New Instructor

[didi100]

I have recently started lessons with a new instructor. Although I am very impressed by his breadth of knowledge, I am finding that I'm not making very much progress due to the amount of talking he does during my lesson time. I played only about 5 minutes during my last lesson. If he corrects me, he stops and goes into a long litany, sometimes with useful information but often repeats the same stories. Although he has put forth good pointers unlike other instructors, I feel very short changed as I am paying big bucks and don't feel that I'm getting my money's worth. I know that he is a very well respected instructor and performer with a very impressive bio, so I hate to part with him but don't know how to handle this. I will make progress at snail's pace. Not only that, I've played all my life and have been considered a good advanced student by other instructors but now he has assigned a beginner piece.

[dogperson]

My instructor also provides lengthy instructions about why she thinks I should be playing something a different way, but my reaction is far different from yours.  I view this as little tidbits of reasoning and demonstration that can be applied to other repertoire or other problem sections. ... and after a year with her, I am indeed, applying this information on my own.  We then have discussions:  'what if the passage were different in this way, would this still apply'?   'What if this were a different composer? '    All of this is increasing my knowledge and understanding.....  Her ultimate goal?  that I will progress where I won't need her anymore, and she is helping me get there by providing the background explanation, demonstration and discussion that will be useful many more times over.

Therefore, my perspective is that this is an investment:  slow progress with discussion  leads to increased understanding, more self-sufficiency and eventually, rapid progress.   Assign you a beginner piece?  Surely he thinks there is something for you to learn by doing so.  Isn't often learning something where the notes and rhythm are easier allows you to focus on other skills   This should not be seen as a reflection of his consideration of your overall level.  

 My perspective is that you need to see all this as a long-term benefit.... in the long-run, you are getting MORE than your money's worth.

[didi100]

Thanks very much for your reply. It's interesting to get the perspective of other students' on a situation like this and I suppose you have a very good point. That's why I've posted this. Most of my friends including my own family would simply tell me to look for a new instructor asap. I want to give it a chance because I do think he is a unique instructor with a real passion for teaching unlike others I've had in the past.

[dogperson]

Thanks very much for your reply. It's interesting to get the perspective of other students' on a situation like this and I suppose you have a very good point. That's why I've posted this. Most of my friends including my own family would simply tell me to look for a new instructor asap. I want to give it a chance because I do think he is a unique instructor with a real passion for teaching unlike others I've had in the past.

Yes, this teaching perspective is unique... the opposite perspective was my teacher prior to this one.  I would work on repertoire at home, play it at lessons, and she would pronounce it 'good' with very little suggestions or corrections.  Was it good?  In retrospect, NO.  It was passable, and I did not learn what I really wanted to learn. .. which is what really needed changing and WHY and HOW.  Now, when  I have a problem, we discuss it from many, many different angles.   I feel blessed.