Do you think my teacher will react negatively?

Question

Do you think my teacher will react negatively (offended/betrayed/disrespected/lied to/appalled) if I audition for an orchestra with a piece she didn't teach me yet? Here's the situation:

There are auditions on the 1st week of september for a philharmonic i would like to be admitted into. However, my private teacher doesn't do summer lessons so she didn't prepare me with anything. I'm afraid if i tell her about my plans she'll reject the idea seeing as how the day we get private lessons again is the day of the auditions (or at least a few days or a week before the auditions). What I'm even more afraid of is her telling me I'm not ready. The piece i'm using is a concertino she gave me months ago but we didn't really go over it. I've improved over the summer after attending violin camp and I feel I am ready to go to the auditions even without her guidance (although I'm pretty sure my chances are a lot higher with her help). Here's the problem, the philharmonic im auditioning for has different groups. The previous year I was the intermediate group and now i'm auditioning for the senior/advanced group. My teacher is a coach for the intermediate group and so it's inevitable that she will find out I auditioned without her permission. Do you think she'll react negatively if I got in the senior group without her help? Would she take it as a disrespectful sign that I don't trust in her? (because i really do! she's the best teacher ever!). I'm pretty sure if i tell her now she'll just reject me and i don't want that. Should i take my chances anyways? I don't want to hurt her feelings :(

Answer 1

Well If you don't audition you'll always be asking "what-if?"

I say, Audition, you obviously have been improving over the summer and if you get into the Advanced group your teacher should be proud of you.

There is no reason for her to be upset. When you see her just tell her the situation.

Explain that it was something you thought you could do, but you would still appreciate her help throughout the year, becuase she's "the best teacher ever"

Honestly, any teacher who's feeling are hurt over this gesture would not be a very good teacher.

Answer 2

Speaking for myself, I'd be very happy if one of my students took the initiative to go out and beyond what I taught.  You're motivated, willing to try new things and making the effort to prove that you're ready to take on a challenge.  I see nothing wrong with that.  Do talk to your teacher about your plans, I am sure she would be glad of what you're pursuing.  Good luck with your auditions!

Answer 3

You SHOULD tell your teacher...talk to her openly about your plans and the reasons for them...If she is a GOOD teacher, she will applaud your initiative, as well as encourage and support your new endeavor.