Should I STAY WITH or SWITCH My Piano Teacher?

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In this video, we discuss a question I get asked by many students - should I stay with my current teacher, or should I switch teachers? This causes a lot of anxiety for students who wonder whether they're reaching their full potential with their teacher. I've be blessed with incredible teachers - my grandma, Susan Duehlmeier, Sergei Babayan, and Logan Skelton - but in my teaching and general observation of other studios I've seen a lot of students on both sides of this problem. Some should have stuck with their previous teacher because they were progressing nicely and didn't need to change (many students think that switching teachers will magically make them better pianists without putting in the hard work), and some should have switched long ago because they were stagnating in their progression. I hope the tips in this video help you if you're currently confused about whether you should stick with your current teacher or make a switch.
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[@stevenmurphy1699]

I’m having a hard time finding a piano teacher who will take me seriously. I find there’s a prejudice among teachers against older adult beginner students. They assume we’re not serious about learning and think we’re happy just to play a few popular songs. My teacher never corrects my fingering, hasn’t taught me the fundamentals (like scales) and doesn’t seem very interested in my playing. She’s the second teacher I’ve had so far. I had the same experience with the other one. Yet both have teen students who have won some big state competitions. Thank goodness for your videos. They’re infinitely more advanced than where I am, but I still pick up things here and there. I wish you had more beginner lessons on line, and I wish I could find a teacher who was as engaged in my playing as with the younger students. Thanks for all that you do.

[@w1nduwu449]

bro u should find a better teacher

[@confidential5743]

Have you tried communicating that to them? Discuss what you want out of the lessons with your teacher

[@stevenmurphy1699]

@@w1nduwu449 I can’t find one. I’m on teacher number two. That’s my point. I can’t find a teacher who takes beginner adult students seriously. It’s like, “Hey buddy, you’re over the hill.. here’s a show tune. Have fun.”

[@stevenmurphy1699]

@@confidential5743 Yes I have. It seems to be some sort of ageism that’s prevalent in the piano teacher industry. I’ve told both teachers and they both say they understand, but still don’t challenge me. I’m ready to quit.

[@mickizurcher]

Why not try Joshs sister in law or i think his sister teaches as well. I think it’s going to be on Skype anyway so doesn’t matter if they’re far away. Keep trying. Also what about a community college level piano class at least to start and you could start meeting different teachers that way. Piano 101 etc After many years absence i resumed playing 2yrs ago and went through 3teachers in 6 months. One i had 2lessons with and she talked for the whole hour I might’ve played five minutes, that happen for two sessions and that was it for me then I saw another woman who I was with for a couple of months and she just didn’t seem interested at all and then one day snapped at me and that was it with her. then I found somebody who I had for nearly a year and that was very good with certain aspects until I realized I kept asking for technical help over and over i’m not getting it and I was losing more and more confidence with every lesson and I finally stopped going with him as well

[@OganySupreme]

This video is very helpful for me! I am a young piano teacher (I'm only 17) and this makes me question lots of things: how well do I click with my students? How much do I push them? Do I push them too hard? Am I too boring? Am I not encouraging enough? I have a lot to learn about teaching and connecting to my students, but I feel like I'm getting better!

[@aenema22]

Best of luck to you on your teaching journey! I'm interested in hearing what you've learned in the past few years. I began teaching at 17 as well (I'm 34 now) and the biggest game-changers for me were: 1. NO MAKE UPS! Seriously, don't offer make ups. 2. Adopting a solid curriculum (Faber) and learning all of it like the back of my hand, duets included. 3. Not allowing the parents or student to dictate the curriculum and lesson format. Let them choose pieces they like of course, but in tandem with a solid method book. 4. Telling parents that daily practice is expected and required. If the student "doesn't have time" to practice, have the parents add piano practice to their student's official homework time. 5. Buying an excellent quality metronome and using it in every lesson with every student.

