when student leaves

[jeremyjchilds]

What is your policy for when a student leaves for a month, but will be back for lessons the next month...this kind of rips me off cause I have a waiting list, but nobody will want just a month of lessons...

Pay for the month regardless (Like renting an apartment)
make up lessons
Pay a holding fee (Lower than monthly tuition)
not paying for the missed month

Any other options?

what would you recommend

[Astyron]

1. Pay for the [missed month] regardless:  this is what I do if they want to keep their established spot in my studio

2. Make up lessons:  that's more work for you just to accomodate them.  Don't do it.

3. Pay a holding fee:  Interesting idea, but if you're holding a time for them it's still your time... is your time suddenly worth less just because they can't come?

4. Not paying for the missed month:  If a student opts to do this (and I had one that did) they should lose their established spot in your studio.  That means that if someone in your studio asks to switch to that time, or a new student is available that can fill that spot, they may lose their position and have to sit on the waiting list for a while.  It's gambling on the part of the student and if they choose it, let them, but don't hold the spot open for them.  This is what happens over summer in my studio.  I tell people that if they choose not to take lessons over the summer that they won't have the first shot at fall days/times -- only established and current students in my studio can pick those.

5. Other options:  If they have a really good reason (trip to another country, their orchestra is on tour, etc) you could let it slide and use that open spot to do make up lessons on the fly; use it as "flex" time.

If they are concerned about paying and not getting anything (which they probably will be), and are a middle or high school student, you could assign them a paper and subject to research for the month.  If they are going to be near home or near a university they could do research and write a lengthy paper that you would then review and write comments on (and/or grad).  If they weren't able to do research you could give them a flexible journaling assignment, such as finding a live performance once a week and reviewing it, or some more creative subject.  Then you could, again, read and review it, offer comments and a grade if they want one.

I think the best option is 1. or 4. (as long as option 4 means you don't hold the spot open for them).  Some people might think option 1&4 are choices a greedy person would make, but it's not.  We don't make much money doing private lessons, frankly, and lost income is lost income.  Would a boss ask a eletrical engineer to just take a pay cut for two checks, and hey, take a long lunch four wednesdays in a row too.  That just doesn't make any sense to me.  It's not being greedy.  It's not letting people take advantage of you.

[rhapsody in orange]

Personally, I'd go for the first option, but I'll try and do some make-up as well (so as not to appear as if money is all I care about). However, the student has to fit into the make-up schedule and I should not be the one changing my schedules to accomodate her. Or maybe you can extend her lesson (if that is possible) by 15 mins each time for the next mth or so. It'd be best if you could explain your difficulties for being too flexible since you'd need your income too so it'd not be fair for you if they don't pay for the missed month. It'd be good if your student understands, and if you can show them that you're trying to be fair to them as well (make-ups or assignments like what Astyron mentioned), it'll leave them more satisfied with your approach to the matter and they'd appreciate it more.