Adult New to Lessons (Late Beginner/Early Intermediate level)

[illusion]

Hi all

Made it my project to find an informative site, and this was the best by far.  Have just spent the past 3 days (and most of the nights ) reading through posts.  I just wanted to say thank you for those responsible for the Forum, and to those contributing.  I may have to re-open my Internet account for this resource alone.   

I'm struggling with an issue at the moment, and would appreciate any advice.  It's more than likely a simple question really, but, I personally can only go on my gut, so wanted to ask all you wise folk out there.

I've recently started lessons, but fear that the teacher isn't "all that".  Very blase, too fast in his explanation of technical, theory, etc., and we're progressing at lightning-speed, also.   I have questions with each new piece, to the point that I'm unsure how to execute certain passages.  Is this normal?  Seems to me that it's pointless practicing, if you're not sure how to play certain notes.   

We haven't really done any technical work, save for scales (HT-parallel & contrary, with metronome).

I just feel a little frustrated, especially after reading through a lot of the posts here which contradict some of his teaching methods. 

So.. after a bit of backstory (apologies), my question is this - are you better off teaching yourself, with the aid of a forum likes this, as opposed to being with a 'not-so-good' teacher (if I can say that)?  I'd be looking for a new teacher, as I realize the benefits, but in the meantime.... ?  My guess is yes, but, as I'm also ignorant, thought I'd ask.  I am learning with this teacher, but is it the right way?

That would be the next question:  where do you find a 'great' teacher?  I assume it would be recommendations, like with most things?  And if none available, trial and error (try, try, try again, until the right one's found?)

Hope this makes sense.  Appreciative of any advice, and apologies if flogging a dead horse (not always easy finding specific info).

Regards

[ludwig]

Hi illusion,

      Sounds like your teacher doesn't know how to respond to a late beginner maybe? People often think that if one's an adult and start piano lessons, they will understand the concepts of music easily? And have no troubles of comprehending what is needed technically to play the piano?!?

So the teacher feels he/she can zoom ahead into piano playing without the basics, i.e proper posture, hand positioning, shaping etc... Even reading music! Perhaps they also feel you're going to get bored of them?? I don't know, but yes, teaching adults is different to teaching young beginners... There are no problems with understanding instructions, but there are questions on how to achieve different things! I think when  you're young your immitating abilities are good, so showing and mimicring is a good way to learn sometimes, but with adults, because they are sort of "adjusting" rather than "learning" due to experiences and unfamiliarity with the positioning of hand, arm, shoulders, fingers etc..., it is more difficult to tell the hand what to do, how to adjust, how to get the feeling of playing...

But nevertheless, I do think it is important to have a good teacher that will explain and communicate with an adult beginner, rather than telling one what to do (more like how this can be achieved)... This way the right technical fundamentals, basic skills can be learnt....Maybe your teacher atm is a good music educator but have no experiences with teaching adults? Have you had a talk with him about your goals in learning the piano? and how you respond to his lessons? If this does no good after a few times then I think its time to find someone with experience, who don't feel the need to rush the explanation (instead of instruction) part of music.... just a thought..anyways, let us know how you go

[latebloomer]

I don't have any specific advice regarding your teacher, but I just wanted to introduce myself as another late beginner new to the piano.  I am 37 and have been at it for about eight months.  I am attempting to teach myself and have been able to use some progress using the Faber and Faber Adult Piano Adventures books.  I would like to take lessons but can't afford to at the moment, since my daughter and wife are currently taking lessons (both of whom have more talent than I do, by which I mean they both have a better ear than I do, which seems to come naturally to them).  I think the fact that they are taking lessons has inspired me to keep at it on my own.  I had tried a few times in the past but never made past the first week.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear that there is another late beginner out there.  How "late" a beginner are you?  Have you had prior musical experience?  I was a bit taken aback reading some other posts from "late" beginners who started when they were 12 or 17.  Makes me feel really old.   I am new to the piano but I had taken some guitar lessons as teenager and took choir in high school.  So I could at least read music and knew some elementary theory.

