Should I find a new teacher?

[ilove88]

I started taking lessons as a child and had three different teachers for about a year each.  Then as an adult, I took from a teacher for a year.  I skipped many years, but still played occasionally and now I've been with my current teacher for 4 1/2 years.  She recently remarked that I'm her second most advanced student and that her top student is a very talented high school girl.  She teaches mostly beginner children and adults.  Although I've come a long way throughout all these years, I certainly don't feel like I should be #2 in any teacher's book.  More like in the middle.  I'm thinking I need to move on at this point.  Does anyone have any suggestions for how to find a good fit?

[dan101]

Perhaps her statement was a measure of technique rather than talent. In my opinion, if you feel like she's too insensitive a teacher for you, then perhaps you should go elsewhere. However, if you really like this teacher, you should talk things out with her. Good luck.

[slobone]

I think the issue being raised is whether this teacher has enough experience with more advanced students. I would base my decision not on what she says, but on what she does. Are you making progress with her? Is she able to help with difficult technical problems?

If you like her, and you like her approach, I would tend to stay with her as long as you feel your playing is improving. Remember that every teacher has a different method, and if you change teachers, you might lose a lot of time starting from scratch.