Why wouldn't we want to be friendly with our students in a really genuine way? It doesn't mean they'll start expecting free lessons. My students' parents tend to overpay me after a while, when they see how invested I am in their children, and by that time I'm often on quite friendly terms with the whole family. Is there a concern that they'll stop practicing? There are many reasons to practice, and fear of a stern teacher is only one of them. If that fear is the only thing taking them to the piano every day, then they might find more fulfillment doing something else. I think there's a very specific situation behind this general question, but I can't quite tell what it is. You mentioned raising prices and dropping students. My own two cents' worth on raising fees is that I set them high enough when starting a new student that I don't have to raise them during their time with me. If they average five years with me, the cost of living doesn't change much in that amount of time. On the other hand, every business raises fees periodically; I don't think your clientele would find that offensive if you need to do it, no matter how friendly you've been. You can do it graciously, giving them plenty of notice so they can adjust their budget etc. About dropping students, I've had to do this with children who seem to like me and enjoy their lessons, but are disliking studying the instrument in general. I mean, I can't think of a situation where you'd have to drop someone who just loves to play, so really, you'd be giving them a welcome freedom. I just try to have a sympathetic conversation privately with the student maybe two weeks in a row. I start with how I really like seeing them every week and getting to know them a little bit, and I appreciate them working so well in their lessons (this is true... they're fine with the teacher, they just don't play at home, right?). But that I sense they're not enjoying playing and maybe wish they were doing something else. If they're polite, they'll either jump in in protest to spare my feelings, or sit in silent embarrassment. I plough forward, cheerfully pointing out that we all care about different things and it doesn't hurt my feelings if not everyone loves the piano, because the world wouldn't even work if that were the case. Nothing else would get done! This is obvious to an adult, but children feel a lot of guilt when it's not working out, and I've had children burst into tears in sheer relief when I say this. The last girl I cut loose was quite talented, and this was painful for me, but she just wasn't ready for the structure of lessons, she wanted something completely different right now. I told her that I really believed in her as a musician and that her progress was important to me, but the one thing even more important to me was that she be happy as a person. I can't describe the look on her face. I told her, I'm going to give you an assignment today and we'll keep working for now, but go home and think about what you'd like to do next. And if you want to do something else, or work with someone else, I'm really going to understand, just tell me. And if you need me to talk to your mom, tell me that, too. And she did quit the very next week, but I ran into her mom yesterday, who told me the child is taking up a band instrument, and the mother remembered it's one that I play. She said the daughter had always liked me and wanted to study this other instrument with me! So if you keep the doors open, you never know what might happen. Sorry this was so long, I was just guessing at your situation... best of luck. One last thing: if you want to encourage their respect, invite them to your concerts. Students and their families become starstruck at seeing their teachers perform. It's really helpful.
Topic: Staying professional.