You see your piano teacher for 30, 45, or 60 minutes a week. During your time together, you play exercises and songs. Your teacher explains and demonstrates concepts and corrects your playing. What does your teacher do when they aren't teaching a lesson?
There are several things. First, your teacher is musician, so spends time practicing, just like you're expected to do. Some teachers are also performers, so are preparing for gigs or concerts. If they are not performing, they are practicing to keep their skills up. Beyond that, they are planning lessons, finding music, thinking through what the next steps are for each student and how to help them take those steps as easily as possible. A lot of teachers are also in music teaching groups and working with other teachers to all become better at teaching and to help organize educational and fun experiences for their students. If your teacher is an independent instructor, s/he is also handling scheduling lessons, bookkeeping, marketing, recital planning, etc.
Your piano teacher spends a lot of time outside of lessons thinking about you. What songs would help you strengthen that skill you are struggling with AND be one that you would like? Why are you struggling with that particular piece? Is it a technique issue and how can we solve it? Is it lack of motivation? What could be causing it and how can I help? What advice can I give to help you calm your nerves before a recital? The time we spend together is only a small portion of the amount of time I spend thinking about you each week. As your teacher, your success is my success. Nothing makes me happier than seeing and hearing you do well, so I commit my days to preparing ways to help you succeed. It's my pleasure.
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