Should I give up?

[Will Millar]

Hi all

       I started to play for fun about 5 years ago, but got seriously into it within the past 3 - 3 and a half years. I am 18 and in Full time education. I can play lots of little bits of many technically difficult pieces , eg. Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. But as I live on the Isle of Wight, it is very difficult to find a) A good teacher and/or b) A TEACHER AT ALL!!

I am willing to put as much work as it takes with a teacher but if I continue teaching myself and getting nowhere I am never going to get anywhere.

I'd really appreciate any opinions.

Thanks

Will

[Bob]

There's always a way to find a teacher.  You might have to travel a few hours though.  I have no idea where the Isle of Wight is.

I have heard of piano teachers teaching through the internet.

I imagine you could also video and audio tape your playing and mail it to someone to critique you.

[ChristmasCarol]

perhaps lessons over a speakerphone... now they have video phones too.  Should you give up?  Naw. 

[Egghead]

I am 18 and in Full time education.

b) A TEACHER AT ALL!!

I am willing to put as much work as it takes with a teacher but if I continue teaching myself and getting nowhere I am never going to get anywhere.

Hi Will,

sometimes to get anywhere we have to move...

I don't know what your situation is like exactly- what kind of education you are in, for how much longer, what your aims are, your financial / family constraints etc ... but....
you DID manage to go to London to hear Kissin. Well done.
The RCM is opposite the RAH! Did you have a look around there?

I assume you have school holidays, have the willingness to work hard to generate funds and enough curiosity to look for tuition outside the Isle of Wight! You already have experience looking for (good!) teachers. How about turning your next school holiday into a piano holiday, somewhere in the UK?

So don't give up, it will be fun. Good luck!
Egghead

[kaff]

How about Portsmouth?  Try Googling for piano teacher portsmouth (make sure you only do a UK search).  There are several hits. Or else how about approaching teachers in the music department at the local school?

Good luck (but maybe it's not really about luck, it's about perseverance)

Kathryn

 

[doug]

Kathryn's idea of going to the local school of higher education is probobly going to be the easiest/cheepest option.  From my experience, college music teachers frequently give lessons for extra money.  Even if lessons are not typically their thing, if they truely love music and want to see others experience it they may sympathize and make an exception just for you.

Never give up

[pianowelsh]

Aren't there any teachers on the isle of wight? - i'll have to bear this in mind if i consider relocating! Had you though about getting lessons on the mainland maybe once a month or once a fortnight? I don't know what level your at but there are some online piano tutors for earlier levels for more than that you need contact time really. I see RAM are doing learning via video conferencing might be worth getting in touch with them? If you do get teacher on infrequent basis get them to help you structure your practice so your not left floundering!  BUT Never give up!!!

[Will Millar]

Thanks everyone for all your opinions - I'll give a little more background information:-

The piano teacher at school is good but is not up to the standard I require - I'm not wishing to sound arrogant or any such but all the people who I have spoken to said she is only capable of about Grade 5/6. The Music Teacher at my school says that I am probably very capable of taking grade 5 but I must disagree with him on that one.

There are two teachers who advertise on the Isle of Wight, the first is very expensive and the second is not very good....Thus my problem comes into place!

Many Thanks Once more, and with my enthusiasm appeased, I will set upon once more to the realms of Rachmaninov

Will