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Joined: Jan 2010
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OP
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Hello all!
I just found out about this forum as I recently started to look for a teacher in the Boston area. I want to get into piano lessons seriously after years of putting it off for various/life reasons.
A bit about me:
I'm 36 (well 37 in a month) and have dabbled on/off around with various instruments since I was 6. A bit of violin, a bit of piano, and then mostly nylon-string guitar in my teens and twenties. All were learned/played by ear and for fun. But I never kept at something seriously even though I was always told I have good potential, a good ear, etc. Once I was in college, and as I started working (IT) and having a family, life just flew by it seems and time was an issue (but more of an excuse as I regretfully look back). I did take piano lessons for 2 weeks back in 1998, but managed to hurt/strain my right hand. I thought at the time something must be wrong with my hand, got depressed, and gave it up. I think though, that the case was I was probably playing with wrong technique, and that's what caused the pain. Because I have no pain or any physical defect in my right hand that I know of. But for years I thought I can never play piano because my right hand is not built right. Since my left hand never had any issues, I thought it couldn't be technique related (why one hand?) so I gave up. Silly perhaps, but the sad truth. Even now, if I try some chords or whatever, my left hand is relaxed and natural, while the right tightens up. But I think I push it and have no real idea what I may be doing wrong.
In any case, I'm determined to play now and find an instructor that can asses my issue. I just don't how to go about it. I'm a very ambitious person, but at the same time I get let myself down easily if that makes sense!
So I've been searching for teachers in the Boston area. My main interest is classical piano/music (and theory), but also some other music as well, harmony, etc. I know some of this from playing the other instruments, but on piano I'm a beginner. I know that I could probably go through the Alfred books alone, but I want a teacher so I don't learn bad technique, etc. I do think it's important in that sense. I'd also like to find someone that works well with beginning adults. Of course, searching the Internet, everyone seems to have the same credentials, etc. And what should I do, call and audition 5-10 teachers? Does it even matter for a beginner? What IS the best way?
I looked here and saw 2 listings for the whole state. Not much.
Anyhow, that's my "spiel", and I look forward to any suggestions on how to best go about what I plan to. If there are any teacher recommendations, I'm all ears.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Good idea to look for a teacher - especially if you were getting a strain last time. One suggestion would be Longy School of Music. They are a conservatory, but also have a somewhat low ke continueing ed. program with private lessons. I would be careful in talking to anyone in order to find a good match.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Welcome to the forum, burma. The teacher you choose DOES matter. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with him/her and his/her approach to teaching piano. I would call 2 or 3 people and ask to schedule a trial lesson/interview (and you should be prepared to pay for their time, although some will do such sessions free). Explain your issues with your hand and see what they suggest. Hopefully they'll talk about addressing tension and posture. If they say something like "oh, it'll get better in time" or "play through it", run in the opposite direction!
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Hi and welcome!!! The folks in the Piano Techers forum might also have some good suggestions. Nice to meet you. Elaine
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Hi there and welcome. Please look into the NEC extension division. They have excellent teachers. It's a little less overwhelming than having to choose one at random.
Good luck!
Rachel Jimenez Piano teacher in Brooklyn, NY / Author of Fundamental Keys method
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you might see a hand specialist.. find out what the problem is.
accompanist/organist.. a non-MTNA teacher to a few
love and peace, Õun (apple in Estonian)
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Welcome to Pianoworld and the forums!
Where abouts are you located in the Boston Area? I'm currently teaching up in the Lowell/Haverhill area in the Merrimack Valley.
I also highly recommend the NEC Continuing Education Department as well as Longy. My teachers taught there as well as privately over the years, and two of my teachers were also full time faculty at NEC in the past.
John
Current works in progress:
Beethoven Sonata Op. 10 No. 2 in F, Haydn Sonata Hoboken XVI:41, Bach French Suite No. 5 in G BWV 816
Current instruments: Schimmel-Vogel 177T grand, Roland LX-17 digital, and John Lyon unfretted Saxon clavichord.
