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Topic: What to do when two teachers's opinions on a piece contradict one another? (Read 1266 times)

claireliii

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 17

What to do when two teachers's opinions on a piece contradict one another?

on: December 13, 2020, 11:22:14 AM

I have been working on k.282 with a really good piano teacher in my area. I also took some masterclass with a really prestigious pianist last week, but their opinion/interpretation on this piece greatly differs from one another. They offered completely different instructions in terms of timing, touch, and dynamics. Who should I listen to?

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dogperson

Sr. Member
Posts: 1559

Re: What to do when two teachers's opinions on a piece contradict one another?

Reply #1 on: December 13, 2020, 01:11:45 PM

I have had the same situation: excellent local teacher; occasional lessons with a concert pianist but with different opinions. At first, it felt confusing and hugely problematic.

So, I discussed the differences with my local teacher: she did not agree with some of the concert pianist’s interpretation, she did agree with some of it. We discussed everything; she explained her position, and left it to me to decide on the points they did not agree.

I was empowered to make my own decision— recognizing that there will be differences of interpretation even with excellent pianists. Try listening to four-five outstanding pianists play the same music. They will not be identical; and some will be widely divergent. You will fit in the spectrum somewhere after you discuss it and YOU decide what is right for YOU.

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