Teachers, do you like students that want to learn quickly?

[gabriels]

I'm a piano student, and for 4 month I am being taught by a teacher who teaches slowly. Plus, he is a popular piano teacher, whereas I only want to play music from the classical and barroque periods.

I am looking forward to learn sixteenth notes. He is teaching me major chords. I only play them on the piano, 1 chord per 4 beats, but this isn't a challenge. It is very easy to play them. Next class, he will teach me harmonic field.

I ask you, should I ask him to play the same chord 4 times per beat? That is, sixteenth notes.

[j_tour]

Well, this isn't exactly answering your more general question, but you could pretty easily "trick" your teacher into doing sixteenth-note subdivisions by identifying a popular tune where the drums and/or piano/guitar are using sixteenth note patterns.

I can't think of anything that would be appropriate for coming from playing one note on every beat, but you could lead him or her in that direction over a bit of time.

I think it's better to ask directly, though.  You could "prime" him psychologically, though, by indicating you've been "hearing" sixteenth note patterns in popular music, though! 

I'm not sure if repeating chords at a fast tempo in sixteenths is the best idea, though:  if you can reach an octave (or even perfect fifths), you'll surely have an easier time doing measured tremolos in either LH or RH.

[dogperson]

One question: your instructor is a pop teacher and you want to play classical.  There will be common elements but also differences.  Have you considered finding a classical teacher?

If you stick with this one,  I would recommend a conversation about the teaching speed.

[quantum]

If you stick with this one,  I would recommend a conversation about the teaching speed.

Agreed.  Let your teacher know that you are looking for a quicker pace in lessons. 


Sixteenth notes take up half duration (or double the speed) of eighth notes.  It is a similar  relationship between quarter notes and eighth notes.  Try it with scales first, as you will encounter sixteenth note scales a lot more frequently than a series of sixteenth note chords. 

[ranjit]

You can either explain your current situation and see if your teacher is willing to teach faster, or explore other teachers. Not all teachers will be interested or capable of teaching all kinds of students. You will need to think about your goals, and find a suitable teacher.

ETA. Also, it makes no sense to me why someone would need to be "taught" sixteenth notes. Isn't it obvious once you know the definition?

Also, I'm not quite sure of the OP's situation, but I would expect to be able to play more than a block chord with my left hand after 4 months of weekly lessons. What is he actually teaching?

I'm just annoyed at teachers in general lol, so I apologize if I'm being too harsh.

[lostinidlewonder]

I am looking forward to learn sixteenth notes.

I only play..., 1 chord per 4 beats, but this isn't a challenge.

I ask you, should I ask him to play the same chord 4 times per beat? That is, sixteenth notes.

Have you actually tried to do that, play repeated 16 chords per bar vs a simply melody? It would probably sound rather ridiculous.

I have had students who think something is too easy but they actually can't do what is required with mastery. So they think it is easy but in actual fact they haven't got it completely yet.

Why don't you ask your teacher to give you more difficult pieces to work with until you feel it is no longer easy?

[lelle]

I'm a piano student, and for 4 month I am being taught by a teacher who teaches slowly. Plus, he is a popular piano teacher, whereas I only want to play music from the classical and barroque periods.

I am looking forward to learn sixteenth notes. He is teaching me major chords. I only play them on the piano, 1 chord per 4 beats, but this isn't a challenge. It is very easy to play them. Next class, he will teach me harmonic field.

I ask you, should I ask him to play the same chord 4 times per beat? That is, sixteenth notes.

Just ask your teacher, man. Asking yourself if your teacher likes students who do so and so seems like the wrong way to go, I think.

[anacrusis]

I loved having students who wanted to progress and learn. Beats having students who aren't really into it and do it because their parents force them. But that's probably obvious!

[avguste]

Personally, I would rather have a student that is able to learn quickly and is interested in progressing. Do talk to your teacher and if that does not work, find yourself another one, either in person or virtually

[dinulip]

Learning piano requires patience. Do not try to learn quickly, or you will never play well. You mentioned that your teacher has a good reputation. Then, do him a favour : follow his instructions without arguing. **Do not try to impose your ideas on a teacher who, supposedly, knows much more about the art of playing piano than you do.** After a while (give it at least 6 months), evaluate your progress. Should you be unsatisfied with the result of his teaching method, tell him about your concerns, and see what he has to say. Give it another chance, and after three more months, if you are still unsatisfied with you progress, start looking for a different teacher.

[timothy42b]

I ask you, should I ask him to play the same chord 4 times per beat? That is, sixteenth notes.

At home do it how you want.  I would play them 1 chord for 4 beats, 1 for 2, 1 for 1, sixteenth notes, and Alberti bass.  In all inversions.