I'm curious to hear what other teachers on these forums might say
about this. I have what is probably a very common problem; a student
who wants to learn the instrument overnight, and is impatient with the
process.
I have an adult (well, college-age) piano student who only managed to
get his book at this third lesson (yesterday). Which was fine. I can
do introductory lessons for a few weeks. But he showed up with a
regular, adult-level book on Beatles music, and wanted to spend part
of the lesson, learning those songs. He didn't even bring an "Easy
Piano" Beatles book, but a difficult, professional one.
He doesn't even know what a quartet note is, or where the notes on the
piano. (Well, he does now, after three lessons).
I have of course gently explained to him that studying music is not an
overnight accomplishment, that he needs to trust me. This is not
dissimilar to the girl who called me, said she had bought a violin on
Ebay, was moving to Austin in six weeks, and could I teach her to play
the violin? I told her I could get her started, and when she showed
up the violin was a total piece of junk, and painted purple!
As a teacher, do you have any pat words of wisdom to deal with a
student like this? I feel like saying something like, in order to
learn, you have to first admit that you don't know. And that a spirit
of humility is necessary.
Your thoughts appreciated,
Connie
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