some advice from my fellow music lovers.

My viola teacher is really good and when I have a lesson I always feel that I have learnt a lot. However, it is getting more difficult to have a lesson. The last time I had one was in November and that was from me constantly arranging over text. I like to have a lesson every two weeks and have something to work to for every lesson. I was supposed to enter into the grade 6 viola exam and before xmas I really wanted a lesson to discuss the exam and to ask questions on whether I was ready or not etc.... but he cancelled due to personal reasons which to be fair I would have cancelled as well. So, I have missed the date. I like the idea of a regular lesson as it helps me with things such as learning scales and that way I won't slack off

However, I personally think he has over stretched himself as he is a full time music teacher,performer, belongs to orchestras etc.. so I understand the amount of committments he has and am aware and understand that I am way down her list of priorities. I've always wanted to complete my exams and I'm finding it difficult to acheive my goal with him

My question is should I stay or should I go?

What would you do in my situation?

I would be grateful for any advice or thoughts on the matter

There's only one sensible thing to do - discuss it frankly with him in person or, at least over the 'phone, NOT by text! Tell him how you're feeling and why and see how things go from there. He may have changed circumstances now, or he may not realise a lot of things. Really, if you're happy with him as a teacher in general, then discuss it only with him.

That sounds really frustrating! If you want to stay with him, I'd be inclined to explain to him that you really value his teaching but are worried about getting demotivated through not progressing enough due to the lesson situation, and ask if there's any way you could see him more frequently, making it clear that you'll try to fit in with whatever he suggests (ad hoc lessons, cancellations, early morning, weekend....) (if you're both willing). If he still can't accommodate you, I would definitely start looking elsewhere if you feel as if it's starting to hold you back.

Well, I see him every week at orchestra rehearsal as he's one of the organisers but it's just to busy to talk to him there as I've tried to arrange lessons there I feel I owe him some loyalty really because he introduced me into the music scene by getting involved in orchestra and play days again after a 9 year break. I'm tired of having lessons cancelled last minute and I don't feel comfortable constantly chasing (haranguing- as that is what it feels like to me but that's probably me being paranoid) him for lessons as I know he has other committments.




I always tell him that I can fit around his schedule when arranging lessons but it can be very frustrating and that doesn't always help. An acquaintance of mine has supplied me with 2 numbers for viola teachers but I haven't rang them yet as I don't want to move without discussing options with him. May be I should have seen it as a sign when he cancelled my 1st lesson 2 or 3 times.

I'll definetly bite the bullet and talk to him.

Thanks peeps. Much appreciated for the help

I had a similar experience with a potential saxophone teacher earlier this year. He sounded really good, on my wavelength re the type of jazz I wanted to learn and the way in which I wanted to learn it, but in spite of several emails passing backwards and forwards, he never seemed to have a convenient time. In the end I decided that no matter how good and suitable he seemed, my lessons would always be his last priority and I didn't think that was a good situation to get into. I never did find an alternative sax teacher though, although piano has more than made up for that!

I think I would rather have a less brilliant teacher who was available regularly - for me, whether a teacher is good at what he/she does AND can make a commitment is what matters. I am so reliant on regular, consistent teaching that I would find it very frustrating to have glimpses of fantastic teaching but not to be able to depend on it. I do think you need to address this before you begin to resent the situation. Like others, I think a friendly conversation is the way to go in which you are constructive but honest. Would it be possible to arrange to have a drink before or after an orchestra session/rehearsal?

Sounds like a jolly good idea, does that, miss sooky! Pretty much what I suggested a few days ago too.

I'm totally the other way round - I'd rather have brilliant teaching, but less regularly if necessary, rather than something less stellar more often.

Just goes to show that it's all down to personal preference and it seems, Greenie, that you are really feeling the difficulty of not seeing your teacher as often as you'd like. I'd do what has been suggested - talk honestly with him about it and try to find a middle ground - lessons every month or so, but with more goals in between for example - whatever you can come up with.

If there's no way forward, he may even be able to suggest a colleague with a similar teaching style whom you could visit.

Good luck.