I've been thinking about changing guitar teachers and I'm not sure how to go about this right to avoid burning any bridges. I actually quite like my current teacher as both a person and as a teacher, I've been taking lessons with him for about 3 years, and I may want to again in the future. However, my current teacher is a really good generalist with areas of focus that don't match up with where I want to head.
There's another good teacher who specializes in a genre that I would like to focus on for at least the near future. I may also take a break from lessons for a few months before starting with the other teacher. How to best do this without any hurt feelings? Would really like to hear from any of the guitar teachers on the site.
This seems to be just like the old "it's not you; it's me - we can still be friends" breakup speeches.
Pop music is about stealing pocket money from children. - Ian Anderson
Last time I used "I am getting ovewhelmed with everything, I can't keep up this learning pace, I just need a break to absorb everything we have done so far"
Which in reality was true. He will be cool about it, he will understand.
Keith
I know a little bit about a lot of things, but not a lot about anything...
Looking for people to jam with in Sydney Oz.......
Being honest, just as you've done here, is the best thing. There will definitely be some hurt feelings (there always are regardless of what people say) but he should be able to get past that fairly quickly.
And try to refer more work his way. That helps.
Just be yourself.
Peace
Hey Man,
Part of being a solid person is taking into account the feelings of others. Another part is going for exactly what you truly need, when you truly need it. Don't sweat it about hurting the teacher's feelings. If they have been in the game for any length of time they have probably seen dozens to hundreds of students come and go. No one likes to lose a student but teachers know that's just part of the mechanism. Neither of you owe the other anything except gratitude and courtesy.
Be cool about it when you leave, don't offer a needlessly long explanation, and everything will be just fine.
Peace,
Dylan Schwartz
blog.stillstrings.com
http://www.stillstrings.com
http://www.myspace.com/buddhajones
Chicago Guitar, Bass, and Improvisation Teacher
blog.stillstrings.com
www.stillstrings.com
http://www.myspace.com/buddhajones