[@joshwrightpiano]

In this video, we discuss a question I get asked by many students - should I stay with my current teacher, or should I switch teachers? This causes a lot of anxiety for students who wonder whether they're reaching their full potential with their teacher. I've be blessed with incredible teachers - my grandma, Susan Duehlmeier, Sergei Babayan, and Logan Skelton - but in my teaching and general observation of other studios I've seen a lot of students on both sides of this problem. Some should have stuck with their previous teacher because they were progressing nicely and didn't need to change (many students think that switching teachers will magically make them better pianists without putting in the hard work), and some should have switched long ago because they were stagnating in their progression. I hope the tips in this video help you if you're currently confused about whether you should stick with your current teacher or make a switch.

[@paulsp1ano]

Your content is absolutely amazing! I can't thank you enough for your honesty, transparency, boldness, wisdom, etc. I could go on and on lol. The piano community of teachers and students alike thank you kindly!

[@kaylamariepaden]

I really like that you mentioned being transparent with the teacher. I recently had an adult student ask for more structure in lessons. We came up with a solution to track progress of the different skills and books she has. Part of that includes putting stickers on finished pieces. I’m so glad she asked that because I never would have guessed that she really wanted the stickers like my younger students. Not only did I appreciate her communication, but it also made me reflect on my past experiences. There were times when I was expecting more than what my professor was giving me. I can look back and recognize where I could have communicated more with my professor to avoid feeling a little disappointed. Now, I know to ask my students for feedback so that I can improve as a teacher, too. We want the best for our students, but we’re not mind readers! So, I think it’s good to highlight the importance of transparency and communication in the teacher-student relationship. Thanks Dr. Wright!

[@thepianoteacherdubai1275]

I so agree with you, both as a piano teacher and also as someone who was once a student. I only had 1 teacher for the first several years of my study and that really worked to my advantage. I have clients who change from one teacher to another, and mostly they're the ones who don't turn out good at playing... Some parents / students unfortunately do not understand this... This video is very helpful

[@TheSIGHTREADINGProject]

This resonates Josh. One of the most difficult decisions for me was to break up with my teacher. Its very intimidating as an adult learner as at the decision point we are so involved and don't have the zoomed out perspective. So it's hard to know if we are just blindly following our own feelings for the worse, or if the decision is sound. The answer only really comes with hindsight after the bridge has burned unfortunately! It's wonderful to hear how you try to read the student and adapt your style Josh. My piano teacher read me very well, but after randomly and badly falling apart in lesson over reading (not being able to start at the beginning of the bar again...), I was simply unable to go back. So it's touching to see you soul search over your student, but sometimes, we just reach a crisis point for whatever reason and retreat. I still appreciate my teacher and I'm sure your student has similar feelings towards you too

[@KeepingOnTheWatch]

I like my piano teacher. He's familiar with the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum, uses some principles from the book 'Fundamentals of Piano Practice', encourages technical requirements and techniques, works with my schedule, is patient etc.. I hope to work with him for the next few years if at all possible. This was a good video. It makes us all aware of human psychology and how it works between teacher/student and perhaps teacher/teacher.

[@mickizurcher]

Walter B. That sounds very interesting I have no idea what all these different schools of thought are, the Russian school some of the stuff I’ve never even heard of before, when I was taking lessons I doubt it was any specific kind of curriculum

[@paulpurpura191]

Hello Josh, just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your video's. I started studying piano when I was 10 and I developed a love for the instrument and classical music. I played for about 25 years, taking lessons whenever I could. My career (IT professional) forced me to stop playing since I traveled a lot. Now my kids are grown, and I've retired. And at the age of 68 I've started playing the piano again. I am working to get back to the level I was (intermediate to lower advanced). It's a lot of work. Been doing Hanon exercises and I really enjoy them. Your videos have helped me tremendously. You might think I am crazy for starting over, but I play just for me. I just want to get better.

