Okay, so I've been t

my teacher is VERY STRICT she used to make me cry when i was a little kid if i didnt practice. but in return for being strict and demanding, she has many great students. i have been taking lessons from her for nine years. she actually has a waiting list to take lessons from her. she emphasizes on fingering, techinque, and emotion. whenever you give a performance, she makes you memorize the piece, even during the piano guild when you have to play 10 pieces and the corresponding scales. some of her students are under the age of 12 and are already playing sonatas and other difficult pieces. she also puts her students in various competitions and the national piano guild after one year of lessons. i am glad that i have a strict teacher because i dont know if i would have gotten as far if i didnt have a teacher to push me forward.

I'm definitely not a "great pianist" but here's my 2 cents anyway. Technique is always very important. Without it you cannot hope to play songs (especially hard ones) properly. Find yourself a good technique book, and practice with it every day. You'll find yourself improving with time. Don't get a super-hardcore teacher :P You want to enjoy going to lessons. On the other hand, don't get a teacher who's too soft. You want someone who will push you and challenge you which will ultimately help you becom a better musician. For example, if they see that you haven't been practicing, you don't want someone who screams at you til you cry, you want someone who will tell it to you nicely but firmly. Also someone who actually cares about you, and your music. They should be willing to take extra time if needed if you need more preparation before your exam, things like that. That's the end of my rant. Hope you find a teacher that's right