Which Comes First: Quit Current Teacher or Find New Teacher

[justsheila7]

Hello~ I realize that this may seem like such an easy question but I'm really confused about this. My mom and I have decided that we may want to move on, but she said that she wanted me to stay with my current teacher for now and then "try" to learn with another teacher for about a month or so. If I do so however, wouldn't that be uninformative to both teachers? I mean, shouldn't I tell the new teacher that I haven't left my current teacher? Or, maybe leave my current teacher first...I'm so confused.

-Thank you.

[outin]

That would not make much sense and might ruin the beginning of the working relationship with the new teacher (unless he knows and approves). It seems your mother wants to make the decisions on your lessons? I don't know how old you are, but if you have no control over the matter our advice won't help much...

[justsheila7]

That would not make much sense and might ruin the beginning of the working relationship with the new teacher (unless he knows and approves). It seems your mother wants to make the decisions on your lessons? I don't know how old you are, but if you have no control over the matter our advice won't help much...

My mother is rather unsure about this as well. The thing I'm concerned about is that if I don't tell any of the teachers, then the assignments may overlap and I won't be able to handle it. Also, there's of course that possibility that the new teacher may find out ,thus possibly impacting the relationship.

[outin]

My mother is rather unsure about this as well. The thing I'm concerned about is that if I don't tell any of the teachers, then the assignments may overlap and I won't be able to handle it. Also, there's of course that possibility that the new teacher may find out ,thus possibly impacting the relationship.

That and your learning may suffer because teachers have different methods and concentrate in different things on different times and that may be very confusing.

[justsheila7]

That and your learning may suffer because teachers have different methods and concentrate in different things on different times and that may be very confusing.

It troubles me though. If I were to leave before actually finding another teacher that I wished to stay with, then there's a chance that I may later regret the decision to move on in the first place. But as stated before, learning with two teachers at the same time has its own complications.

[cjp_piano]

I think it's okay to shop around for a new teacher while still with the old one. But I would definitely tell the new teacher that you haven't left yet. Also, don't just leave the old teacher without any explanation. As a teacher myself, this is the worst thing you can do. I'd rather you be honest and tell me you don't like me or I have bad breath or I'm too mean or something, instead of just leaving. Just be honest!

[outin]

It troubles me though. If I were to leave before actually finding another teacher that I wished to stay with, then there's a chance that I may later regret the decision to move on in the first place. But as stated before, learning with two teachers at the same time has its own complications.

I don't know how serious you are about your piano study (if you are interested in a career in music). But if you are, I don't think a few weeks is even enough to know if the new teacher's method is the best for your progress. To know immediately would require deep understanding about both your own learning process and the teacher's method and I sense neither you or your mother are experienced enough for that.

[elenka]

Before quit with with a teacher you should look around and seek a new one and test him/her before change definitely. You know what you're leaving, but you don't what you'll get

[pairra]

If you're not satisfied with your current teacher then stop lessons with them. Give an adequate explanation and adequate notice.

I think that keeping a teacher while shopping around for another is a bit dishonest. A bit like cheating in a relationship.

I understand that your mother is a bit unsure. Perhaps speaking with the instructor and going over her concerns would help. And then having a trial month to see if anything improves.

Would you care to provide the concerns that your mother has? Then perhaps we can give you advice on how to address these issues with the current teacher.