Lessons or no lessons

[mplim]

This is probably a very difficult question, but I just try, because I need an answer.

I'm already 60 years old (does anybody has such an old student?). I love playing the piano and did well enough in the past. I was already able to play some concert pieces. 12 years ago I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, so I was not able to touch the piano for about 10 years because of this. I had to quit everything I had, my work, my hobbies, my contacts with family and friends etc etc. This was and still is very tough. It has turned my whole world upside down.

Now I've found a neurologist who prescribed me some medication, which gives me about 8 hours of being normal, regarding my energy level. So now I can play again, with which I'm of course very very happy. But my ability of playing has drastically declined. I'm eager to have lessons again to improve. Where I live, there's only the possibility to get a teacher from the conservatorium. I had lessons for about 5 months and noticed that my teacher was very disappointed with me. I got the impression that this is caused, because he just doesn't understand what it means to have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, although I tried to explain it to him.

Now it's the summer holiday and I don't want to go back to my former teacher, because there were times that he didn't treat me very well. So I'm thinking of trying to find another teacher.

My question now is, does any conservatorium piano teacher wants to have a student like me? Because on this forum there are many teachers, so I just hope to get an answer from a piano teacher, because probably only they know the answer. I can't improve my playing like a "normal person" because of the restrictions I have, my age and CFS. Or is it only a burden for a teacher to have a student like me?

Please anybody, give me an answer. I'm really worrying, lessons or better no lessons. Of course I prefer to have lessons, that's the only way to improve. Thanks in advance.

[nagatomo]

Hello...  I hope you are feeling better...
I'm sorry that your piano lessons with your current teacher haven't worked out well...

You need a teacher who understands and symphathetic to your condition / well being.  You need a teacher who, perhaps, have some experience in assisting such a person to make progress however steady this may be due to the condition.

I suspect that Conservatoire teachers are normally high-flyers themselves, and are used to teach quite high level of students who are also fairly high-flyers.  I think having lessons is good for you, not only you have a focus (ie lessons) while practising, but it should give you enjoyment.
You could consider having lessons once every two weeks or on ad hoc basis...  You could also try and find another pianist to play duets together. 

Best of luck in your pianistic journey.

[mplim]

nagatomo, thanks a lot for your reply! I'm glad you agree that I should take lessons. It is true that the teachers from the conservatorium are really what you call "high flyers". I've looked up at their website what teachers are working there, and everybody has several university degrees in music, not only qualified to teach but a lot more than that. I'll try to talk to the secretary to explain in a better way about my situation and ask her to find someone who fits in in my personal situation. The lessons are so important for me, because my piano playing is in fact the only thing I can do and enjoy doing, with my energy level. And if I can find a teacher who has any experience with students with a handicap like mine, that would be not only enjoyment but also therapeutic for me. My neurologist encouraged me a lot to play the piano because of this and he should know what is  best for me. He told me the same thing what you have written, to be able to focus and do several things at the same moment (and that is what piano playing is) is therapeutically the best way to improve the quality of my life.

I'm a bit dissapointed with my teacher, caused by the lack of understanding. In my own profession (I have been a dentist) I've always been sympathetic with my patients with handicaps and always tried to treat them as well as possible, although some of them just were not able to undergo treatment in a normal way and also couldn't take care of their dentition the way they should. My husband had the same attitude and also always took his time for patients like this. But saying this, I've noticed a lot of my colleagues just didn't want to have patients with handicaps and even refused them, which I think is very unhuman. 

Thanks so much for your reply! I'll keep my fingers crossed in finding a good understanding teacher.

[emusicmaestro]

You don't say where you live but I'm sure that somewhere you will find a teacher who is sensitive to your needs. I currently teach a girl who has similar problems to yours in fact, and my most mature student was in her seventies at the time!
Don't give up - try out different teachers until you find one who is right for you.

[dorfmouse]

Just an idea; perhaps you could locate a music therapist. I know you don't need music therapy as such but I believe many have high levels of skill and flexibility due to the nature of their job, and if not actively teaching privately themselves, they may know of a teacher with the right mindset for you.
Maybe the head of the music department of your local school could suggest contacts.

Ahem, the oldest of my teacher's pupils is 57 years old, and guess who that is!

[Bob]

For a conservatory teacher, probably not.  They're usually looking for the "next thing," some young kid who's going to go on to win competitions, etc.  It makes them and their school look better.

However, there are lots of teachers out there and not all piano professors are like that.  Some might take you on just because of everything you mentioned -- As long as you're willing to practice and interested in music they'll be interested.  If you show passion for music, they'll love that too -- deep down desire, response to music, love for music, a calling toward music, etc. 

I have seen more ads for professor lately.  Maybe because I'm looking in those places more often or because of the economy.  I imagine "if you pay them, they will teach."

[dan101]

Look for a private teacher that addresses all ages and levels. Many great teachers find it challenging and fun accepting a wide range of students.

In my experience, I've taught age levels ranging from 5 to 85. It's a pleasure. Good luck.

[chris_goslow]

Don't let what you believe to be your physical limitations stop you from doing what you want to do.  No matter your age or physical condition, if you want to continue in your piano studies, you can find a way to do it.

Best,

Chris

[mplim]

Thank you all for the encouraging replies!

To answer some questions, I live in Portugal, the Algarve, in a small village between Portimão and Albufeira. The nearest city is Portimão, here there is only the possibility to get lessons through the conservatory. Maybe further away, in a bigger city there are more possibilities, but to get there is about 1 hour drive. Which for my condition is just to far away.

I've had a conversation with the secretary and explained to her about my specific limitations and my age. I know that I have a baby face, and many people judge me about 10 years younger. I asked her if she could find me a teacher who fits in better with me. She was very surprised that I had complains about my teacher and told me that in fact he likes it very much to teach me, and would be very disappointed. So I was as surprised as she was. He didn't give me that impression at all. So I told her to explain to him about the problems I had with him, because apparently I have not been able to explain it properly to him (the language is also a problem, he doesn't speak English very well, neither do I), and whether he is willing to take my limitations into consideration in the future. He is such a good teacher that he is going to teach professionals after the summer holidays. So I understand that my moderate playing must hurt his ears!

About paying, I payed him handsomely. I took 2 hour lessons and payed for 2 hours, although the lessons sometimes were not the full 2 hours, which I can understand. Both he and me don't like a hurried lesson and I often have a lot of questions.

In September, when lessons start again,  I will hear more. Actually I hope to have him back as my teacher, but only if he can understand me better and can teach me according to my needs. I'm afraid to start all over again with a new teacher and maybe will face the same problems again. If that happens, I will have to find another teacher again and the whole saga will start all over again.

I will keep you informed. And once again, thanks for your support!

[chris_goslow]

Right on.  Keep it up.