Living in So. California near LA, my 9 year old daughter has been with Yamaha
music in group lesion environment for 4 years. Now they have put her in a
private lessson with this kind of strict/weird/difficult to understand instructor after 3-4 weeks
We have some problem dealing with her. Unfortunately we might have to find a
new school or teacher which is kind of worry of what we will get. I am trying
to work with Yamaha but I'm sure, since this is a small branch, that they might not have enough selection teachers. With Yamaha, students have to take 2 tests - Yamaha
test and ABRMS (British) test which is difficult.

My goal for my 2 daughters(9 and 6yr) are to have them learn and enjoy playing
piano that it they choose can play part-time in some group etc. But most
importantly I like to them to have good piano foundation (classical), Jazz, and
other music they will enjoy later on in lives. What do you think we should do -
find good private teacher, find group lesson at a new school? There is
Claremont Music school in Claremont which is pretty big(50 teachers). Any
advise is greatly appreciated.

James

I am a piano teacher. There is nothing for you to fear. I would speak with your current teacher and ask her for a meeting with your family. It is strange that this hasn't been done yet. Ask her about her methods, and perhaps ask her to give a sample lesson to your daughter that you can sit in on.

Then arrange an interview with another teacher that you know you would go to if the meeting goes well. In other words, qualify where she lives, her price, her method in general terms on the phone first before introducing her to your children. Then choose. The main reason you're probably having a problem is due to a lack of communication.

Dear Candyman,

Well what happened was that my good group teacher sort of assigned this teacher to us without prequalify/interview her first which is the mistake. I know that she is teaching many kids that I know including her group mates so I didn't have any concern until the last 3-4 weeks.

Based on my daughter, she said the teacher was too quick in showing new pieces without having her try it herself but instead immeidately assign it as homework, become impatient when she made mistakes(making her curious and nerveous), used 8-10 books from easy to ABRMS(British). Is it normal for some teachers to use pressure tactics or habit to force students to catch up or work harder. Should we hang on to her eventhough my daughter is not very confortable, maybe she needs time to adjust. It seems like the teacher is talented but sometimes she tried to do many things and have loaded her scheduled with other singing classes.
What will be a good environment/teacher type that will foster future piano advancement.

At this point, I might try to talk to the instructor and sit in, or find another teacher??

Well my daughter start with a new teacher now, older lady(called her grandma) in the school and she seems to enjoy it.