<p>I had a very abusive violin teacher that tried to keep me with her for many years and even dragged me out of a meeting w/ the head of the strings department at the Colburn School. Eventually I got away from her and switched to my current teacher. It was truly a struggle trying to adapt to my new teacher and having to start from scratch all over. My former teacher was not happy that I left her and bad-mouthed me, did things I’m not going to say and etc etc. Anyways, I simply said “thank you for everything you’ve done” (which was bull but you have to be courteous) and I tried to stay on civil terms. You shouldn’t worry about your daughters former teacher, just focus on the new teacher and make sure she is improving. It sounds like her former teacher is greedy for compliments and wants to take all the credit! You know a teacher was never good if they are trying to latch onto their students! Just move on, that’s my advice. It took me over 2 yrs to move on from my former teacher because of the damage that she did…good luck!</p>
<p>Phew! Thanks for all your help guys. All that worry about nothing, emailed today and got this response -</p>
<p>Hi Mrs. XXX -
Thank you so much for letting me know. I hope that xxx enjoys taking lessons from Mr. yyy! Also, thank you for the kind words and offering to be a reference for me! Take care and have a good rest of the summer!</p>
<p>AL34: Thanks for letting us know how it turned out. I’m so glad that it turned out well for you. I like your idea of offering to be a reference for the teacher–that makes it clear that you have appreciated what they have done.</p>
<p>Congratulations on the best of all outcomes, AL34! Now your D can move ahead, yet still has a cordial relationship with her old teacher. Well done!</p>
<p>I’ve been wondering how it worked out but didn’t want to press for details. Congrats! That is the way a teacher is supposed to react! Kudos about reference idea!</p>