Alenee Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 My dd has been studying piano with a teacher for four years. She's done quite well but has some gaps that I don't see this teacher filling. Long story about the teacher so I won't go there. I'm considering having dd spend a few trial months teaching herself. She has huge gaps in the theory department but took a new piece on in June and mostly taught herself. She may have had some fine tuning during her lesson time however, I really don't think the teacher helped very much at all. Could we find a new teacher? Absolutely. However, I'd like to consider dd going it alone for a while but with better materials from which to learn. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I would love to hear what people have to say, I am considering cutting lessons back to once a month with a different teacher than we have had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 How advanced is she? I think it's possible if she's at least at that late intermediate to early advanced level. I do think theory is something you can tackle on your own. But if she isn't playing fairly advanced pieces, I do think it makes a huge difference in having someone who knows what they're doing helping build technique, phrasing, posture, good tone, balance, etc. How well is she playing her new piece? Would she be ready to play it for a recital? I do think it's much more motivating to work with a teacher and have regular performances and possibly competitions, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawana Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I think it depends on what your goals are. If being an accomplished pianist is in sight, then she really needs a teacher. What are your/her goals? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted August 11, 2011 Author Share Posted August 11, 2011 (edited) Our teacher had no 'method' past the first two books dd used so I have no idea where she is on the spectrum. I think I've heard her teacher say she's intermediate-advanced. She's definitely ready to play the new song in a recital but there won't be any until Christmas. The song is "Watching the Clock" by David Nevue. It's about 5 pages or 4ish minutes. She just finished learning it and is going to work on another of his pieces. At this point though, dd it totally leading the lesson with this teacher so continuing with her isn't reasonable. I'm wasting my money. Dd's goals are to major in music in college. She's only 12yo now but I've seen that spark of something special about her and the piano. She's been dedicated to hours and hours of practice since her second year. It's her way of rejoicing, crying, yelling, peace, sadness...her stress relief. I never have to remind her to practice. eta: DD12 is also teaching her 7yo sister to play. She has a regular schedule with her sister and is doing so well, we're paying her for this. Dh and I discussed the possibility of dd going it alone for a few months to see what she does with that. She has several songs lined up to play and we have a couple of friends who would be willing to help her fine tune or help her if she gets stuck. Again, thoughts? Edited August 11, 2011 by Alenee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 If she really wants to pursue music/piano in college, she really does need a teacher. And a good one at that - preferably one that carries at least a Masters and has a high achieving studio. That said, you could use several months to find that teacher. It sounds like your current teacher probably isn't the right one for her. Pursuing music in college is extremely competitive and would be difficult to do without the guidance of a teacher. Sitting in on other students lessons or going to a recital could help you pick a teacher. If you tell a prospective teacher that your daughter is interested in pursuing music, you can gauge their reaction. Do they have a clear plan to get there? If you start with a high quality teacher, don't be surprised if the initial period is difficult and painful. Often teachers will take you back a bit, solidify technqiue and fill holes before moving forward. Good luck to your daughter! It's great she's found a passion so young! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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