Is it absolutely forbidden to question a teacher's word, also considering that we pay them to receive a service? I strongly believe it's always better to investigate things in depth instead of just accepting an higher commandment, which does not mean that I won't end up accepting it anyway: just that I will do it with a greater awareness.
During these two days from my first lesson I've practiced exactly what my teacher told me to, namely a scale, an arpeggio and the piece, but I hope it's of no surprise that I practice something else as well, since I try to do at least three hours a day on the piano (much more on weekends) which is not a lot, but definitely allows to practice more than only one scale, one arpeggio and one piece.
Is it absolutely forbidden to question a teacher's word, also considering that we pay them to receive a service?
Thank you marijn, dcstudio and keypeg for your answers. I must say I'm rather surprised I agree that the piece is elementary and that the teacher probably needs some time to assess my level, but why do you see this lady's teaching style so negatively? I thought it would be useful for a student to have an indication of the structure of the piece, the theory behind and also, why not, some historical background (if the quote from Mozart can be considered as such ). As keypeg said, he's exercising every ounce of his self-control to avoid criticizing in details... May I kindly ask you to refrain from controlling yourself and just let it go? I would be quite interested in knowing more in detail what's wrong with that kind of teaching, especially concerning the "strange strategies" that a student might think of applying, I'm not sure that I get what you mean.
I thought it would be useful for a student to have an indication of the structure of the piece,..
some historical background (if the quote from Mozart can be considered as such
I've practiced exactly what my teacher told me to, namely a scale, an arpeggio and the piece...
Where's Scarbo and the hammerklavier sonata?
seems like quite a hefty book 1200 pages! Must be extremely detailed, and even covers some jazz, which I like. But maybe I'll begin with something a bit lighter the coursera classes are actually a great idea, I didn't think about that. Maybe I'll give this one a chance:https://www.coursera.org/learn/introclassicalmusic
I took that course. If you think that a condensed version of such a vast topic is "lighter" then I wish you the best of luck.