To be upset by piano teacher comments

[FlibberdyGibbett]

My 10 year old son ‘Josh’ has been having piano lessons for six weeks and I have received this text from his teacher.

“Josh seems to be struggling in his lessons. He complains his fingers are tired even after we have just started the lesson. This morning he told me he has been doing too much writing in class beforehand. He seems to talk a lot and doesn’t seem particularly interested. He tells me he practises on his iPad?? I’m not sure the piano is right for Josh, maybe consider a different instrument next term.”

AIBU to feel upset and my son is being unsupported?

We’ve decided the piano is not for him, so he is switching to violin which should be a bit easier to learn.

As someone who plays both instruments (violin to a relatively high standard) violin is much, much more difficult to learn than piano.

The verges of the musical highways are littered with discarded 3/4 size violins.

We’ve decided the piano is not for him, so he is switching to violin which should be a bit easier to learn.

As someone who plays both instruments (violin to a relatively high standard) violin is much, much more difficult to learn than piano. Can Josh match pitch well? He’ll need very sound relative pitch to see improvements in the violin.

The verges of the musical highways are littered with discarded 3/4 size violins.

@Piglet89 caught out. You didn't read the thread, did you.

@50ShadesOfCatholic what the update that his first lesson went well? I did read that, actually; doesn’t negate my comment.

[quote Piglet89]@50ShadesOfCatholic what the update that his first lesson went well? I did read that, actually; doesn’t negate my comment.[/quote]
Let's see... the reams of smug posts like yours belittling the OP's decision to try violin?

Like, not only are you very condescending but you are so late to the party that outpost is irrelevant.

Oh and I play violin and piano too. I'm just not a snob about it.

@FlibberdyGibbett

Hi thank you for the replies! He was using my sisters piano to practise a couple of times a week until we got our own keyboard sorted.

With regards to the missed lessons he has ‘group tuition’ with another child so I don’t see how the teacher could fill that slot with anyone else I think she should carry them over, but I will pay because that’s the rules!

We’ve decided the piano is not for him, so he is switching to violin which should be a bit easier to learn.

Only problem is it’s the same teacher, she teaches both instruments so not sure how this will pan out! I may give her a call later to have a chat. I have her mobile number from the text message.

Why on earth would you think violin is easier!?!

Ah lovely. My DDs started violin at 8 and 6. They got years of enjoyment out of it. They were never squeaky as beginners either.

Nice relaxed bow hold and bow straight on the strings is an excellent start!

It will be fun to learn together. Try get a short daily practice going, it really pays off.

Listening also makes a big difference to your tuning. Find a recording of the tune you are learning and listen to it on repeat. Then you will recognise when you play a note out of tune and can adjust it.
Best of luck to you both!

Poor mite. Growing up in the late 79s was great. Coming home from school, kicking off our shoes and curling up to watch grange hill. No competitive pushy parents, no homework. I feel so sad for today's kids.

Hardly poor mite for being able to take up an instrument when they want to. Where I was at school more kids had the opportunity not less. There were aptitude tests in y3 and free instrumental lessons if you wanted to and passed the test. There were far more kids playing in my 1 form entry state primary than DC currently have in 2 form entry.

@50ShadesOfCatholic wise up. I’m not a snob at all; just stating facts. I’m not belittling the OP’s choice at all - just that if he doesn’t have the sticking power for the piano, he’s very unlikely to have it for the violin.

Them’s the facts.

At the age of nine I had piano lessons because it was the thing to do. I hated it. Eventually my teacher said you are wasting my time and your mother’s money. Later in life I learned to play the piano as I was a primary school teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wait till he’s ready. He’ll let you know,

@Draggondragon

Poor mite. Growing up in the late 79s was great. Coming home from school, kicking off our shoes and curling up to watch grange hill. No competitive pushy parents, no homework. I feel so sad for today's kids.

I had homework and music in the 70s. I did watch Grange Hill though.

@NatriumChloride

He practices on his iPad?

He’s ten. The teacher has given it a go for 6 weeks but realistically, how interested can Josh be if he complains that his fingers are hurting straight into the lesson?

There are really good apps such a flowkey and Skoove where you can practice playing without a physical keyboard/piano. Is that what he means OP?