Have you ever lost a student you didn't want to lose ?

[m1469]

I know some people don't want to give up on anybody (and I used to be one of those people).  But, I am talking about a certain type of student.  It's not as sad to see somebody go who has not been very dedicated and whose leave seemed inevitable already. 

However, I wonder if you have ever lost a student who you just loved and who you really believed in and truly did not want to see go ?   


m1469

[tiasjoy]

 a little six year old I taught for about six months had everything needed to become one of those 'favoured' students:  supportive piano playing mother, eagerness, wonderful vibrant personality, steady progress and she 'loved me'.  The father had a force transfer and ended up moving half way across the country.  I was sad to see her go. 

Mostly though, I've seen it coming when students no longer want lessons.  I think (if my memory is any good) we've tried different things to revitalise their interest, but they really have decided that horseriding, or swimming is better for them (two different, promosing hard working students chose these alternatives to piano). 

For a little while it's disappointing that the piano isn't their first love in life, but it quickly disappears  - especially at the times when I've had a waiting list.

[pianowolfi]

I
However, I wonder if you have ever lost a student who you just loved and who you really believed in and truly did not want to see go ?   


m1469

OOOOh yes! Jackie in Minnesota, if you read this, you know I mean you among others!

[Bob]

Yep.  I had one student who was doing very well and had everything going for him.  Except he was extremely self-critical.  He quit and sad he wasn't any good.  Looking back I don't think he could deal with "knowing" what to do and actually being able to do it -- He didn't give himself enough time to catch up with actually playing what he understood.  One of my better students too.  It was unfortunate.

[luvslive]

yes, i would say so.  there have been a couple students who have left before they saw their full potential.  lessons going great and then BAM! kid is no longer in piano lessons.  one student left because she wanted to try clarinet AND violin.  i'm sure she will do well in either of those, but wish she had stayed on to learn more with piano.
sometimes its like "this is too good to be true" when they student is diligently practicing and loving every moment of piano and the surrounding performances/group activities. 

[penguinlover]

Not long ago, I had a four year old. She would have been great, had all those attributes spoken of above.  She was very self confident, knew what she wanted, even at four!  You don't meet many four year olds like this one.  But, the custody issue came up. She was shuffled between grandparents weekly, and that was the end of her piano carreer.  I only was able to give her a few lessons, but when I see her, she can still sing her songs!  She even asked one grandma if she could start bringing her keyboard wherever she went.  I think when things settle down some, she will take lessons again.  Maybe not from me, but whoever gets her will get a gem!

[juliax]

I just recently lost the 3 sisters I had signed up from the beginning.  Over the past year they had all basically quit practicing (my lesson plans at least) and they were missing lessons on a regular basis (sometimes they were out for the entire month, without paying tuition!)  I was very disappointed that they quit taking my program seriously and I told them that I would no longer be able to let them pay by the lesson, considering that over 60 other students were paying by the month.  They resisted the change in tuition (change meaning, actually paying tuition), but I had to be firm.  The last straw was when I showed up and the family's 6 year old daughter said her sister and mother were out picking flowers.  If flowers are more important than me driving to their house, then it's time to move on.  I was very sad to see them go, but I suppose there wasn't a whole lot I could do.  I proceeded to teach the 6 year old and her 8 year old sister, who handed me a check, not for the month, but for the lesson.  I am still a little upset about the whole thing, but it is a good reminder for why I always ask for the entire month up front.