[@loveispatient0808]

Keep going, music is for life! Playing piano too!!😀

[@mickizurcher]

You will get better if you put in the time. I had a 50 year break and started playing again two years ago and I’m better than I’ve ever been I’m not the best but I’m actually spending all of my time on Chopin which I never would even attempt it before make sure you learn HOW to practice. I learned how to practice from a cellist and of course all of Joshs work.

[@paulpurpura191]

@@mickizurcher Thank you very much for your kind response. I practice every day for at least one hour, often more. I have started a practice diary, which I've learned from Josh. I create a practice plan, execute it, and then afterward I then evaluate how I performed each work, as well as any other notes I wish to document. I just signed up for piano lessons from Wintergreen Music Academy. Wishing you much success with your music. Cheers, Paul

[@onepeepmusic]

I rmb when I was a studying piano with my music bachelor degree, during the first year I was under a very fierce teacher, she got amazing technical skills which I want to to learn from her. But maybe she used to teach those advanced students which she doesn’t need to go through the technical problems with those students, I became her ‘stupid student’. Before every lesson, I couldn’t sleep and just keep practicing till 4am:( and during the lesson, she bearly show any interests in what I played, and just simply ask me to practice and practice. I was devastated and cried a lot. Then I decide to change to another teacher, she is a saviour to my music life, her caring and encouraging words still in my head. I know I could play well indeed and isn’t just average level. I treat my students the same way I learnt from my teacher. And I know positive encourage would in fact encourage students to become better😊

[@mickizurcher]

Listen to yourself!

[@rosskimura4398]

Hi Josh, thank you for being genuinely gentle but honest. Teaching another person can be complex, and yet can be an amazing experience for both the student and teacher. This aspect takes time. I feel that different working relationships including: the student, parent/guardian and support figure need to be a continuation of a growing process. Thank you again for your positive and insightful help.

[@BobMazzo]

I can't imagine how telling a student you expect more from them would offend them. And especially coming from you, Josh. You're a very nice person. As for me, I have to be a little tough with my kids otherwise they'll just control me. Lol. But all in all I'm pretty easy on my kids, who I am teaching piano.

[@brianbuch1]

Thanks, Josh. I have a piano teacher I have no intention of switching, she likes my motivation and interest. When I used exercises and hints from teachers on the Internet, I felt like I was "cheating on her". What I do these days is tell/show her what I've picked up from other teachers like you and Nahre Sol, run them by her and see if she approves. I feel that she has a plan and I trust that it's a good one for me. She's never had any problem with the things I've brought to her from you.

[@BachtoBagels]

Thanks Josh for always sharing such good advice and perspectives.

[@Z0X777]

Thanks for this video.

[@richardlehoux]

The skill for a great teacher is different from the one for a great player or a great doctorate.

[@mrsam2026]

Thank you. You helped make a tough decision easier

[@NicoleRetuta]

This was very insightful and made me feel good about my current teacher. :)

[@lucasdelliosiv7493]

A couple of months ago, I asked for help from an older teacher on a passage in the Waldstein sonata. After receiving the help, I told my current teacher and she was furious. I'll he more upfront about such things from now on.

[@lucasdelliosiv7493]

@Luka Meah Nah, with a passage from the end of the 1st movement where it reaches a climax. I don't know how to describe it better

[@007attaboy]

I just hope you always continue at your incredibly high level demonstrated once again in this video, and in the incredible number of aspects that you do so.

[@alijah21]

Currently watching this and I’m debating on whether on changing my piano instructor I dread going to my music lessons every Saturday. His a great musician but I’ve barely learned any theory. There’s no book or structure to follow he expects me to have already learned some of the concepts when I’m barely a beginner he just gives me piece after piece and I’m so tired of just playing and not truly knowing.

[@mozartrn1]

Thanks for addressing this topic. I have a teacher currently who I am learning from (she is helping me undo and redo a lot of things other teachers have not taught me) but the process is extremely intimidating. Every month I reevaluate whether I want to continue with her or not. Her country of origin has an in-your-face approach I think and so I contend with that as well although she is very talented and her recitals demonstrate fairly proficient students. Thanks again for your advice as I contemplate whether to continue again.

