Teaching and Age Discrimination

[mima828]

I am a young piano teaching turning 20 this year who has been teaching private piano lessons for the past four years. I have attempted to get my teacher's certificate with the conservatory and I keep getting commments that they find me very young for what I'm trying to accomplish. I feel that I was personally judged based not on my musical knowledge but by how young I am. I understand that teaching takes maturity and experience but I have both these qualities and yet I still feel as though I'm not being given the credit that I deserve. This situation has been quite discouraging for me and I am confused not knowing what direction to go in concerning all of this.

How could one overcome a detail such as age, in order to achieve a passion for teaching that is, I am sorry to say, slowly deteriorating because of all these judgements...

[pianistimo]

try a different conservatory?  i'm not sure what state or country you are from - but, imo, one conservatory's loss may be another's gain.  sometimes our hearts are set on a certain outcome and we can't see other possibilities. 

or, you could be really sly and fulfill all the requirements and then - go sit outside the dean's office and show him your transcripts and let him overrule the teachers.  (maybe you don't call them deans at conservatories - but whatever they are - the guy who's in charge of the department).  if it comes down to it - mention to him that you feel that it's age discrimination and not what you know.  but, just be certain that if certain teachers are threatened now - they will also be threatened later somehow.  maybe a different conservatory to get the teacher's cert and then move back to this one when the time is right.

there is also another matter that the teaching certificate might not be the 'entire expected package' they are looking for.  they might be looking for someone who has experience also with tons of paperwork, working with collegues on projects (volunteered time), dealing with various student problems efficiently, experience.  all of this is hard to get without experience - but then, they might be wanting to see that you are willing to work up to this.  maybe being an assistant to a teacher first!  being willing to watch someone else for a while and not be bothered by it.  if you are a fast learner - they'll notice.

[amanfang]

Yes, age is a handicap.  In general, youthfulness = inexperience in most people's minds.  I am 23 and deal with the same thing from some people.  In general, I would just say be patient.  Of course there will be those that look down on you and assume you know nothing because you are young.  I am finishing a Master's Degree in Piano Pedagogy and have been teaching since I was 17, but I still feel very inexperienced.  However, I also believe that I have a lot to offer.  So I teach, and let the results speak for themselves.  As you establish yourself as a good, reputable teacher, those who think you are too young will take notice and give you a chance.  Just be patient.

[keyofc]

Mima,
Even though you are getting these comments - are they really saying you can't?

If possibe, ignore the comments.  And prove them wrong by coming up with your ways to overcome technical difficulties in lessons. 

I've never heard of such a thing - you obviously have a lot of experience if you have been teaching for the last 4 years - and you are setting out to gain more experience.

I know it may not help to say it right now - but believe me - this is the best age discrimination you can encounter.     What age do they recommend???  I wish I knew what you know now when I was your age! 

Good luck and don't let a passion you have get squashed because of someone else