Hi

I have made mention of this once before in a non-related topic, so I thought I'd give it a shot as a completely new thread.

Since there are lots of teachers and pupils alike - many having experienced long term music tuition it will be interesting to hear any responses.
So I'm a Adult newbie - my chosen instrument piano. I understand the need to take professional lessons. What I can't possibly be expected to understand is whether the person who is teaching me is doing a good job.

As it happens - I had no choice but to take lessons with the only local teacher in my town (the nearest other being 12 miles away!), and so far I'm fairly happy....but what would I know ?
I'm currently learning in using Alfred's Adult Level 1 Piano All-in-one, which I have to say is a smashing book - so that's a good start. She also subscibes to the ABRSM grading exams - and has a level 8 diploma in theory to boot.
However, a few things concern me. One thing I have noticed is her inability to play fairly simple scores (grade 2 or 3) without making numerous mistakes. Perhaps I'm being too harsh but I would expect a teacher to be able to easily accomplish scores of this level. This leads me to wonder what things will get like when I progress up the grades.

As mentioned, I'm fairly happy with things but just wondered if any teachers and pupils had any comments to make on this subject - such as examples of good/bad teaching, or things to look out for.

Thanks

Bucky

This is a very difficult question to answer, but I can appreciate how any complete beginner would be concerned about whether they were getting the right tuition.

It's unfortunate that you only have one local teacher, since it would be good to have had a couple of lessons with others to see which one you would like as your teacher.

As for the mistakes in the teacher's playing, well, some very good teachers aren't necessarily good performers. This doesn't mean to say they don't know what they are doing - they are often very good at getting their point across with a short but carefully explained demo, but aren't particularly confident with their own playing. It is worth bearing in mind that the best performers do not always make the best teachers either - they can make playing look easy, but haven't a clue how to describe what they are doing, or how to pass these skills on to others. I have known of exceptional performers who can be rather short fused when teaching too - they often expect you to pick things up perfectly first time and often don't cope very well with students who may take longer to learn or have trouble assimilating a particular skill.

Carry on at the moment, but if you can make the opportunity to have some additional lessons with another teacher, do so, then take things from there.

By level 8 I think you are referring to grade 8 which is not a diploma. However that is irrevelant.

How do you know the scores are grades 2 or 3 in standard?

I would be concerned if a teacher couldn't sight read this standard - I don't wish to open up a can of worms regarding sight reading - but a teacher would be expected to sight read up to a standard of grade 5.....not note perfect.

After practising the music of this standard the teacher should play it perfectly.

Ask her to play a grade 7 piece...perhaps one she sat for an exam...under the premise that you love music so much,you would like to hear her play something.

The distance question.

If you are not happy I would contact another couple of teachers and ask them for a consultation. Spend the time doing a bit of research and ask pertinent questions.

eg Prepared to regard a trial period, teaching experience, views on graded exams, aural training and theory, practise guidelines, what performers would they recommend to listen to and so on.

Then make a decision - either you have misjudged your existing teacher and having interviewed them too,your fears are now unjustified.

If not, be prepared to travel out. I presume lessons are once a week. This will be money well spent in the long run.

I take Amanda's comments on board.

As a teacher myself, I offer a free trial lesson in which we can gauge suitability. I guess it's difficult if you haven't anything to compare with. Similarly, if there aren't any teachers to choose from then you're a bit stuck. How well qualified is she in piano? This doesn't mean to say she needs a bit of paper - what level does she consider herself to be at? I only did to grade 3 for the bit of paper but I can play grade 8 stuff now - I would hate people to think I wasn't any good just cause I didn't have the certificate.

A difficult one.

David

I'm not sure - I'll drop it into the conversation next lesson. I know she teaches other instruments as well, so her certificate is probably music theory. As things stand I'm doing okay, although one problem I do have is sight reading. Six months in and I still have to 'learn' a tune note by note instead of being able to pick up and play (and I'm talking very very simple stuff).

Anyway, that's my issue - thanks for the advice

Barry