Which teacher?

[humblemonkey]

A few weeks ago, I posted how I'd set up meetings with five piano teachers around my area. Two teach at the university I'm at, and the other three have all held teaching positions at uni's at some stage.

They all warned me they rarely take on private students, but all five said they would teach me. While that was certainly encouraging, as I had to play for all of them, I'm now left in a position where I have to choose which one. They all agreed to take me on at a highly discounted rate as well, so I can't cancel any of them out due to price.

How do I choose? I have no experience in this matter so don't know what to look for. As for me, over the last few weeks I have devoured Chang's book, and Fink's book and dvd several times over (in sections). Do I ask if their teaching is compatible with those methods (which seem to be working very well for me currently)?

I would love some guidance in this regard - I told them all I would get back to them by next week at the latest.

Cheers
humblemonkey

[leucippus]

How do I choose?

I would have absolutely no clue how to choose without having actually taken a few lessons from each one of them.  Barring that, I suppose I would choose whichever one I intuitively felt more comfortable with.  You might also interview students of each teacher, but the results of such interviews are quite subjective and may not even be worth the time to conduct.  What one person thinks is a terrible teacher another might praise as the best.

Do I ask if their teaching is compatible with those methods (which seem to be working very well for me currently)?

That might help. 

Choosing a teacher is much like choosing a partner in life.  We date first to get to know each other before we jump into any commitments.  Finding a great teacher is much the same.

Is there any way you can take like a "preliminary lesson" from each one before you commit to one?  Otherwise you may as well just put their names on a dart board and toss a dart.

[pianistimo]

ask to come to a student recital or attend a master class.  i mean if you are going for the performance aspect - you'll probably learn right away if you appreciate what's going in the master classes.  if they don't have them - you'll miss out on performance opportunities once a week.  this really helps a person overcome performance jitters.  and, you'll hear if students are pleased with this teacher - and what their playing is like.

[richy321]

I have an idea:  Ask each teacher if you can sit in on a lesson with one of the most advanced students they have produced.  In addition to witnessing the teacher's style, this will give you an example of how successful the teacher's approach has been.

It's great that they are willing to give you a discount.  It must be an indication of the potential they see in you.  Good luck, and please keep us posted on your experiences.

Rich Y

[humblemonkey]

I took on board the advice given here on this board, and sat in on three lessons, and two masterclasses. The experience immediately cancelled out three options for me, and I was left with only two. I couldn't then narrow it down to one as both were sitting highly for me. So I made a coin toss! haha.

So that drama is over, but now I have a whole summer at home, away from the teacher till next year. grrr