The Right Teacher?

[gregfa]

Hi: Wondering... I've studied piano off an on for about 5 years total. About 6 months ago after a 10 year break I started taking lessons again from a teacher I found on the internet.  He is likeable, very smart, and advanced, knows tons of knowledge about composers, pianists, etc.  He's been very supportive and encouraging. I wanted to start learning the Chopin Ballade in G Minor and he let me.  However, I cannot get him to stop talking during my lessons.  He goes off on tangents about composers and why they did this and why they did that.  Usually he spends more time at the  piano then I do. Not to show off, but I think to demonstrate.  And its all kind of too casual, there is no structure.  I'm used to playing and getting feedback, playing it again and getting feedback, etc.  I'm learning, yes. I'm like 8 pages into the ballade and I think my playing is becoming less stiff/more fluid. But still not sure if this is the right teacher for me.  I could also be comparing him to my last teacher who was more strict - which I appreciated. Or maybe he thinks I don't need structure because I have a piano background already? Not sure. Any thoughts?

[evitaevita]

Hi!

Well, I'm not quite sure if I really understood the term "structure". By the way, your question is very difficult to answer as the only one who's aware of the situation is you. But, in my experience, I can say that, apart from some characteristics that teachers must have, the best teacher for a student is the one that suits him best. In my opinion, a right techer should be knowledgeable in his field, have a high communicability level and love his job. You must get on well with your teacher, have mutual understanding and respect and NEVER rivalries (I have experienced such case and then was the worst time of my life. I was about to stop playing the piano!!!!).
Of course, this is only my point of view and you are free to think and decide.
I'm sorry, but I don't have enough time to further discuss your issue.

Nevertheless, I found some other topics in this forum which may refer to similar problems:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=39120.0
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=41360.0
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=48123.0

Good Luck,
Evitaevita

[gregfa]

Ah! Thank you so much.  How kind of you to write and excellent feedback. I'll definitely check out the links. I so appreciate you taking the time to provide input.