Need advice - facing distress in more areas than one

[grosvenor]

I'll be taking my Grade 8 exam next year.

1) I think my lessons have somewhat become stagnant.
2) It's becoming financially straining to pay for lessons.

1) I think my lessons have somewhat become stagnant.
Every week, my teacher asks me if there's anything I need help with. More often than not, I find myself wanting of an answer, because I think I can and should be working on those parts which I think need brushing up, by myself. She doesn't tell me instead if there's any area which she finds unsatisfactory.

I've grown frustrated with my lessons because they aren't stimulating. Week after week, lessons only comprise of going through the pieces, the scales - what needs to be done for the exam. Strictly things like "you need to play this part like this. Do it like this" or "prepare these scales for next week". I can't put a word on what is lacking. Probably more conversation about music in general? Once, I tried to ask if I was playing a piece of music in an appropriate style and was told I was not ready for things like that.

I haven't practised for 4 days because I've been too depressed over this. In addition, my upper arm is hurting and I'm keeping silent about it because the last time I mentioned this to my teacher, she didn't have a solution nor any kind words for it.

2) It's becoming financially straining to pay for lessons.
Given the amount of preparation already done for the exam, I might just be able to handle it without a teacher for the coming months. But that requires a great deal of self-discipline and sadly, I don't trust myself enough. Besides, I've been with this teacher for 8 years and it's hard to request for a break or cessation in lessons while I know she isn't earning a lot. If I really must make such a request, how can I do so as gently as possible?

So, which part of my thinking is flawed? Or would a kind soul be able to provide some suggestions? 

[outin]

I've grown frustrated with my lessons because they aren't stimulating. Week after week, lessons only comprise of going through the pieces, the scales - what needs to be done for the exam. Strictly things like "you need to play this part like this. Do it like this" or "prepare these scales for next week". I can't put a word on what is lacking. Probably more conversation about music in general? Once, I tried to ask if I was playing a piece of music in an appropriate style and was told I was not ready for things like that.

I don't understand. You are preparing for grade 8 exam? When would you be ready to consider your playing in general? I have only been taking lessons for a year and my teacher is always discussing about the background of music when we start a new piece (how to play according to the style of the era/composer). She would not just show me to play something in a certain way without explaining why (well, apart from the really basic stuff). I already feel a lot better equipped to start new pieces on my own because of this. If this really is lacking from your lessons I could only advice you to get a new teacher. Which of course does not help with your second problem, sorry.

[hmpiano]

If you don't punch the air upon leaving your lesson maybe you should look around.  Somewhere your guru is waiting for you .

[grosvenor]

The problem is, how do you start going about the topic with a teacher who has taught you since your basics? I know we've got to do what we have to do, but is there a way to do it gently so that I may preserve my ties with her?

And, I thought maybe some of you might be able to share some insight, but what should I be expecting out of lessons at Grade 8, generally?

[hmpiano]

Playing the piano is nothing compared to playing music.  At grade 8 you should be at that stage, doesn't sound like you are.  I once spent an entire summer agonizing over dropping a teacher - come September she dropped me!

[pianokai]

Your teacher should always play in a style and also teach in a style thats in congruency with YOU.

If you feel you need to talk about the musicallity (which you should be really) then your teacher SHOULD teach you that.

I went to Chethams Music School when I was 17 (im 25 now ) and my old piano teacher was in more congruency with my style than my new teacher (granted she was AWESOME, taught me how to learn music MEGA fast) but thats beyond the point, i missed my old teacher but since i didn't get back to him.

So just drop your teacher now before it costs you even more.....time and experience. 5 years worth of learning piano is not as good as 5 years playing the piano with FEELING.

Good luck to you.

[dcstudio]

You may have reached the point in your playing where you do need more.  If you have been with this teacher for 8 years--she may feel the same way...  Was there ever a time when she explained things more completely--or has this always been her style?  To reach grade 8 is an accomplishment in itself--and your teacher certainly serves some credit there.  You are in preparation for an exam--sometimes to introduce new concepts at that time is counterproductive.  Your grade reflects on your teacher--and, you would be surprised how much some piano teachers depend on their students rate of improvment and their level of accomplishment--to define their own self-worth as a teacher.

anyway--as a teacher who was once a student--I would wait until post exam to switch--but that's just me...

[jayeckz]

I've grown frustrated with my lessons because they aren't stimulating. Week after week, lessons only comprise of going through the pieces, the scales - what needs to be done for the exam. Strictly things like "you need to play this part like this. Do it like this" or "prepare these scales for next week".

I had a similar experience when I was younger.  Some teachers are just caught up in teaching how to play for exams.

I think you should ask yourself:

Why are you taking lessons?
Why are you taking an exam?
What are your goals?

Once, I tried to ask if I was playing a piece of music in an appropriate style and was told I was not ready for things like that.

This is absolutely ridiculous.  Style is an important aspect that should be covered at ALL levels.

In addition, my upper arm is hurting and I'm keeping silent about it because the last time I mentioned this to my teacher, she didn't have a solution nor any kind words for it.

Is your upper arm hurting due to piano?  If your teacher doesn't offer advice, I don't think she's qualified to teach.

