Violin Teachers Hate Adult Learners

Do violin teachers hate adult learners?

• Probably some do but they won't say it!


• The main reason could be that they don't take us too seriously: "He's 40, he want to start studying the violin now... He should GET A LIFE A WIFE, not a violin!"


• Maybe others like the challenge: "Let's see how this old man will do comparing to the 11 years old genius I teach!"


• And others may think:"An adult brain understands the concepts and I like that... But the body is a no go!"


• And my favorite:"They won't progress; they're spending their money for nothing while I'm making a profit... I know they'll come back next week!"

Assumptions, assumptions... However, I believe there is a bit of truce in the above. No matter how you turn it, studying a violin takes a lifetime and you don't want the violin to become a mid-life crisis.

On the other hand, I think I think I think...

• You need to choose a teacher that is willing to give lessons to an adult learner.


• Explain your level and what you are willing to achieve beforehand to create some credibility. If it's "for fun", mention it... If it's an "exploration", say it... If you're just bored and you're not too sure what to do with your life, don't say anything!


• Since lessons don't come cheap, plan a bit what you wish to achieve and set some expectations for yourself and your teacher. The goal, even if you're an adult learner, is essential.


• Frame your work and practice regularly (I bet you've heard that one before).


• Choose a good teacher... What I mean by that, don't choose someone who plays well to show you how to play (at least in a classical approach of the violin) but someone who's job is "to teach".


• Honesty is also an important element; be honest with yourself, your teacher, your potential, your violin and the maximum you can get from the whole thing.

We all need to be loved... Even by our violin teachers!