| I'll give you my personal assessment and recommendations, with the caveat that I am not a music professional, and you are currently not intending a performance career.
Given the relatively small size of the program, the absence of alternative applied faculty does not work for you.
I'm not familiar with St. Olaf's policies regarding applied lesson costs for non-majors, but I imagine they would not subsidize outside lessons on an instrument where there is existing faculty. To take lessons privately would be out of pocket, either yours or parents.
You may also want to examine the effect of your not taking applied lessons on your scholarship and if this is a make or break point in your overall educational financial picture.
The dismissal of your prior teacher, the change in department heads may indicate a change in focus within the overall program, it may not; it's impossible to tell from these two points alone.
Some of your frustrations and disappointments may well be from a combination of factors addressed here and in your September post.
If you have made a good faith effort to address your concerns and issues with your current teacher, and the department head if necessary, and still do not enjoy your lessons, I suggest you stop them, and seek alternative arrangements.
I would you urge you to refocus on your academic discipline, and continue to participate as fully as possible in the music programs as you feel comfortable.
It's apparent you wish to continue as a musician, but not on a performance career basis. I would hate to see your enjoyment diminished by a less than perfect student/teacher relationship, and I would urge you to continue ensemble/orchestral participation for personal enjoyment and skill level maintenance.
If you were continuing as a music major, I would offer different counsel.
Unfortunately, your experience illustrates what can happen even in a well reknowned yet smaller program where incompatability can limit your options.
Perhaps you can continue private study with your former instructor, or a suitable alternative that is more in line with your goals and mindset.
I wish you luck and success. |