A Piano Teacher's Woes

[go12_3]

I don't know about some of the teachers here that are experiencing this, but it is when the parents do not even utter a *thank you*  nor say something gratifiying, like *You are doing a good job in teaching , John* , for example.  Or something that would make  teaching feel valued.  I do enjoy teaching as a profession, but I wonder if it is a common phenomenon that parents do not realize the challenges and preparation to teach their children.  I  think parents  are usually unaware about a piano teacher's profession.   I am probably on a *low*  mood right now, with Summer coming up and vacations, and so I have to rearrange my students' schedules, and some not taking lessons for over 2 months. ..... Changes, changes, changes.   Oh, booh, woo!  

best wishes,

go12_3

[Bob]

As long as they pay.

I've never quite understood the idea of taking the summer off or thinking that piano lessons go along with school.  If the kid is off for the summer, they have so much extra time and I think it would be easier to focus on piano.

[go12_3]

Bob, I have one student that is going to India, where she is from, and then another student going to New York.  I suppose that parents do not realize that the extra time could be used for piano, but in my community, parents don't truly make piano a priority.  I have to deal with that aspect too and be accomodating.  You know, a public affairs administrator as well as teaching....

best wishes,

go12_3

[goldentone]

I don't about about some of the teachers here that are experiencing this, but it is when the parents do not even utter a *thank you*  nor say something gratifiying, like *You are doing a good job in teaching , John* , for example.  Or something that would make  teaching feel valued. 

I have noticed that praise and appreciation are very scarce in this world, Go.  There aren't many people
who have the ability or the caring to.  But, oh, the effect from one word lasts a long time.
It is sweet to the soul. 

[mrsmusic13]

I feel your pain I commented about this same thing to a friend after the spring recital a couple of weeks ago. A thank you would have been nice! A flower! Anything. The little notes and thank yous from parents and students are rare indeed these days. I've saved everyone over the years too. School ends this week and I have students going off to Taiwan, France, Germany, Canada, different states, summer camp-you name it, while I will be here rearranging schedules to suit those who will be in town in between their vacations. Teaching is my occupation and I love it. The students who do not play all summer are really at a deficit when school starts up again(and naturally some of their parents don't understand WHY. A thank you would be nice every now and then-as would a larger income during the summer months.

Take Care, Lou

[go12_3]

Lou,
I appreciate your post and goldentone also.  I was just thinking , how about a *tip*(a few extra dollars added to our fee) for teachers who has to put up with the rescheduling and so forth.  And I agree with you, Lou, in the fact that it would be a *deficit* for those student who don't hardly play piano all Summer long....well, it will only set them back and start off from where they left off.

No big deal to me.  I have learned to *detach* myself from my students, parents and their situations in their lives so that I can be mentally intact while I teach students throughout the week.  It can be draining at times to utter B flat until my voice gives out!     I do go about nuts!  I mean, why can't  students  realize that the key is in F Major.  It's only one lousey FLAT!   The patience and tolerance that teachers have to acquire, I would say *steel nerves*  that's for sure!

 I feel for you, too, Lou, how you didn't even get *thank you* or anything.....wow, and all that work for a students' recital day!   How about Chrismas!  I am lucky if a student , let alone a parent, would give me a little something, but, I had only three out of 21 students, last December, that gave me a gift or a note. You know, I have a cushion in my heart, and whenever I feel the pins prick my heart, the cushion kind of acts as a buffer so I won't get too hurt or offended. 
It's real easy and it works for me!   Take care!   

best wishes,

go12_3

[Bob]

There are some interesting ideas about how students pay on this site.  Like paying by month or by semester and having a set number of lessons. 

Or the idea of having a "discount' for those who sign up early and are consistent (easier to work with, less stress).  I think that's basically hiking the price up if they don't want to make a longer-term commitment.

Sounds like you're getting a little stressed out over things.  If things are going ok, just decide what you're not going to put up with anymore and make that the new policy. 

Or if you want a tip, just raise the rates a little.  With inflation, you'll get paid less each year if the prices are the same.  As a student, I always figured it was a transaction -- I pay them for their service.  As a teacher, it's easier not to have to write all those thank you notes.  A word-of-mouth thanks is easier, but that's just me.

I do like the idea of charging more (or offer discounts, it sounds nicer) for the stuff you don't want to put up with.  I've heard a few stories where teachers decide not to put up with certain things anymore, revised their policies and fees, and the parents didn't bat an eye.

Hmmm... I'm wondering if there's a way to charge lower "yearly" rates.  I guess that would just be higher fall and spring rates and then a lower summer rate. 

I think people have posted about setting schedule too (losing times if they don't stick around during the summer).

Don't knock yourself out over it though.  I found I was taking things a lot more seriously than any of my students, and it wasn't really doing any good.  Just caused me more stress.

[go12_3]

That is why I am taking a week off in June and in July!     I need a break of somekind.

