Here's a question for the teachers:

Do you have an opinion on whether it is good or bad for your students to receive outside advice about learning the piano?

I ask because we're having a discussion about this over at the AB Forum.

One point of view (to paraphrase as best I can) is that if students come in with advice they receive in a place like AB Forum, the lesson can turn into an argument because the teacher is trying to teach according to his/her tried and true method.

Another point of view is that hearing different approaches is more likely to help the student sort out what works for him/her.

Any thoughts?

The original thread is here:

AB Forum Thread

Depends on the feedback, if something that I can agree upon, and think that we haven't worked on it more, then any input is welcomed.

But, if there is something that I disagree, then it probably won't work out very well.

It also depends on the student, that who he/she wants to listen more, current teacher? or someone else who may or may not be qualified to give any suggestions.

Uusually, if that happens, I will ask where and who the student got the information from, and lay out the factors that if we should go for it, or if it's just simply un-appliable.

Interesting discussion! Thanks for the link, I did read it all.

I love it when a student takes the initiative to study out other options in their practicing. I enjoy discussing their finds and determining what is best for that student. EVERY student learns differently.....there are so many different learning styles that it is important to explore other choices.

In regard to internet advice.....some is good and some is not. I would take issue with the person who advised to write in every accidental in the piece. I personally think that is detrimental to the learning process....and using the phrase "It's your piano experience, do what you want", defeats the purpose of a teacher. I would suggest that before doing anything drastic, the student would confer with his teacher.

I, for one, have no problem discussing different options, and even exploring them, but I do expect the student to respect my teaching experience and following my suggestions in the long run.

It's important for forum members to know that not all advice is valid, and always clarify your own advice.....if you are not a piano teacher, identify that from the beginning.

There you go, for what it's worth!

Charlene