 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-10-02 11:52
A few weeks ago, my teacher and I talked about me changing teachers because lately I've felt 'stuck' and he thought it might be a good idea. He's also unreliable, and cancels or moves lesson times almost every week, sometimes more than once in a week, and in the end cancells for some reason or another. I know sometimes he's sick, and even though that's not his fault, it's hardly mine either and why should my education be skimped upon because he's always sick?
I'm generally happy with him, I've been with him for 4 years now, but it's been plagueing on my thoughts to try another teacher, maybe just for a semester, to see if someone else could get me back on track, re-motivate me. There are plenty of teachers all who have very different styles.
I wouldn't mind a female teacher, someone who's a lot more supportive than my current teacher. Someone to be a bit of a mentor. My current teacher is very much into technique, and I'd like a teacher who is willing to discuss my (sometimes crazy) ideas as well as explore the technical and 'standard' ways of doing things.
Do these seem like good enough reasons for changing?
The thing is, if I want to change, I have to apply, have an interview, my teacher has to approve, and I need DAMN GOOD reason! My reason is, basically, that I feel like I'm no longer progressing.
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Author: Dan1937
Date: 2003-10-02 12:54
Sounds like you have some pretty good reasons, but I have one question: why do you need your current teacher's approval? Are you a student in a university music program? If so, explain your situation to your dean or department head and ask for his/her approval. After all, it's your money.
If you're just studying privately, you shouldn't need any such approval; just get a list of teachers' names from people you respect, or get the name of the teacher of some other excellent player.
Either way, best of luck!
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2003-10-02 15:21
Hey, I changed teachers because the one I was with got upset with me and I with him. I went to the next name on the page of teacher's names given me by the Musician's Union, and I've been with him for over five years now. People have different circumstances and personalities - you try one out, if there's not a match, you move on, period. You want one who'll challenge you and keep you progressing at the speed you can handle. Be sure to practice each day, though and don't weasle out on that!
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-10-02 17:04
LW,
Weren't you going to take 12 months off? Now a change of teachers? So, what do you really want to do?
It would seem that you need to make a few life decisions and then do what supports those decisions.
HRL
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-10-03 05:18
Yeah I'm just trying to do the best I can Hank.
Decided against the time off. But I definitely need a change.
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Author: Phur
Date: 2003-10-03 13:23
As a teacher myself, I can understand when a student feels they are not progressing. This may be due to the teacher not being particularly inspiring. On the other side of the fence though it is quite exhausting to walk around being an inspiration to everyone who comes in for a lesson.
If things are not working out with this teacher by all means change. But I think it is also important to hold the mirror up to our own faces. Are you practicing enough? This is in your control. Try doing more practice. Do you search out recordings and new repertoire to maintain your interest? Are you proactive in finding groups to perform in? All these things are in your control.
Having said all this a new teacher may help your situation I wish you all the best regardless.
Chris
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-10-03 23:48
If you're looking for something life changing, you will not likely find it in other people...
To misquote Zorro, "When the pupil is ready, the Master will appear."
*******
Getting your advice on something so essential, on a Bulletin Board, invites poorly considered opinions from people that don't KNOW you.
Frankly, I think this sort of public discourse is a decent way to vent pressure, but it will do exactly bupkis for you in the long haul.
Listen to what Hank said. It's not that old people are so smart, they've just been around to see it all (sometimes more than once).
********
Me? I'm just old enough to know how little I actually know.
Here's some hopefully more than useless advice...
Rarely does any one person achieve anything of substance alone.
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-10-04 07:51
Well I'm definitely practising a little less than usual, and I honestly feel like my teacher isn't very inspiring. I don't have much choice in repertoire... He either says "You're beyond that" or "I think we should do that next year". He chooses my pieces, studies, and 'what's best for me'.
I've definitely progressed in the past 4 years, and I owe a LOT to him for that, but there comes a time for change, and I feel like I need a new way of doing things. Not a 'better' way, just a DIFFERENT way. Even if changing teacher is temporary, maybe a semester.
Asking on a bulletin board is probably the best option for me right now before I go straight to the source (my teacher), because if I talked to people at college I'm sure the bitching and gossipping would get out of control.
All the clarinet players learn off the same teacher, and it's been a while since there were people who didn't. But it has been done, and with success.
Might I add, and this isn't to do with what anyone has said so far, but something that might come up soon. I'm not stupid. I know more or less what I'm doing, and staying with my current teacher isn't the way forward I feel. Being uninspired and maybe ever so slightly bored is not a good situation and if I'm paying for my education, I want a teacher who is reliable, who insires me, and who will guide me while maintaining an air of independance as well. It seems my current teacher is all guidance and no free-thinking.
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