How do you compliment another teacher?

[Bob]

I go to a recital.  I hear this teacher's kids play.  They do fine.  I've heard it all before though.  Same thing every time. 

I need to go say something to this teacher, but I can't figure out what.  "Good job, just like always... Um... Bye."   That doesn't seem quite right.

[zheer]

Haw about, will you teach me haw to play the piano.

[abell88]

As a teacher, I would like to hear specific comments on my students' musicianship. "Your student showed me the hidden beauty I'd forgotten in Fur Elise..."

[bernhard]

Ah, yes, the structure of compliments . Have a look here (applies to everyone, not only piano teachers):

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2849.msg25256.html#msg25256
(the structure of compliments)

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[zheer]

Just thought of another compliment, haw about , are you related to CHOPIN.

[pianistimo]

for people who love chopin, that would be a compliment.  i guess it's all in the eyes of themselves.  if you think you are a good teacher, at least you can decieve yourself into thinking so unless something really dramatic happens.  like all the parents descend on you and want their money back.  or, one of the students pickets at an exam, saying that half of the stuff he never learned in lessons.  or, you are accused of harrassing your students.  or , maybe your students just all decide to quit around the same time and you are left with figuring out a new occupation.

the best compliment i think is how your students play.  sometimes very difficult teachers can be very good teachers.  they don't let you get away with being lazy.  therefore, you don't like them at first (when younger) but you love them as you get older for making you stick with something.  (bach?) or, challenge you to play something that you thought was beyond your capabilities.  all really good teachers have a 'game plan.'  if your teacher doesn't have a game plan for you, start making one of your own.  the pieces you want to learn, are the most interested in, and go to the library and read a lot about things that interest you. 

about the complimenting:  i think it's best to leave something unsaid, if it is a sarcasm instead of a compliment.  people can read what you mean.  i'd much rather hear a criticism (in private) from a friend than a backhanded compliment.