Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2017-08-07 21:55
When I was finishing 9th grade, I knew it was time to move on from my current teacher. I had been with him for several years, and he was a wonderful teacher and person. Although he taught me a great deal, I knew it was time to move on to someone else.
Another teacher was highly recommended, and without telling my current teacher, I went and had a couple lessons with him. The guy was a total jerk. Among other things, he smoked during my lessons (things were a little different almost 50 years ago  ). I knew I wouldn't be happy with him, so I went back to the original teacher.
About six months later, I was working on a solo for solo and ensemble festival, and there was a local band director (who was also a fine clarinet player) who was helping other students prepare. He offered to give me some help. After 15 minutes with this man, I knew I had found my new private teacher. I studied with him for most of high school, and he prepared me well for college. I let the original teacher know what I was planning to do, and he took it well. He had some serious health issues, so perhaps that was also a factor.
Before you make the switch, see if you can have a couple trial lessons with the new teacher. If she's the right instructor for you, I think you'll know it within a lesson or two.
As Fuzzy pointed out, good teachers shouldn't feel threatened when a student studies with another teacher. When you look at biographies of famous clarinet players, there are usually several teachers listed. It's always good to be exposed to different points of view. I studied with four different people while working on music degrees, and picked up valuable ideas from all four.
As a teacher, I've had students leave for other teachers, but I've also had students come from other teachers to me. It stings when a long-time student leaves, but when it's an accomplished student who has learned a lot from me, I actually feel good. I know I've given the student a solid foundation, and I'm pleased to know the student cares enough to continue on and learn from others.
After a couple trial lessons, if you're convinced you want to make the switch, be honest with your current teacher. You might feel bad, and your teacher might feel a little hurt, but you did spend three years with him or her. Many students give up after only a couple months. If you're nice about it (and I'm sure you will be), you shouldn't feel guilty.
There's one more thing, though, to think about. You said the new teacher rarely takes new students, and you added that she might be too busy to teach you a year from now. Are you saying that you could make the switch now, but she might announce next year that she's not able to teach you any more? If that happens, what would you do? I think I'd ask that question during the trial lessons, and if you're not satisfied with the answer, don't make the switch.
Post Edited (2017-08-07 21:58)
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