I also wanted to let Bernard know (if you ever read this post) that I practiced according to your method for the first time today and made more progress in one practice than I had made in the last two weeks using my random, intuitive "method".  I feel very confident at the moment that I will be able to improve.  Yesterday, I was wondering if I had hit a wall and had gone as far as I could on my own.  Today, I feel like I can keep going. 

Best.

[kaiwin]

It would be nice if you knew what your goals were, then you can get a better idea the pace you want to learn.

In the beginner level, I think it is okay to read off beginner adult music books, nothing serious with the fingering and technique. But in higher levels, it is a good idea to get a teacher, because the technique would get harder.

For example. The practice of relaxation in a performance, and the technique of keeping your hand relaxed without injuring yourself.

[markj]

Late bloomer... check out musictheory.net. There are tons of free virtual trainers online to help you with ear training. You'll get results quick.  Just a thought

MJ

[i_m_robot]

- are you better off teaching yourself, with the aid of a forum likes this, as opposed to being with a 'not-so-good' teacher (if I can say that)?

yes

100%

kick em to the curb and start on your own

just make sure to read as much as you can about good practice and  avoiding injury

the rest is so simple an eight year could do it

[illusion]

Thanks for all your input, guys.  Appreciate your time.

I'm 33, and a 'dropout' of >15yrs (although, I only had 2mnths worth of 0.5hr/wk lessons prior).  I've been dabbling on my own, but very sporadically.  In the past 6mnths I've taken it on more seriously, and now practice ea day. 

After further reading through a *lot* of Bernhards posts, and some of Mr. Changs book, I've come to realize that my teachers approach is the intuitive method (more or less).  Had he not been so blase, I may have continued on for years this way... none the wiser, so, I need to be grateful that my frustration led me here, huh?    

I'm betwixt and between as far as dropping out again.  At least with this teacher, *some* bad habits will be identified, and replaced with correct techniques, etc.  I'm going to do a lot of the work on my own, though, following the wise advice of Bernhard, Mr. Chang, et al., whose contributions are more than appreciated.... (I'd be on the student waiting list, if I lived in their areas).  In the meantime, I'll look for a more appropriate teacher. 

Thanks again, all. 

Looks like I'll be re-establishing that internet connection (on borrowed time, you could say, at present).

Cheers

[Kenasam]

As a specialist in teaching adult beginners (for over 25 years now), I read with great interest the fears and problems encountered.  In some cases, it does sound as though some teachers are proceeding much too rapidly.  They err in thinking that because the student is a mature adult, that they can quickly absorb concepts at an alarmingly fast rate.  Not so.  I don't care what age you teach (and I also teach elementary students in school through the 6th grade--over 30 years experience).  Everyone needs time to think and absorb.  That's why I spend an inordinate amount of time on the basics with adult beginners, to be sure that they understand all concepts and get a chance to practice as they learn these basics.  Interestingly, in the college where I teach, I notice that other piano teachers teaching the same course zoom through the beginning chapters while I linger on them longer.  The term proceeds, and when comparing my classes to theirs, we all eventually meet at the same areas in the book.  However, my students typically have a better understanding and foundation than do some of the other classes.  And the other classes have more dropouts and transfers into my classes...hmm, go figure...

So, you adult beginners out there--don't berate yourself for starting piano as an adult!  It's entirely possible, and is possible with great success if that is what you really want!

If you feel the need to look for a new teacher, I suggest asking at your local community colleges or other college settings.  Or perhaps they can recommend an excellent teacher in the area who teaches privately.

 

[illusion]

Thanks for the support/advice, Kenasam

Was wondering where to start looking for that elusive 'good' teacher... Brilliant! 

The further I read these boards, and referenced material, the more I become aware of what's missing, and what I need in a teacher.  I'm working on a goal list, and will approach potential teachers armed with this, in order to avoid the same 'mistakes'.

Thanks again - appreciated.