Advice for changing violin teachers?

February 17, 2016 at 06:28 AM · Before you dump your teacher, why don't you tell her what you just told us: That you've gotten more serious about your playing, but you don't feel that you're making as much progress as you'd like to. And see what she says.

It's possible you need to move on to a higher level teacher. It's also possible that your current teacher doesn't realize you'd like to be moving faster, and has continued teaching you as the dilettante you've been instead of the more serious student you are now. She may be happy to push you more.

Whatever you end up doing, be upfront about it. (Though if she's on v.com, if she didn't sense any dissatisfaction from you before, she does now.)

February 17, 2016 at 06:30 AM · Greetings,

it always feels awful but it is actually a very straiguhtforward and simple thiing.

You just tell the teacher to her face that you have really enjoyed and valued her lessons over the years but feel like you need a change. There isn't much more to it than that. Chances are your teacher is half aware of your feelings anyway, and you certainly aren't doing anything bad or offensive.

Best of luck,

Buri

February 17, 2016 at 03:37 PM · There is actually a decent chance that your present teacher may feel relieved when you have this talk, because (s)he may agree that you really belong with one of the "more serious" teachers in your area but might not know how to bring that up with you.

If you are far and away the most advanced student in your teacher's studio, this is probably sufficient reason to be making a change.

February 17, 2016 at 04:38 PM · I occasionally think that while V.com's emphasis on using real names is commendable, for posts like this, people might really prefer to be anonymous.

If you are up-front with your teacher about why you're considering a change, they might be helpful in recommending you to someone else she thinks would be a good fit for your advancing abilities. They might even be willing to make the contact for you, in order to make an introduction and recommendation, which can really help open doors. (I have had this experience with a past teacher.)

February 18, 2016 at 01:28 AM · I was in the same position as you about about a year and a half ago. I would suggest at one of your lessons telling your teacher about your plans to switch to different teachers, as a teacher I'm almost sure she'd support you moving where it is best for you. Just like you said here, make sure to tell your teacher about how you have really enjoyed the years you have had her as your teacher, but that you are advancing and want a different teacher where you aren't the most advanced student and where you might be able to grow and improve more. Your teacher might even be willing to help you in the process of finding a new teacher. I definitely think you should tell her, she'll hopefully understand. Good luck!