I've posted this on the Teacher's Forum asking for opinions but wondered of other beginner's experiences. Here's my posting on the teacher's forum. Any thoughts are welcome!


I started self-teaching from the Alfred's Book 1 and was probably about 3/4 through when I realized that there is no substitute for a good teacher. I've been taking lessons for about 1 year now but have mixed feelings about this teacher's methods. I was originally assigned to another teacher; a young college student who apparently was teaching only for what I thought was the summer but left after only about 1-1/2 months. He didn't like the Alfred's and based on the simple fact that I could sight read, got me started on the Burgmuller's progressive studies. I did enjoy it very much but thought initially that he seemed a bit green as a teacher. In retrospect, I suppose he was OK for my beginner level. We got through 2 pieces of the Burgmuller. After he left, another teacher of the same studio took me on but has not adhered to what I would consider a tangible progressive method. She seemed surprised that the Burgmuller had been assigned and said we would not use it. Instead she would just assign copied scores here and there. She would occasionally complement the score with another practice piece or look through the Adult Alfred Level II to find a piece. I mentioned a couple of times that I felt there to be a hole in my learning and wondered about getting back to some sort of progressive method such as the Burgmuller. The hole became apparent when I was assigned a piece that I just simply had too much trouble with. I've mentioned getting back to doing something progressive such as the Burgmuller while paying attention to technique and rhythm. She has not been clear as to why she doesn't like Burgmuller. She has, however, taken a step back with a very elementary piece to help with rhythm and technique. I've taken upon myself to go through the Alfred's II in an orderly fashion but not sure how this is going to mesh with what she assigns. Your thoughts?

Hi Foureaux,
I understand your feelings completely.
Having has some really bad teachers and one wonderful teacher I now understand the importance of finding the RIGHT teacher.

Since, there are as many different teachings styles (and personalities) as there are teachers. I think it's a good idea to find a teacher that is able to teach you the way you need to learn. So, if you feel you are not getting that from this teacher it might be time to explore some other teachers...

I know sometimes I can get a little impatient with the process and things like that so it is also important to take that into consideration as well. Also, sometimes we don't notice our progress as we are making it. So if you feel that this is not the case. Definitely look into a new teacher....