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OP
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Yes, I am seeing a hand doctor next Friday to see what the deal is, but I'm guessing (really hoping is a better word) that it's nothing major, but something brought on at times when I'm trying to play using bad form. I was trying some chords and wasn't happy with how my finger position looked, and just stressed the 3d/4th fingers, since they are tied to the same tendon. A teacher should know better - the doctor just to rule out any actual problem. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
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OP
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Hi,
I live in the Cleveland Circle area - end of the C line. I've already called NEC and am waiting for them to get back to me (the person who does the student placing is out of the country until 1/28) and have emailed Longy as well. I hope it all works out! They both seem to have semester plans, but I'd want a weekly lesson w/o summer's off, etc. NEC is about $97/hour I was told, but the quality should be good.
If you have any specific recommendations, feel free to PM or email me.
Bogdan
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Joined: Sep 2008
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Hi, I would recommend checking out The New School of Music in Cambridge.
The Longy School of Music has group classes that are more economical than the private lessons (if $ is a concern). And it might be fun to learn with a group.
You can also check out adult education centers like: The Cambridge Center for Adult Ed The Brookline Center for Adult Ed and the Boston Center for Adult Ed. The often have those one day seminars and sometimes theory classes the might be fun just to give you a jump start and something to keep you busy until you find a teacher.
Also, check on some of the music store's websites that are convenient to you. They often offer lessons.
I also had a list of questions that I found helpful to make sure the teacher was a good match. It might take me a bit to locate that list but when I do I will post it for you.
Unfortunately my teacher, who was absolutely wonderful, stopped teaching because the had a baby.
In regards to the pain in your hand. I wonder if it could be related to your work/office set up? I have and problem with that and had to get an ergonomic assessment.
Good luck!
“The doubters said, "Man cannot fly," The doers said, "Maybe, but we'll try," And finally soared in the morning glow while non-believers watched from below.†― Bruce Lee
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Joined: Jan 2010
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OP
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Yes, I am seeing a hand doctor next Friday to see what the deal is, but I'm guessing (really hoping is a better word) that it's nothing major, but something brought on at times when I'm trying to play using bad form. I was trying some chords and wasn't happy with how my finger position looked, and just stressed the 3d/4th fingers, since they are tied to the same tendon. A teacher should know better - the doctor just to rule out any actual problem. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! An update. I saw the hand doctor last Friday, and he said everything checks out perfectly fine. Not even need for ibuprofen or anything. He said to just not play and relax the hand for 2 weeks and it will be back in form. I just stressed it out too much. I was saying before how my left hand never has any issues, so I thought I may have some defect in my right hand. After seeing the doctor it also then hit me. I played guitar on and off (classical mostly) since I was real young. So my left hand fingers (and the muscles that control them) are a LOT more formed and coordinated, etc. Even if the instruments are different (piano and guitar), the left hand finger movement is basically the same if you look at it. So even though I'm right handed and have more strength in my right hand, my right hand fingers will need to catch up to my left. For some reason I wasn't making this association, and I was trying to play as fast on the piano (just scales and basic chords, arpeggios, etc.)with my right hand as I was able to with my left. Argh! How dumb could I be?? Why did I not make this simple association sooner. I kept focusing on the fact that I'm right handed, and that the right hand should have it easier, not the left! So that threw me off. Now I realize I just need to go slow and build up the strength and coordination in the right.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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That's good news, Burma. Were you able to find a teacher?
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Good idea to look for a teacher - especially if you were getting a strain last time. One suggestion would be Longy School of Music. They are a conservatory, but also have a somewhat low ke continueing ed. program with private lessons. I would be careful in talking to anyone in order to find a good match. Since I'm in the Boston area as well I checked them out. From their website: Hourly private lesson rates range from approximately $1,400 to $1,800 per semester.Seems pretty stiff. I'm assuming that must be for more than the usual one lesson per week.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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I just started taking lessons with Matts Music in Quincy a few months ago. The instructor is good and the rates are affordable (30 minute sessions for 8 weeks is $199). I've been going an hour a week since mid november. We use Alfred's book and go at my pace (currently at pg 86). Good luck with your search!
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Hi Burma, I have a great teacher in Newton who teaches out of her home and is looking for students. Price works out to about 50$ for a 45 minute lesson. Good luck.
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Piano
by Gino2 - 04/17/24 02:34 PM
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Piano
by Gino2 - 04/17/24 02:23 PM
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