Dear Alma, My teacher only wants me to study with old white guys

Dear Alma,

I am a graduating senior in high school and I have auditioned for several good music schools and been accepted. My question is: how do I know which one to go to? My private teacher recommends the college teachers but all of a sudden I think I realize that they are all his friends. All kindof old white guys. But I am a young Asian female and maybe I want to find someone like me to study with. There are teachers like me in all of these schools but he says they are no good. How can I tell if they are, and if I should trust my teacher. It’s a big commitment and I want to make the best decision for me, but I don’t want to hurt his feelings.

Confused Young Musician

Dear Confused Young Musician,

It’s hard to know the right path to take when walking that important bridge between childhood and adulthood. Even a college counselor won’t have the depth of knowledge you are seeking. They will have school statistics and some background information. But classical music, with its complexity and delicacy, is somewhat of a secret society. A society, however, which can be investigated and discovered.

You know what you are looking for. For someone like yourself. Someone you can relate to on more than just a musical level. Trust your instincts. Don’t trust your current teacher. He isn’t listening to you, he doesn’t see you. Look at the lists of teachers, and personally contact those which interest you. Ask for a sample lesson, and what their teaching philosophy and studio priorities are. Do this quickly, before the teacher has been selected for you by the school.

If you find a teacher who you feel a connection with, try to research their studio and get in touch with one or more students of theirs to ask questions of. Have a list of questions at the ready to ask the students. Style of teaching, types of projects, repertoire taught, outside projects.

There is nothing worse than arriving at a school where you will be spending the next four years of your life, well – actually – almost the FIRST four year of your life, and being in a student teacher relationship that doesn’t further your vision of who you are and what you want to become. We have all been there, done that, but with a bit of investigation and elbow grease, you can and will decide your own future.

Questions for Alma? Please put them in the comments section or send to DearAlmaQuery@gmail.com