University/College teachers vs. private only teachers

[sleepingcats]

I'm considering a new private piano teacher and wondered if one who teaches at a university (as well as privately) would be better because of the fact they are part of a teaching institution, vs. a teacher who went to a university years ago but now teaches strictly at his/her home, and may or may not be an active member in the local MTNA or any other organization.

Lessons will be strictly for my own enjoyment, not to major in music or become a performer. But I do want to play well and correctly.

Has anyone else pondered this and what was the result, if any?

Thanks!

[whynot]

It doesn't matter where teachers teach or who pays them to do it.  There are great, terrible, and in-between teachers both in academia and the private sector.  Look for someone who's an excellent musician, who cares about your goals and can teach you what you need to learn.  That person could be young, old, famous, obscure, teaching in a conservatory school or in a tiny back room of the house.  Pick the person who will help you.  Good luck!

[pianowelsh]

It actually makes no difference. A uni/coll teacher could be good if you want to make pro contacts but thats about all. A little known secret is that because a teacher teaches in an institution doesnt actually mean they can teach. Some of my best teachers and i ve had many have been private teachers. The way to find the right teacher is to do your research and see 1 Do their students do concerts - if so what are they like. 2. Are they expensive - i have found that invariably teachers who command ridiculous prices are ridiculous. 3. Is the instrument they teach on any good. 4. Speak to them can they explain themselves clearly - with patience etc and how open are they to you and what you have to contribute. it doesnt necessarily help if they are great pianists themselves. Great tecahers can teach anything whether or not they can play it themselves.  Waiting lists can be deceptive. They are not always the measure of a good teacher - many factors can inflate them.  Possibly the best way to find out who are the likely teachers in the area is word of mouth. Places like music libraries where they are known by people. Sales people in 'good' music shops can be a minefield of information in these regards. By all means have trial lessons with proffs but dont assume that because they have turned out 4 competition winners this year and have a DMus that they are good teachers - if only life was so straightforward!!!!

[etudes]

becareful of very famous teacher
sometime some of famous teacher will care only his or her best pupil
so that is why he gain more reputation becoz every gifted pupil will come to him and want to be as great as some of his pupils (the best one)
i think the fact between Private and uni teacher is not really different
btw if u study in university compare with private so that is different
u get different environment social and everything
good luck

[lostinidlewonder]

Usually Uni teachers are not going to be your piano tutor, that is the person who sits with you at the piano and teaches you. They usually lecture and teach mass classes and have little time for the individual.

 However I find that there is no real difference between teachers at the uni or from outside the instiution. I do find that there is a tendancy for most of the univeristy tutors to be more "academics" rather than experienced peformers. You find a few experienced musicians out there who play for the public and peform a lot and thus do not teach full time as uni professors generally do, but I find these people make great teachers because they really do know what they are talking about drawing on lots of practical experience.

[etudes]

Usually Uni teachers are not going to be your piano tutor, that is the person who sits with you at the piano and teaches you. They usually lecture and teach mass classes and have little time for the individual.

i dont think its happened with every teachers (even not almost)
my teacher teaches piano at university and privately
i think its depends on teacher as everyone always said that choose the teacher is the main factor of studying piano
regards

[lostinidlewonder]

Say a univeristy teacher/tutor lectures about 300 music students a day, Do you think they will teach each and every one of them individually later on in a private tuition? Not usually. So usually Uni teachers and your own private teacher are two different things. They both offer something different, the uni teachers set the work and the syllabus and the private teacher works with you to get through it sucessfully.