Do you have your ideal teaching schedule ?

[m1469]

If so, how'd you get there ?

If not, what is it, do you feel, that is stopping you ?


Thanks,
m1469

[tiasjoy]

Yep - and now my ideal students too.  How? 
Ten years of trial and error, putting up with a lot of situations that didn't make me happy, bouts of depression, spurs of renewed vigor - willingness to try different approaches, and CULL!!!

Yes, there was definite fear in trying new things - especially when it came to setting higher standards or change - fear of how parents would react, i.e. of losing students. 

What amazed me - and still intrigues me - is just what people ARE actually willing to change to stay with me.  It's made me quite brave.  Now I'm  confident enough to do WHATEVER I want in my studio - I think it's all in the approach.  I try and be fair, give people lots of notice treat them with respect etc, but ultimately it's how I want to run my studio and if they're not into it, I very willingly give them the numbers of other teachers.

I got 'brave' a little at a time.  I'm pretty sure what I want and how I'm going to get it, and now I'm 'tough' enough to accept whatever consequences may come.

[Bob]

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[m1469]

Some good points by you both.  I do get braver and after you having mentioned this, I can see a big difference between my teaching from when I first started to now, just in this one area (and it effects all areas).

Bob, you are right.  I need to clarify my philosophy and the schedule would of course follow.  I currently have the best schedule I have ever had and that came about from me having clarified for myself and for my students what I really want.  But now, I am thinking about renovating it again .

Ah well.


Thanks,
m1469

[pianowelsh]

Not really BUT its more an issue of transport. I teach 7 students still in their homes in addition to those that come to me. This is far from easy and I must loose 10 hrs a week at least in travelling back and forwards and that really is a minimum.  Teaching from home is much more agreeable but many of my students are adults and retired or those that work from home in 5/7 cases, so they cant travel to me. Im involved with church meetings 2 evenings a week and all day sunday so I have to fit most into the day time. So really there isnt a whole lot more i can do to streamline what is typically a busy week But hey if id wanted an easy regular 9-5 job I'd have trained for one. When im teaching I really enjoy myself and thats the main thing for me a the moment. Im single so dont have a family to support/care for  so while I can eh!

[cora]

Yes, I love my schedule. I sometimes wish I could go to shows in the evening, but after 10 years of little evening life, I've adjusted.

I love sleeping in! That's the best part of the job.

[pizno]

Well, there are many things I am finding out.  I only teach Monday and Wednesday afternoon, and only have 6 students.  I still have a child at home and like leaving time for her, and my own piano.  At this point, I still find 3 students in a row to be pretty intense.  They are 45 minute lessons.  On the other hand, between Wednesday and the following Monday I get a little mentally rusty, and need to reve up again.  But I'm glad to not be doing this every day.  My monday students can be a drag - 2 don't ever practice, and one is great but is so quiet, and if she stays, she is so quiet that I start feeling nervous and self conscious.  Wednesday students are so much fun, in contrast.  If I had more students like those three I could do it 5 days a week.

I am not sure how I would handle more. I'm amazed that some people can candle 50 or more.

piz