Hi people, my 2 cents worth again. My 1st and 2nd children were under a violin teacher who came to our house. He's a "half pass six" teacher, but managed to get them to Gd 5 within 3 years. However, with the shaky foundation, they barely passed. I've always blamed it on my children for not doing proper practises. When the teacher offered to teach piano, and did a lousy job, not correcting fingerings, accepting lousy performance etc, I thought i had better change teacher.
Then thru recommendation, i went to MAC Music sch. I wanted Mac to take my #2(daughter) since she is more conscientious and shows more potential and interest in violin.
As mentioned, he is very packed, and recommended me to one of his fellow teachers. I understand that he is Suzuki trained certified teacher, however his teachers are not. After 5 mths with the new teacher, and his promise to advise and guide the teacher to teach my #1 & #2, i gave up as i saw no improvements.
At the same time, i came across the strict teacher by accident. immediately, i moved my #3 (5 yrs) to the strict teacher. After 1 mth, i was so impressed with his knowledge and seriousness, that i moved my daughter under him too, while my #1 gave up. i have so far learnt so much from the strict teacher on the postures, good practices and what sound to expect etc.
I won't say that my experience with him is all wonderful. After 6 mths with him, i toyed with the idea of seeking a more lenient teacher for my #3, cos i found him too harsh, and not encouraging. He was at the same time, wonderful with my #2 (11yrs- Gd5) After much thot, i gave the idea up. As a mother, it definitely pains me to see that the effort that my child put in is not recognised, however, i realised that i have put in effort at the wrong place. I'd be doing more harm to my son if i don't stretch him according to his portential.
I changed my method and style of practise with my boy (#3), he is stressed during practises with me cos i adhere strictly to what the teacher wanted (i made notes every lesson, making comments and personal observation.) , however, when he goes back for his class with the strict teacher, he is starting to get priases from the teacher. THe teacher is always saying "when u r good, i want u to be even better" translating to more hardwork and less praise from him.
I've been thru 3 different kinds of teachers mentioned above. I have given up teachers whom i think is irresponsible, incompetent and money-minded. I choose to stay with the 'BLACK HORSE' cos i want the experience at higher Grades for my children to be smooth sailing.
I know for sure, that this strict teacher has produced many top notch violinists who have won many accolades and competitions. He is one of the very rare teachers who have received a letter of recognition (i saw the letter framed up on the wall) from ABRSM, the music exam board, to inform him that 2 of his students did so well during the examination that they were chosen to perform during the ABRSM dinner (i'm not sure where it was held, but the people present at the dinner, were the top rank examiners of the examination board.)
I've also come across letters written to him, from violin performance artist, with recordings to their name. They wrote thank u letter to him from USA & europe. They sent him CDs of their production and letters updating him of their progress. I'm impressed. How many teachers in this field actually produce such crop?
I HAVE ALSO HEARD THAT THE STRICT TEACHER HAS PRODUCED MANY WONDERFUL SUZUKI TRAINED TEACHERS WHO ARE TEACHING IN CRESTAR NOW. I HAVE COME ACROSS ONE OF THEM WHO IS VERY PATIENT AND CHILDREN ORIENTED. SHE IS NOW TEACHING AT CRESTAR MARINE PARADE. SHE IS MISS SITI. My children are not under her, but i'm conficent enough that she is more than competent, cos she does performance on her own, and she also performs under the strict teacher's orchestration as well.
However i must say that there is no one-size-fit-all teacher. I belief that with every success, there is lots of sweat and tears. Maybe i'm just old fashion....