Taking Advantage

[qpalqpal]

Hey guys.

My teacher that I got 5 weeks ago is an expert in theory and Bach. She taught at a college for 25+ years and she is a church organist.

What must I take from her to my advantage. I really don't like Bach A LOT, but he's very cool. What would you take as an advantage. Is it dangerous to not play much of what I like, but what she's good at?

I'd say I'm level 6-7 in ABRSM level. (about)

Comments?

[bachbrahmsschubert]

Hi Qpal,

A good teacher will never force a student to play what they do not want to play. Do not feel obligated to play Bach just because your teacher may be a specialist, though because you are mildly interested I strongly recommend that you dive into his works while you have this opportunity. He wrote SO much music, and his keyboard works range from those intended for beginners to the highest virtuoso.

Bach is very complicated. Because of this you may only begin to enjoy him if you learn more about his music and genius. And if you really feel like going the extra mile, ask her about the basic principles of counterpoint. In my opinion, you have a great opportunity, so take advantage of your resources as best you can.

Best wishes,

[amelialw]

I don't agree that a good teacher will never force his/her students to play what the student does not want to play. A good teacher will force a student to play something, even if he/she doesn't like it!!! especially for composers like Bach which is a MUST. I never used to like Bach, dreaded it so much but eventually it got to the point where I could play it and my mindset changed.

[quantum]

I very much agree with bachbrahmsschubert.  A good teacher will never force music upon their students.  They may suggest a student explore music they are unfamiliar with, but never force pieces that a student dislikes.  

Many of my own teachers were specialists in certain kinds of music, having devoted much time to complete works recording projects, or concert premiers.  None of these teachers ever forced music upon me to play.  


There is so much you can learn from a Bach specialist and organist even if you really aren't into Bach's music.  There is a lot a pianist can learn from organ technique: such as a more disciplined hand technique, creative fingering solutions, and the art of using agogic accents.  Perhaps there is also some of Bach's music you are not aware of, that you actually might like.  Also ask your teacher to play some of Bach's organ music for you (on the organ of course!) - it is a revelation for those of us that are accustomed to the sometimes bland piano interpretations of his music that abound.  

Your teacher may also know about other composers from the same period such as Buxtehude and Scarlatti.  They wrote very differently to Bach, so ask about them as well.  

[tonalharmony]

Hey guys.

My teacher that I got 5 weeks ago is an expert in theory and Bach. She taught at a college for 25+ years and she is a church organist.

What must I take from her to my advantage. I really don't like Bach A LOT, but he's very cool. What would you take as an advantage. Is it dangerous to not play much of what I like, but what she's good at?

I'd say I'm level 6-7 in ABRSM level. (about)


Comments?

The only thing that I can think of is that since you don't like Bach a lot, you might get bored with it, and become tired of the piano. I think that a good teacher should be willing to teach different things for the student. It gives the student more experience and makes him a much better pianist if she teaches him multiple composers. The reason I say this, is because no composer writes the same. Each has different techniques, sounds, etc. I think it would be MUCH better if you learned things you like, AND things she likes/is more comfortable with. I would hope that she being a piano teacher can teach other things than Bach.

Regards,

tonalharmony