What do you expect from your teachers?

[m1469]

Hello there one and all.  As I am always looking to be a better teacher, I am wondering if people could tell me what types of things you expect from your teachers


Do you expect...

General Guidance:

Books to read
Next Piece to learn
Practice Regime
Futuristic Thoughts and Plans

Performance:

Places and times to perform
Advice on Pieces to perform
Feed back on every performance

In Lessons:

"Tricks" and anecdotes
Discipline and hard work
Games
Conversation

Other:

Friendship
Encouragement
Antyhing else you could think of

If you feel like responding to this post, that would be fabulous, and much appreciated.

Thanks,
 

[Tash]

well basically the pieces i play are for my coming up exam so my teacher is there to tell me what i can improve in my pieces so i pass the exam!  i expect her to be completley honest with me as to where i am and what she thinks i'm ready to play.

one thing i really like in lessons is when she tells me about composers and pieces and general history of music cos i love learning about that sort of stuff. encouragement, friendship, and helping me learn as much as possible is really important to me. i think making the environment as stress-free as possible is good, like being narky is no good cos i personally don't find it to be very motivating in terms of practice at all. always be encouraging, i think that's the most important thing

[abe]

i like when my teacher is ready to give me a new piece, and she gives me like three options and i get to choose.

[ahmedito]

The perfect teacher would have all of the above... for me at least.

All I expect from a teacher is to be completely honest about how I play, and how he or she teaches. To always do his or her best to help me play better and understand the music better even if it means recommending other teachers, or admitting to be wrong or being brutally honest about my defects.

[Shagdac]

By your post one can see you obviously care about being a good teacher. For that I commend you. I think having a GOOD teacher is so important.

All the things you listed are important, but I think whats most essential, is that a teacher tailors their instruction according to each individual. Just as no two teachers are identical, I believe the same with the students. I have an absolutely wonderful teacher now, actually 2, but they are both geared towards what I am seeking to gain from them. When I first interviewed with my teacher, I asked him what his teaching method was (among other things of course), and his statement was something along the lines of "it depends on what you are hoping to gain" meaning what I expected.

I think encouragement, friendship, inspiration and honesty are important no matter what one is seeking. But teaching guidelines would differ depending on if one is wanting to learn to just play for fun, become a concert pianist, compete, learn to play by chording, etc.
I'm sure many of the basic criteria would remain the same, but knowing a students goals would give a teacher an idea of what they are expecting from them.

Just as a teacher needs to be honest with a student as far as what their limitations are, it is equally important for a teacher to know theirs as well. While some are more than qualified to teach beginners and casual adults, it takes a different kind of teaching if one has a desire to be a concert pianist, etc.

As an adult, I expect (or want) a serious, disciplined type of teacher. Probably the biggest advantage I have with my one, is the fact that I have been so inspired by him. I want to do more and more. I want to push myself.
I'm trying to recall what is so different that he does, than others I have had.

I like the fact that he can demonstrate and actually SHOW me what he is talking about...for instance he'll say "this is how you are playing it"....and do it, and then "this is how it should be played" and do it...he is able to demonstrate anything he is trying to explain that I might be having a difficult time with. Also, he offers alot of suggestions on techniques when I can't get a desired effect...relax shoulders, wrists lower, too tense, breathe more, show me exercises, and one of the biggest surprises came when I was having difficulty with a part, and he LEARNED the piece so he, as he put it "wanted to try and feel what I was feeling when I played that part, and what may be making it difficult for me". I was really surprised. Then he discussed different things for me to try.

He asks me about my practice, how often, how long, how do I feel it went, what do I feel I accomplished. And above all, he very honest. If something is too hard, he'll tell me, but then explain why and make suggestions on how we can work up to that point. So he's always very positive, and even when I may not do exactly what I feel is my best, he inspires me not to give up. I guess he shows that he really cares about what I think. That means alot. We don't really get into personal conversations, but many times we will start discussing different composers, works, different periods of music. He encourages my questions, and always either has the answer, or will tell me he'll find out....and he will.  I have an hour lesson, but many times if the next person doesn't show up he'll give me an extra 10-30 minutes. He never says anything, just does it. I on the other hand give him extra $$$ every so often to make up for this as I feel guilty. I never wear a watch when I play, so I depend on him to tell me when the lesson is over. He never does! I also think when a student does well, a teacher should praise. That's as important as constructive criticism. I know 2 seconds of praise from my teacher gets probably 10 extra hours of practice out of me! Haha.
Seriously, I've tried to think of all the main reasons I am so pleased with this teacher, and I think I have touched on most of them. Of course let me add that, he is definately knowledgable about what he teaches as well. He knows his stuff forwards and backwards. And I know he is teaching effectively with me, because I can see and hear the difference in my playing. I could after my first lesson. It was immediate. Of course I was willing to do whatever he instructed me to do, and make changes in things I had already learned.

I hope some of this is what you were looking for. I wish you all the best, and am sure your students are lucky to have you!

S