Some music students start music lessons with one teacher and remain with that teacher for many years.
Some stay with the same teacher for a year or two before moving on.
But some learners appear to chop and change music teachers regularly – out of choice or through no fault of their own.
I fall into the last category.
In the seventeen months that I have been learning to play the clarinet, I have had no less than three clarinet teachers.
My first teacher moved out of the area after I had had about 8 months of classes. Unfortunately she moved too far away for the classes to continue, so I launched myself into the task of finding a replacement.
I found out this week that my second teacher, who is maternity leave, is also moving away from the area, and so I will remain with my third teacher who I have been having classes with on a temporary basis while my second teacher was on maternity leave.
Coping with change
Adapting to change while learning the clarinet can be tricky. There are a few reasons why.
A change of clarinet teacher means:
- starting up a new teacher-pupil relationship,
- sorting out the logistics – such as whether the new teacher will come to you or teaches from home only,
- establishing new timetabling arrangements (agreeing on a date and time that suits you both),
- sorting out new pricing models or payment methods
Plus other practical details such as:
- which books the new teacher uses,
- what will be covered in the lessons and how much will be covered.
The list goes on.
Good news
Starting classes with a different clarinet teacher can also bring some benefits.
These include:
- giving you exposure to a different type of teaching
- expanding on or complementing what you have learnt before
- challenging you out of your comfort zone
- exposing you to different learning tips
- adding to your repertoire of playing techniques
- giving a new slant on what you have learnt already but may have forgotten
Whether or not we welcome it, change is a part of life’s rich tapestry.
My classes are working out very well with my third teacher, so I will be making the most of the changes – and staying focussed on the positives.
Vibrating Reed – for adult learners of the clarinet