Violin teacher?

Question

I've started learning the violin about 10 months ago, and since then i've several teachers already. My first 3 teachers were very strict in terms of technique but my current one is much more relaxed. I don't want to judge but i feel shes just teaching for the heck of it; she's really boring (are all music teachers boring?), won't correct my posture, doesn't check my fingers, and i can barely finish a song and she'll jump to the next one. I've become lazy and really don't care for the violin as much as before... am I the bad student or is my teacher horrible? btw, what are the pros and cons of groups lessons vs private?

I like strict, btw. I'll learn better.

Answer 1

Sounds like a combination of factors. Look, Strict is good. You simply won't get anywhere unless you do what you are told. I find that when students complain about things being boring, they simply aren't putting in the time and effort to progress. It takes a certain amount of commitment to achieve success on the violin. As far as your current teacher not correcting your posture and so on, well it seems that you are aware that there are problems so you should be able to monitor those items yourself and it doesn't hurt to ask your teacher how things are going and be specific with your questions. There is the chance that this current teacher is just not good. Maybe a different teacher would be a good thing or maybe you should give it some more time to build a relationship with this one. Group lessons really are designed to be in combination with private lessons as a supplementary item. I certainly would never only take or give group lessons. The idea of a group lesson is learning by example not only learning from others but teaching others as well. Group lessons really develop a different set of skills. I play for a living, but that doesn't mean that I know everything, you have to do what works for you.

Answer 2

Alright, first, strict teachers will discourage you from the violin because of their controlling actions. The teacher you have now is also going to discourage you considering she's boring and she doesn't make fun out of playing. I suggest you get a new one, a nice and relaxed one that isn't lazy and encourages you to do your best! You are not the bad student.

As for group lessions vs. private, private is A LOT better. That way there your teacher can just focus on you and your needs and what you need to improve on given the time being. Also you might feel nervous around other players, if you make a mistake or something. Good luck!