[@angeliquemclean8255]

Excellent video!!! I've been teaching for almost 23 years, and I still feel like I have SO much to learn! (...and I have from you! :D ) I received some great encouragement from this video for many reasons, one of them being the guilt I've experienced for feeling like I don't measure up to parents' expectations which has caused some students to leave. Yet, at the same time, upon reflection, I felt I either didn't mesh well with a student, or they have different expectations from what I can deliver, or, a LOT of times, due to lack of practice (no matter how much I positively encouraged them) they gave up on piano. (I have had parents blame me for that! That's so frustrating.) I so agree with you with the importance of admitting when you've taken a student as far as they can go. I couldn't imagine being more concerned with a paycheque than to admit when a student could benefit more from a different teacher than myself. I know my limits, and I'm honest and upfront with parents/students with what those limits are.

[@ReOdinal]

I had lessons through my school but never had any privately. My teacher wasn’t bad but he never really was professional, he never mentioned any practice techniques such as scales or different drills, I had to learn all of that online.

[@hrobert745]

Very interesting topic. Thanks.

[@karenliu529]

I feel like when I was young, I was not that sensitive, but now I have my own little 5 year old, who started violin, and she would have tears swimming in her eyes even when the teacher tells her not to bite the horse hair. Geeze.. people sure are different.

[@mickizurcher]

Aw what a sweetie

[@singerstylistjennifer1654]

Hey there! Great content! Looking for the best most gracious way to tell my 11 year old sons piano teacher he's had since age 5. She is a cherished church family member but the time has come to move into a new teacher. Any advice? Thank you very much

[@jamestang96]

Hi Josh, i've a question about playing rolled chords, specifically a rolled tenth on the left hand (or any intervals where the hand can't stretch to comfortably. For some reason i can't get my thumb to sound even/softer, consistently. (More serious going from a black to white key, eg. Ab-C, i.e. moving downwards along gravity). Would love to hear your input on this. As always, i appreciate all you've done and thanks for sharing!

[@e.hutchence-composer8203]

James T he discusses rolled chords in his video of the Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 11 which might be of value to you.

[@romanhollow2985]

Hi Josh, I am a beginner for a few months now. 57 y/o. My question is about my teacher. I am about 54 pages into Alfred beginner piano book and my teacher seems to move me forward by 3 or 4 pages at a time. Which is fine with me, but if I don't learn and master some pieces, should my teacher be moving me ahead every week? I don't know if this is normal, or if she thinks I can handle this pace or she is not teaching me properly??? Help please, would love to hear your opinion

[@ND-hj5st]

Thanks for making videos to FAQ Helped a lot 💟

[@aenema22]

My advice when looking for the right teacher: 1. Attend their recitals. This will show you firsthand the results their teaching produces. 2. Ask to hear them play some of their repertoire and tell you about their background in music. If they are hesitant or secretive about either, find a different teacher. 2. Ask them about the successes of their former students. Have they ever competed in or won any piano competitions? Gone on to become concert pianists? Are any of them in bands? Do any of them run music channels on KZbin? If not one of their students has ever gone on to become a muscian, you should find another teacher. 3. Ask if they play the method book duets with students. If not, they likely can't read well and you should find another teacher.

[@Anonymous-rm5jx]

Hey josh , love your videos. Can you do a series of exercises that helps with chopin etudes . I would really appreciate it.

[@LadieBjj]

I switched my first piano teacher. He was so unprofessional. I was taking my piano lessons seriously. I was practicing hours daily. He would switch days constantly, he would forget to show up for lessons and wouldn’t send me promised materials. I found a better one. So it is a good thing he messed up.

