It should make no difference to him how long it takes you or how long you want to take. If you were committed to being ready for some concert with other students at a particular date, then he'd justifiably have a "coaches perspective". Otherwise, he should be sitting back and be happy to take your money. The longer the better.
However, I think part of the in-person factor is that it [u]should[/u] be driving you to meet certain expectations. He (or she) is laying out what should be a reasonable course. It may be that your money is being unwisely spent if you aren't able to commit to it for whatever reason that may be. (And perfectly justifiable reasons they may be!)
Just my opinion, of course.
It sounds like you need some sort of casual classes. Not every week, but something you can arrange ad hoc when the class meets YOUR schedule.
...so ever since then, I always hang on to the buckle.
