Posted by Rick Denney on September 09, 2002 at 14:48:31:
In Reply to: Student-A Dilemma posted by Swami on September 08, 2002 at 21:49:35:
Ask her what she thinks is wrong with her playing. Ask her how to correct those faults. Do what she says.
1. If she thinks nothing is wrong, then she doesn't need a teacher. Tell her she doesn't need a teacher.
2. If she thinks technique is her downfall:
a. And she thinks she will learn better technique by playing concerti, then ask her if she thinks her problems are going away. If she says they are, then she doesn't need a teacher. If she admits that playing concerti have not improved her technique, then suggest that there is another way--a more efficient way--to improve technique, and you've already told her what it is. Make her say it.
b. And she doesn't think playing concerti will improve her technique, then ask her why she doesn't want to improve.
3. Repeat number 2 for any fault from which she feels she suffers.
If, at any time, she says, "You are the teacher, it's you job to tell me what to do..." then you've got her. Just say, "I have." But then make her come up with it.
If, at any time, she says she doesn't want to get better but that her parents are making her take lessons--well, you know what to do.
If she can't come up with the things you've already told her that solve these problems, then she hasn't been listening. Make her drag it out of you--that way, her ears will be open when you say it.
The point is that if she buys into scales and etudes as part of the improving process, she will do them, or at least start to do them. But she must say it--the words must come out of her lips, propelled by her will.
Rick "who also plays overly difficult concerti and doesn't improve" Denney