I took a dozen lessons. Totally bored. And my teacher would never 'show' me anything. I started 'self-teaching' in August of '09. I bought books and actually studied, took the tests, played everyday, studied on the internet, learned the keys, chords...I feel like I have learned more in 9 months than I could have learned in 5 years of lessons. There have been less than 5 days in 9 months that I don't sit at my piano.(until I just HAVE to get up!) It is one of the most enjoyable, fulfilling things in my life. And I see and feel growth every week. I would like to find a teacher that would show me the secrets, tricks, chord patterns... I'm almost 50 and am not going to be a concert pianist. But I can play just about any song in my church hymnal! And I am loving every minute of it. I guess I wanted a teacher that would show me more.