The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: How to gracefully switch teachers

Author: smokindok
Date: 2017-08-07 19:26

Fuzzy, what a wonderful teacher! Wise advice and his students' best interest at heart.

I suppose the disappointing reality is that a teacher's financial or ego considerations are often at odds with this philosophy. Perhaps a teacher, having difficulty attracting students and insecure in their teaching ability, would be unable to acknowledge that studying with someone else could be good for the student's development.

If you are adults and you truly believe your current teacher has your development as your joint goal, open discussion of this opportunity is the only logical approach. You may learn a lot from this discussion about your current teacher. Maybe things you will be uncomfortable with, but important for you to make an informed decision.

In thirty years of practicing my (non-music) profession, I never hesitated to tell people that if they thought their needs would be better met elsewhere, then that other place is where they should be. Sure, a few left, but I was always busy. Regularly those that left would come back, which I took as the highest compliment, and always welcomed them back warmly.

If you think your teacher is truly on your side, there is no reason to be afraid to discuss the topic.

John

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics