I wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all the people who sent me lovely supportive PMs and posts over the last couple of days. (In case any of you didn't read my comments on the Mrs D thread).

After DS' good audition yesterday, a wonderful celebratory meal with my DH and boys last night, a decision about the way forward and a better night's sleep, I feel so much better today.

I was also reminded last night that even though I felt the need to run away from here, I should not allow people to make me do that. If the type of the comments I've received were made to my son in the playground I'd be telling him to ignore them and have faith in himself. So I am leading by example and won't be pushed out.

Normal service has been resumed!
(Normal for me anyway )

That's good to hear. So glad to know that you've made a decision on the music front.

I'll be joining you soon in deliberation as we have been sacked (in a nice way) by our piano teacher for reaching the standard beyond which she does not teach.

I have no idea where to start....

Good to hear that you are feeling much better today, ViolaMum! Making big decisions on behalf of one's offspring is stressful for most of us.

Claudia's Mum, I am so sorry that you have come to the end of the road with the piano teacher. It makes me feel we were very lucky, as when my son was in this position, his teacher recommended someone who would be able to take him on as far as he wanted to go, and set up a consultation lesson for us. You could always have a look at the ISM register, or if you know older children whose playing you admire, ask them who their teacher is. Best to have a consultation lesson first so that your daughter can decide whether she likes the new teacher before she commits to a term's lessons.

I so feel for you too Claudia's Mum. After recent events I dread to think what we'd do about finding a new teacher. But it sounds to me like BerkshireMum has suggested some good places to start. Good Luck.

Just popped into the school office to try to sort out the issue of DS being late for his lessons. They were very sympathetic and we hope to have come up with a solution to stop it happening, but if he is late then it won't be his fault. Apparently Mrs D calls him her star pupil, which is really nice to hear but he needs to hear something good direct from her. Lets hope that with some of the pressure off they can start again next week and have a good positive lesson.

Thanks BM and VM. I am disappointed because C likes this teacher and this teacher is totally on the same wavelength when it comes to music choices (20th century classical, jazz, musical theatre and pop) and is sufficiently relaxed to tolerate C's laid back approach to learning the piano.

Hmmm, I can see that that could be more difficult, as many teachers have a traditional approach. I can't imagine any of the four piano teachers my children had doing much musical theatre or pop, but then they were all fairly elderly ladies! Younger teachers are probably more prepared for an eclectic approach, though, so you may be lucky. If your daughter wants to do piano seriously, she will have to tackle baroque and romantic at some point.

Sounds just like our piano teacher Poor guy ends up accompanying random instruments and never a moan.

Viola Mum I think most parents will have been in a similar situation to the one you found yourself in. I don't think you have done anything to think about leaving the forum for.

As a teenager I was the same as Claudia but now I love the piano and my favourite composers are Bach and Chopin ..... what a difference a couple of years make

She may find she will always love her first instrument (violin?) above piano or she may get to some point and it's all about the piano but she is to a high enough standard on the other instrument to maintain it