Self-taught student taking lessons--getting bored...

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I began teaching myself piano from Adult Method/Theory/Technique books a number of years ago and finally decided a few months ago to take 'real' lessons to be sure I filled in any gaps. After testing me I was put at Level 6 (out of 10) in a Syllbus program, which I absolutely love for it's theory. My problem is: the music I truly loved was blues/jazz/new age. This program is all classical. I do enjoy the pieces, but they don't 'move' me like the other music. I find myself getting bored, but I don't have time to work on the 'fun' stuff too! I keep telling myself that the best jazz pianists were classically trained, so the theory and technique will be invaluable. Any suggestions on how to stay motivated?

-- M Smith (babenpansyrose@aol.com), February 05, 2003

Answers

Find a new teacher who specializes in jazz and the music you like. Or make a "contract" with yourself and the present teacher that you will stay with him/her for a set time period, like 1 year, then commit yourself wholeheartedly to learning this material that even you admit might be a good thing to know.

Or tell your present teacher how you are feeling. If a teacher does not know what is wrong, she cannot help you.

-- elaine (noname_poster@yahoo.com), April 07, 2004.


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