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Joined: Oct 2009
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I will have a trial lesson this week with a teacher who comes highly recommended for adult students by several independent sources. So far we have had a pleasant 10 minute phone conversation about my background, practice habits, musical likes, etc. I really didn't ask many questions, except the obvious - rates, availability, location, etc. She has asked me to bring along the music/excercise books I've been using.
I am wondering what I should be looking for at this first exploratory lesson? I already know her resume and have heard her play (both impressive). Is it chemistry I should be most focused on or what? Are there specific questions I should ask.
By way of background, I am a 56 year-old beginner. Been playing for 7 months. Practice daily about an hour on average, more on weekends. Have so far stuck to Alfred Adult thru a half dozen pieces into book 2, plus a handful of supplemental pieces. Motivation does not seem to be an issue so far.
Thanks in advance for any and all responses.
Jim
Liebestraum 3, Liszt Standchen-Schubert/Liszt arr Sonata Pathetique-Adagio LVB Estonia L190 #7284
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Hi Jim, Be prepared to discuss your goals with your teacher. What type of music do you want to play: jazz? classical? church hymns? all of the above? IMO, chemistry between the 2 of you is very important. Come out of that first lesson exhilirated and ready to go and you've struck gold. Enjoy!
Piano Teacher
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Jim,
I think it's probably helpful to keep an open mind about the way you will spend your hour. If I were the student, I would want to get to playing my pieces for her so she would have a better idea of who I am musically. I would want to play complete pieces for her, even in the method books, before she interjected comments about the music. I would like to see her taking a few notes as the lesson goes along. Working spontaneously at this interview would be an advantage for me as a student. If we were interacting and conversing and it seemed relevant, I would be very pleased with the initial lesson. If I left feeling positively I would want more lessons to see how much we could accomplish together and where this would lead in the near future.
If at the lesson there were some unpleasantries going on, say her dog was jumping on me, or the phone kept ringing and she kept answering, or if she talked nonstop about nothing and there was little attention to the music or to my set of skills, then I would feel quite differently. I'd also consider the location, distance, time of day traffic.
We have to see that there is a spark and a reason for another lesson to continue what has been started. If you leave feeling empty you should be aware of that keeping it at the back of your mind along with other things you will be learning at lessons, you will have the persona and dynamics of your relationship to evaluate. Bring up any concern you have and don't collect grumbles about unfinished business or unclear communications. You are responsible for yourself in your role. She is responsible for herself in her role.
Relax and enjoy! The hour will go very quickly I assure you.
Will you let us know your "take" on your first lesson. Some of us can be quite curious, you know.
And, I'd back up that first lesson by going home and practicing at first opportunity! And, then daily for a week.
Hope it's a motivation experience! Good luck in every way!
Betty Patnude
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Update: The lesson was moved up a few days because she got a cancellation and asked if I wouldn't mind filling that time. So the first lesson was yesterday and I thought it went very well, although I was as nervous as a schoolboy.
She asked me to play anything I'd like from the books I'd brought, and patiently listened, then gently corrected a few mistakes. She was also careful to compliment me a few times. She asked me to sight read something I'd never heard or played before and gave me a real easy piece to do that on. She was actually apologetic in a very sweet kind of way when she brought out some flash cards and asked me to name notes so she could get an idea about my note recognition ability. There was no need to be this gentle, however, as I understood the purpose. We talked some more about the kinds of music I like and about what approach she would take, which includes dropping the Alfred Adult series (fine with me and I understand why), starting in with a piece from Schumann, Hannon work, and me thinking about other pieces I might like to play.
All in all it was a very positive session and I am really looking forward to having someone that can guide me in this journey.
Thanks again for your input, Barb and Betty.
Liebestraum 3, Liszt Standchen-Schubert/Liszt arr Sonata Pathetique-Adagio LVB Estonia L190 #7284
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Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
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Sounds like it went super, JimF.
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