Hi all,
I've noticed that over the last year or two, I've been feeling like I'm not getting a whole ton out of my lessons anymore. I'm able to learn all the notes by myself for the most part, and I feel that my teacher is helpful in that she points out notes I may have played wrong/overlooked on my own or with rhythm issues. However, the big thing that I feel like I'm not getting is the artistic advice - the thing that separates the professionals from the amateurs. For example, the feedback that I'm getting through online forums is a lot more helpful in terms of style ... e.g., where to use rubato and the overall message of the piece. My teacher does that a little bit, but not really unless I ask. She's very traditional and focuses on strictly following "what's on the page" which tends to stifle any creativity. I feel like this more creative advice is necessary for me to continue improving as a pianist ... right now, I am doing what's on the page and I tend to try to incorporate some of my own interpretations, but I'd like more advice on that aspect of playing.
I'm not quite sure what I should do. I've been working with this teacher basically my whole piano "career" -- the last 6-7 years, I'd say. I'm only taking lessons about once a month or so now since I can learn the notes on my own. Should I think about finding a new teacher, or should I just keep the lessons to once a month and then just ask for advice online (here and other piano forums?)
Thanks a bunch.