Piano Forum

Piano Board => Teaching => Topic started by: mass on October 20, 2007, 08:25:48 PM

Title: Is this gift appropriate
Post by: mass on October 20, 2007, 08:25:48 PM

I've been with the same teacher for a number of years (5+).  He's very reserved when it comes to anything personal but has talked about a few of his favourite Operas.  I was doing my frequent Amazon browsing and came upon a book of analyses etc. of one of these operas and quickly purchased it as a Christmas present.  Now I'm having second thoughts.  Does this seem too personal?  We haven't become friends although I think the world of him and he's an awesome teacher. BTW I'm an adult student - last year I gave him a very good bottle of wine that seemed to be appreciated.

Title: Re: Is this gift appropriate
Post by: m1469 on October 21, 2007, 02:42:13 AM

I think this sounds like a really cool present for him :).

Title: Re: Is this gift appropriate
Post by: thalberg on October 28, 2007, 01:56:36 AM

It's perfect. 

It's not too personal as long as it's something he'll carry, not wear.  That's what I've always heard.

Title: Re: Is this gift appropriate
Post by: anna_crusis on October 28, 2007, 09:43:27 AM

The main problem with giving presents to acquaintances is that the recipient then feels embarassed that they didn't get you anything. It can make for a very awkward moment. Also, they then feel obliged to get you something next time, which is something they may not want to be bothered with.

I've always found the best gifts for acquaintances are very small ones - just a token gift to show that you were thinking of them. Or a card.

Title: Re: Is this gift appropriate
Post by: thalberg on October 28, 2007, 04:08:35 PM

Quote from: anna_crusis on October 28, 2007, 09:43:27 AM

The main problem with giving presents to acquaintances is that the recipient then feels embarassed that they didn't get you anything. It can make for a very awkward moment. Also, they then feel obliged to get you something next time, which is something they may not want to be bothered with.

I've always found the best gifts for acquaintances are very small ones - just a token gift to show that you were thinking of them. Or a card.

You're right if the acquaintances are equals.  But in a teacher/student relationship, isn't it normal for the teacher to get gifts from students?  Isn't it sort of a one-way deal?  I always gifted my teachers without expecting anything in return.

Title: Re: Is this gift appropriate
Post by: ramseytheii on October 29, 2007, 04:35:12 AM

Definitely!  The return comes not with a gift from the teacher, but from the teacher's devotion to the student's development and skill.  We should all be grateful for our teachers always, even the ones that in many ways we despise.

Walter Ramsey

Title: Re: Is this gift appropriate
Post by: n_n on October 30, 2007, 02:23:05 AM

I most definately agree with the above. Hope that all teachers understand that we give gifts to show appreciation and as a way to say thank you, and all we need in return, if anything, is more care on our musical development.  No gifts back por favor - that'd really make the students feel awkward as if the appreciation was rejected...