TEACHING PIANO

Those who cannot do, should not teach. Nevertheless, there is many an excellent pianist who would make a lousy teacher.

I know nothing of the abilities of Vladimir Feltsman or letter-writer Lona G. Van Den Heuvel as pianists (Calendar Letters, Aug. 23). I do know, at 63, that I have rejoiced in my life as a “lowly neighborhood piano teacher.” Let me inform Van Den Heuvel, from my experience, that a good teacher is as rare as the aspiring concert pianist who “makes it.”

Quite apart from her frustrations, let me beg her most urgently never to teach. The first years are crucial. It is almost impossible to undo the damage done by those who have her attitude toward my calling.

FRED SCIFERS

Inglewood