Peripatetic teacher or lessons outside school?

[Soymocha]

Hi there, we can't decide between the two and hoping for some insight and shared experiences from others which may help us decide.

Advantages of lessons with a peri teacher at school is the convenience. On the other hand, DS will miss lesson time (35 mins lessons + walk to the room and back = 40 mins), which he will need to catch up on his own. DS is entering Y3 and is at private school. DS is also responsible for knowing when his lessons are - they rotate weekly - so if he forgets one or is late, it will be costly for us. As it's at school, I am also concerned about how communication is managed between teacher and parent and that I won't have visibility as to how good (or not) the teacher is. Right now, DS has lessons for another instrument outside of school. We're sticking with this as we love the teacher and both the teacher and I have found it handy to be able to chat with the teacher very quickly before/after lessons.

Private lessons, I will have to take DS which is what we do now. Only thing is, I'm not massively enthusiastic about the teacher. Teacher is super lovely as a person but I don't think that great a teacher. However, we are struggling to find anyone else outside of school to teach. Pros would be that I can sit on lessons at least and DS won't need to miss lesson time.

I'd be interested to know what others have done and how you've made your decision.

Thank you!

[BykerBykerOoh]

Go with the best teacher.

[Soymocha]

Hi BykerBykerOoh, we would. However, we're in a situation where current teacher is okay but I'm not a massive fan of teaching style versus a teacher that is new to the school and an unknown (and I won't be able to sit in on lessons to assess). The peri teacher could be great or may not be. It would usually be the deciding factor but not possible for me to decide on this basis in this case.

[BykerBykerOoh]

It sounds like you’re not happy with the current teacher so I’d do a term with the peripatetic and see how the fit is - you can keep looking for a new private teacher in the interim.

[Soymocha]

That's sound advice. Thanks - we are going to do exactly this.