if your teacher never answered your e-mails? I find it very rude, and I think it sends the message that she's not terribly interested in teaching me. I've asked another teacher if she's got time for another student this fall. Not suprisingly, she's curious why I'm looking for a different teacher. I think the correct response should have been "I'd like to take lessons from a different perspective to see which style suits me the best." Or something to that end. Instead, I said "I guess she thinks I'm an A$$hole or something." I often talk before thinking like that. Perhaps its obvious why my teacher's not thrilled with me. I thought we had developed good rapport, but apparently not.
Atanyrate, any thoughts?

HM

Herman: I have the same problem with my teacher, however I know why she never answers. She has a hotmail account that is always full. Every time I try to send her something it comes back undeliverable. I ask her about this and she says she is so busy she doesn't have time to keep up with all those e-mails. I usually just call her and leave a message on her answering machine if I need something. I wouldn't jump to any conclusions based on your teacher not answering e-mails. What is she like during your lessons? Is she distracted, or non-communicative in some way? I wouldn't internalize this. "I guess she thinks I'm an A$$hole or something." She may simply be very busy like most piano teachers.
Jon

Usually she'll indicate at the next lesson that she's read my mail. If she made it that far, then why can't she take the half a minute to hit the reply button and type "we'll discuss this at our next lesson", and then click 'Send' or something to that effect? Perhaps I make too big a deal about e-mail etiquette... but I don't think so.

It would probably be better if she answered, but maybe she has encountered problems with people sending too many e-mails and treating her like she's on call or something. Or maybe she's a slow typist or not computer savvy. My mom reads my e-mail but doesn't reply but discusses them on the phone -- it's just her way.

In this situation, I'd probably just stop sending e-mails and bring questions with you for lesson discussion.

Sometimes people get so many e-mail that they do not have time to answer all of them, even if just a short line. This is especially true for people who do not work in front of their computers. They may not check their e-mails everyday and then they may only have time to answer the most urgent ones. And many people still do not like e-mail as a form of communication. I grew up with computers (even took the subject in high school) but I have never liked e-mail. Why doesn't the person just call me? If it is important enough, call; if not, it can wait until the next time we meet.