Did my piano teacher make me take to long on grades?

Question

I've been having private weekly piano lessons since I was 7, and I'm now almost 15. I have just taken my grade 4 exam. When I was younger I didn't even know about grades or anything, and I've always practiced. I recently found out that a few other people started at the same age as I, and have now done their grade 7. Should I ask my piano teacher about why I didn't move more quickly through the grades?

Answer 1

Sure, you should ask.  Maybe you weren't advancing as quickly as some of the others who it just came naturally too.  Asking won't hurt anything, it'll only help clarify what you want to know.

Answer 2

You should ask your teacher. Sometimes, teachers do not know student's expectation. My rule of thumb is one year of study almost equal one grade level. If you've been playing for let's say 5 years - you should be on grade 4 or 5 (if you practice consistently 30-45 minutes a day, 5 days a week).

It could also be that your teacher expect you to score distinction or merits on performance and so put a strict and higher expectation on you.

I hope you are also working on many other pieces that are not exam pieces.

When I was younger, my teacher wanted me to start with grade one after taking lessons for close to 3 years. My mother talked to the teacher and asked her to allow me to skip grade one and moved directly to grade 2.  I did. And it was a good move. I scored well on grade 2 exam.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I know how you feel, I'm 14 and have been playing the piano since I was about 9 I'm only just taking my grade 3 and its so frustrating. Ive asked my piano teacher and she says that I don't practice enough however I do 15 minutes a day 5 days a week and I know people that only practice once a week and are at grade one ability in about 6 months. Ive told my dad and have decided that I'm going to get another teacher while he stays at the same one. I think the best thing is to ask your teacher and if you feel that their explanation isn't satisfactory then yes, you should change teacher. Your paying for those lessons you should be able to get what you want out of the lessons.