[@Fryderyk_Franciszek]

And what happened when you're your own teacher? How do u switch yourself? Well, this is a kind of joke, but when you are self-taught like me, sometimes you don't know if you're following the right path. On the other hand, you have total freedom, priceless.

[@leo32190]

santiago molina You have to record yourself. It has been proven that we cannot critique correctly when playing. Listen and compare to other amateurs on KZbin and professionals on recordings and live performances. Especially listen to live performances because recording studios can fix “innacuracys”

[@danielberry4728]

How often have you broke piano strings?

[@puriaqara2086]

Thank you ...

[@pamelalawson4043]

My teacher says because of my small hands octave 7 inches piano playing will be diffucult to play for instance Chopin. Is this true. I just started playing the piano.i am 71years old. Love your webinars.

[@senju4246]

I haven't heard anything about my type of teacher. He plays a few pieces, and makes me pick one. We never to any technique, just piece after piece. Any thoughts?

[@spectator9535]

I would switch the teacher :) Depends on your goals.

[@maralagounari6193]

Definitely switch the teacher.

[@gracieg5849]

Switch. I’d expect more guidance than that. A really good one would know from experience what may be your next level, knowing you and knowing the music.

[@w1nduwu449]

Im a violinist that has started playing the piano about 1 year ago. I found that, for all instruments theres a certain way to practice that will definitely make you get better. And that is to be patient and focused when practicing. when you are beginning piano though, or any other instruments, I would however say that it is very important to practice scales and studies. if scales are too boring, studies are also fine. you mentioned that your teacher doesnt give you any of these technical works. Well a better way to handle this, rather than switching teachers, is to just ask them to make u play these exercises. Furthermore, from 1 year of learning the piano, (self taught) (also starting to have proper lessons now) I realised from beginner level to intermediate or even a bit more difficult, the pieces are generally easy and doesnt require much help of a teacher. Im not saying that for everyone but, if you know the way to practice, that is very possible. I have played the violin for 10 years now and I felt that starting piano was fairly easy since the methods of practicing are the same. The general rule of playing any instruments I found, is that you have to play as naturally as possible. Hands not getting tense in quick parts, sitting, or standing position is comfortable and healthy. welp, good luck on your piano, thats all from me. also did I mention I got to grade 8 AMEB and my teacher only gives me pieces? lol

[@jasminhacker7243]

My lesson is just 25 min because I am a beginner. My teacher talks 20min straight about her privat life during lesson. Should I search for a new one?🙃

[@brimusic33]

I am having an issue with the management changing students without speaker with the teacher first. I think this is unfair when we've invested alot of time with them.

[@great-garden-watch]

Wow yes I just realized in this group class I joined..the teacher does not want the class to progress so she can keep them paying. She is so slow and the class is 100percent talk and no piano whatsoever

[@jarjuicemachine]

Should I stop learning from my teacher (100 USD / lesson) and buy ProPractice Lifetime Access?

[@jasmwong262]

My kid's teacher is very tough. She made my daughter refuse to play pinao.

[@Sina-wj4of]

Unfortunately it’s a common thing I’ve seen in many teachers .

[@benjamincollins8559]

As much as I liked being with my last piano teacher, it began to be a struggle of wanting to see the progress before I get new songs. This teacher is disorganized that she was depending on me to know everything about piano practice, I made the right choice & moved on from this teacher.

[@xyz5803]

YOU DONT ANSWER THE QUESTION ugh!!!! WHAt are the reasons you should switch? What is a teacher supposed to teach you or a student expect to know after 6 months or 1 year of taking classes. Ugh

[@joshwoods7641]

I can't even find a piano teacher in the first place. :(

[@bernardofensterseifer7060]

3rd

[@Stemma3]

I hate my teacher. I go to his class thinking "god, I'm stuck with this thing" and I leave his class "fuck, that was easy". If you don't get the answers, you might wanna find another teacher. I didn't happen to me yet.

[@justasillyname8958]

2nd

[@Andrew777foc]

1st