The Good Musician

Why Changing Your Teacher May Save You

by Arjun Muralidharan on November 26th, 2007

How many music teachers have you had so far? I’ve had two guitar teachers, a piano teacher, and about four other instructors who thought us basic music theory in school.

From all of them, I could learn a bit. Some had more to tell me, others less - with some I fought, others became good friends.

I recently had to move out from home for college, and since this meant moving away from my teachers town, I’m toying with the idea of getting a new one.

The commute to my current teacher is almost two hours, and I can only commit to going on Mondays, which is a major restriction for both of us.

A relationship with a teacher has many facets:

• Long-Lasting: To build up a trust between each other, and in order for the teacher to learn about how (s)he can help you, you need to stick with one teacher for a while.

• Win-Win:A teacher isn’t there just to assist you. Both parties should benefit from classes. I’m sure teachers learn a lot when they have interested and eager students, and students can benefit from a mutual enthusiasm.

• Fruitful: Unless you think you or your teacher are reaping some benefit from taking classes together, you should change the teacher. Music teachers can educate you, and you can give them some of it back, but at some point you will have “heard out” his or her perspectives.

The last point is what I’m aiming at here: Sometimes it’s important to move on, even if only temporarily. Think about what you’re getting out of your classes - both you and your teacher. Decide to invest more effort, and if that doesn’t work - think of changing.

POSTED IN: Your Instrument & You