I went teacher hunting recently and was exposed to a lot of bad teaching.  Some of the teachers I met advocate dangerous teaching methods.  One of the teachers even lied about her credentials.  Call me pessimistic, but it felt like a lot of teachers are just desperate for money and don't even care about the quality of their teaching.

Anyway, I had a lot of these moments.

Besides, I've been with this teacher for 8 years and it's hard to request for a break or cessation in lessons while I know she isn't earning a lot.   If I really must make such a request, how can I do so as gently as possible?

Just tell her!  There's no need to be "gentle".  If the teacher cares about you, she'll definitely accommodate your request.

If you think the teacher is a solid teacher, tell her the truth -- you have financial problems and that you want to take fewer lessons.

So, which part of my thinking is flawed? Or would a kind soul be able to provide some suggestions? 

I don't know you, but if you are a dedicated student who practices diligently and you actually listen to your teacher I really think you should dump your teacher.

[jayeckz]

and your teacher certainly serves some credit there.

Do you really believe this?

I would only say the teacher deserves credit if the student was forced to play the instrument.  In regards to the OP, this is probably not the case.

[dcstudio]

Do you really believe this?

I would only say the teacher deserves credit if the student was forced to play the instrument.  In regards to the OP, this is probably not the case.

If the teacher deserves NO credit then... do tell--why have a teacher at all?  Methinks you have issues...

[amelialw]

Is your upper arm hurting due to piano?  If your teacher doesn't offer advice, I don't think she's qualified to teach.

I went teacher hunting recently and was exposed to a lot of bad teaching.  Some of the teachers I met advocate dangerous teaching methods.  One of the teachers even lied about her credentials.  Call me pessimistic, but it felt like a lot of teachers are just desperate for money and don't even care about the quality of their teaching.

Anyway, I had a lot of these moments.

Just tell her!  There's no need to be "gentle".  If the teacher cares about you, she'll definitely accommodate your request.

If you think the teacher is a solid teacher, tell her the truth -- you have financial problems and that you want to take fewer lessons.

I don't know you, but if you are a dedicated student who practices diligently and you actually listen to your teacher I really think you should dump your teacher.

Yes, I agree with all that's said so far...if she's your teacher she should know how to help you; or at least show concern, recommend you someone you can go to to help with that problem etc.
To give you an idea I was exposed to about 9 years of poor training in a row from the same teacher and my parents who were not trained never knew. When I headed over to Canada my technique, fingering, everything was a mess; I had small hands and minor injuries due to my previous teacher forcing me to play chords& octaves without teaching me the right technique. It took me 3 years to overcome it...and am still working on some things but I've gone a long way.

Go look around for a new teacher; it might be that she doesn't know what to do anymore

"1) I think my lessons have somewhat become stagnant.
Every week, my teacher asks me if there's anything I need help with. More often than not, I find myself wanting of an answer, because I think I can and should be working on those parts which I think need brushing up, by myself. She doesn't tell me instead if there's any area which she finds unsatisfactory. "
this is a sign that it's time to move on

"The problem is, how do you start going about the topic with a teacher who has taught you since your basics? I know we've got to do what we have to do, but is there a way to do it gently so that I may preserve my ties with her?
And, I thought maybe some of you might be able to share some insight, but what should I be expecting out of lessons at Grade 8, generally?"
Just do what you need to do; let her know that perhaps its time you move on and learn from another teacher...that's what I've done with all of my previous teachers every time I felt that I have learnt what I could from him/her

[danhuyle]

I'll be taking my Grade 8 exam next year.

1) I think my lessons have somewhat become stagnant.
2) It's becoming financially straining to pay for lessons.

1) I think my lessons have somewhat become stagnant.

I've grown frustrated with my lessons because they aren't stimulating. Week after week, lessons only comprise of going through the pieces, the scales - what needs to be done for the exam. Strictly things like "you need to play this part like this. Do it like this" or "prepare these scales for next week". I can't put a word on what is lacking. Probably more conversation about music in general? Once, I tried to ask if I was playing a piece of music in an appropriate style and was told I was not ready for things like that.



2) It's becoming financially straining to pay for lessons.
 Besides, I've been with this teacher for 8 years and it's hard to request for a break or cessation in lessons while I know she isn't earning a lot.

If you've been studying with a teacher for 8 years and you're depressed, find a new teacher. Your time in the sun with this teacher must come to an end. If you couldn't learn what a teacher teaches in your first 6 months, then stop learning with that teacher. All the exam based teachers are the same.

Going to lessons week after week going through ONLY your exam requirements - I'm not surprised by that. 

Here's the thing - All piano teachers going through the exam route are programmed that way. Their primary objective is to feed you enough music to last you for a 1 year period.

When you learn pieces on your own, teachers will tell you "it's too difficult" "you're not ready for it"

Teachers know what's best for students and if you dare oppose, do so at your own peril. 

[grosvenor]

Thanks all for the awesome replies.

Just spoke to her today. I lied that I still don't know what I want to do after the exam and would like to take a break after it. As expected, she didn't dish out any advice but let out a resigned sigh. :S