Should I travel from Chester to London for tuition?

[russda_man]

I would like to ask for some advice on the following subject.

I am training for a concert pianist career. I am 30 years old. I have decided that I want to study with a professor at one of the conservatoires in London (not going to mention who!). I could study in Manchester, but the teachers I really want to study with at RNCM teach in London.

The journey is something like 4 hours by train, or by car.

Obviously I am worried I may be making a mistake, as this will take up a lot of time, and the trouble with studying with a teacher in London is that they cannot help me locally, and it's not just lessons I need. I need help outside of the lessons, with performance opportunities, etc. Preferably another year at college would do! But financially that's out of the question! Being 30, I am obviously anxious for big things to happen soon!

What would your advice be? Should I go for this tuition with the teacher I REALLY want, who I know is brilliant, or play it safe and go to a teacher who is good, but not conservatoire trained!

Thanks

[thalbergmad]

I don't think I would travel that far even if I could get Liszt as a teacher.

That is an 8 hour round trip. Just think what you could do with that time.

Personally, i would try to get someone locally.

Thal

[keyboardclass]

I don't think I would travel that far even if I could get Liszt as a teacher.

You'e obviously never heard of Frederick Horace Clark!

[thalbergmad]

I have never heard of this chap.

I once drove 200 miles for a kiss, but that is because I am a hopeless romantic.

Thal

[Bob]

I've always heard 'go with the teacher you want.'

[fleetfingers]

That is an 8 hour round trip. Just think what you could do with that time.

What if he studied and memorized scores during the train ride, like Gieseking?

russda_man, would it be possible for you to move closer to London?

[thalbergmad]

What if he studied and memorized scores during the train ride, like Gieseking?

You cannot be English or you would know that you would spend the whole time fighting off muggers and drunks and being pestered by stewards trying to sell you a 3 day old cheese roll for £5.

Thal

[m1469]

8 hours round-trip to study with the right teacher (if he is in fact that for you), no biggie, I'm thinkin'.

[pianisten1989]

What if you stay in London for a couple of days at the time?
Maybe find some cheap hostel, and stay there for 5 days? While you're not there, you study a rather big repertoire so you really have a reason to stay with him for some time.
And, obviously, he will need lunch and stuff like that. Then you have a chance to discuss those other things, like commercial for concerts, how to get concerts, and so on.. Wouldn't that work?

[keyboardclass]

m1469's right - no biggie.

[russda_man]

What if you stay in London for a couple of days at the time?

That would be ideal, but he teaches at a conservatoire, so he wouldn't be able to devote so much time to me, and I wouldn't have a piano to practice on anyway!

[russda_man]

I've always heard 'go with the teacher you want.'

I like that answer

[geze]

Well, Chester to London for a teacher?  Whoever said "No biggie" is right.  My ex-piano teacher's wife use to travel from Liverpool to London for violin lessons (in the late 60s).