Dealing with Parents

[meli]

Hi, I took piano lessons from an early age, but stopped for a few years due to my studies overseas. I decided to continue again, and am currently preparing for a teaching diploma. I have also thought of changing careers, and I have been doing so much reading and research on different method books, technique etc..and have learn’t and yet to discover so much. You name it, I've read it is basically what I've done! However, I have yet to teach because I am worried that most parents will prefer teachers with paper qualifications etc… My teacher is very nice and has even referred me to one parent, who asked me if I am ‘qualified’. I am just wondering, how to answer this question truthfully but without making the parents feel worried that I will be using their child as a sort of ‘guinea pig’ before my exam? (for lack of a better term!).  Sorry if this question sounds silly, but I don't know why I am intimidated by it.

[hyrst]

Think about any non-graduate qualifications you might have.  What are your perfomance and theory credentials?  Have you worked with children in any way - younger siblings, perhaps?  You are actually studying teaching - there are a lot of private music teachers who kind of fall into teaching without studying pedagogy.  (Also, even the most qualifed of us are still learning - and the biggest learning curve is during the first year when we start teaching, not when we are studying.)   

Everyone has to start somewhere, people know that.  Just be honest - let the parents make the decision.  If they want someone with more experience, they will find someone else.  That is part of teaching no matter how long you have been teaching - there are many aspects that parents inquire about when looking for a teacher.  Those parents who ask more questions and talk to you more when discussing possible lessons are often the most supportive if they do start with you - so don't get put off from being questioned. 

You could lookat it this way instead - you are actively trying to learn how to be a good teacher.  A parent can be assured that you will try many different and fresh things to hlep their child learn.  You aren't going to be stuck in a rut, treating every student the same, no matter their learning style. 

Annah

[jpianoflorida]

Hi, I took piano lessons from an early age, but stopped for a few years due to my studies overseas. I decided to continue again, and am currently preparing for a teaching diploma. I have also thought of changing careers, and I have been doing so much reading and research on different method books, technique etc..and have learn’t and yet to discover so much. You name it, I've read it is basically what I've done! However, I have yet to teach because I am worried that most parents will prefer teachers with paper qualifications etc… My teacher is very nice and has even referred me to one parent, who asked me if I am ‘qualified’. I am just wondering, how to answer this question truthfully but without making the parents feel worried that I will be using their child as a sort of ‘guinea pig’ before my exam? (for lack of a better term!).  Sorry if this question sounds silly, but I don't know why I am intimidated by it.

If your teacher thinks you are ready and you feel ready..then go for it! it sounds to me you are concerned enough to study and be a good teacher! as for that parent, sounds like a "red flag" warning that they just might be very picky! I don't like them asking you "are you qualified"...i personally think you might be better off not taking on that student, it may cause you more headache than good..

[tiasjoy]

I have two thoughts - they may even sound contradictory:

First, I have TWO pieces of paper hung on my wall telling people how qualified I am, and just between me and you - that's all they are: paper, representing a lot of ideas, strategies that may or may not work ...(okay I'm probably a little harsh - four years at Uni did teach me a lot) BUT as hyrst pointed out - the REAL education begins once you actually have those students AND it never stops.

My second thought, is that it's not unreasonable for a parent to ask what your qualifications are.  Little do they know this isn't brain surgery (being a little facetious here), and they do want what's best for their child.

Let them know how long you've been playing and that you're undergoing 'further' studies in a diploma... then if they do 'reject' you - don't feel  too squashed - you will find somebody to teach, especially if you present yourself to them professionally, ask some questions of them, and play for them. 

[jpianoflorida]

yes...I agree! A parent should ask, just in meli's case it sounded like the tone of that parent was "are you sure she can teach my child, are you sure she's good enough"...maybe I read it wrong but that was the impression i got.