 My policy has been revised and re-revised several times.  So it's solid like gold.  A missed lesson is a part of the fee.  And they seem to come to lessons on time and so forth.  I think I am in a burn out phase, and yet I have to keep earning an income somehow.

I am good at teaching and the students progess, but if they don't practice, it is up to them to have a miserable lesson.  Not me.  No, I am stressed about other things, personal, and it is nice to teach and do something that gets my mind off of *things*. 

Anyhow, I take a day at a time.  And that's how I survive. 

best wishes,

go12_3

[dan101]

I think that, in your mind, you should realize that 'manners' the problem is theirs, not yours. That should help in dealing with indifferent customers.

[go12_3]

I think that, in your mind, you should realize that 'manners' the problem is theirs, not yours. That should help in dealing with indifferent customers.

Indeed, manners is not quite as evident in our society?  hum.  I know it is hard for me to deal with parents that are rude to me, but it's a nice experience to have a parent that is considerate and does utter, *thank you*.   

[silverchair87]

I find this difficult as well, but I've worked as a community support worker for a couple of years too and get absolutely no thanks - not even a glimmer of thanks - from my managers etc there. I have not been teaching long, but so far have received more thanks from students and parents than from my previous managers, but they never thanked me once so...yup.

It takes a bit of a thick skin to deal with that kind of thing, but we do it anyway...even if it makes us feel undervalued.

[nanabush]

I've had some thank yous here and there, and usually they come from the same group of people.  Some parents have brought me little gift cards and baked cookies, and little kids sometimes draw me pictures and make cards.  That is always a nice end to any sort of day!

Some parents, though, always look like they have a stick up their a**, are always rude and will not utter a word.  They sit there with their arms folded, and I am almost certain that on the ride back to their house, the parent will ask the kid if I screwed up in any way.  These parents always complain to the owner that their kid is not progressing, or that the kid is bored (sorry, it's tough when you refuse to buy any books and spontaneously disappear for a few weeks!).  Luckily for me this is only a few parents, and I've heard from other teachers (who the students have canned and insisted on getting a new teacher) and from the owner, that these people are just unpleasant in general no matter what the circumstances are.

[go12_3]

Oh my.  I can think of a couple more woes here.....

1. Students that quit taking lessons suddenly *oh, by the way, this will be my last lesson....*   Gosh!  Why not tell me in advance?  No, in my community things are very much low-keyed and low-income.  The stop taking lessons can be due from the economy or circumstances or the just not interested, so  I *sigh* and have to smile and say something pleasant at the last lesson.  As my mind pinches at the thought of losing some $$ which is very needful.

2.  Summer lessons which are a random cause.  I do wonder why I continue anyhow.  Already have 3 students not taking lessons most of the Summer.  Plus, the fact in keeping track of the various time schedules.  I have to rethink each day,  (*now who comes to lessons today?*)  and check my schedule. And then the fact, they can't practice much anyhow  with vacations and activities.  So I cannot put too much pressure about learning their pieces, although, I do admit I have some students that do practice.   Also, the fact that students during the Summer will only take two lessons a month, and that means financial woes.  My fees cut in half which is such a delight.  Well, I have to cross a lot of items from the * I want* list.....*sigh*  No trips to the Mall!   

3.  Oh, another good one is how the parent does not get the books , I mean after several weeks!  So I loan a couple of books to a student and still the parent don't get the required books.  I have books on hand in case a student forgets his books at the lesson, but not take any home.  Perhaps, I may have to incorporate the *please get books  before lessons begin*  (for the beginners).  As I recall, last Fall, I had 5 books *on loan*.   Now I make it a point not to loan a book.  It's *Tough love*.  If a parent cannot take the time to purchase a couple of books for their child's lessons, then I begin to feel it isn't a priority.  But, the student shows up ,without books,  so I teach them and send them home without a book.  There you go happy practice! 

Oh, by the way, I AM very lucky that I do not have to deal with unpleasant parents....phew!  Less stressful for me. 

Well, that's about it today about my woes..... 
I am sure a few more will come along in time.... 

best wishes,

go12_3

[drjames]

You may already be doing this but my suggestion is that on those rare occasions when you do get a note of thanks, a card, maybe a gift of some kind, you find some way to display it so other parents and students can see it.  Many hospitals have bulletin boards where patient letters and cards are displayed (the good ones of course) for all to see.  This accomplishes two things.  It allows current and potential students and parents to easily see what others have to say about you and it puts the thought of similar acts of gratitude into the heads of those who may not be inclined to think of it themselves. There will always be some who just cannot properly express their thanks, or maybe they just aren't thankful. But some people, like me sometimes, (my wife watches over me) just need a little nudge sometimes.  Jim.

[go12_3]

You may already be doing this but my suggestion is that on those rare occasions when you do get a note of thanks, a card, maybe a gift of some kind, you find some way to display it so other parents and students can see it.  Many hospitals have bulletin boards where patient letters and cards are displayed (the good ones of course) for all to see.  This accomplishes two things.  It allows current and potential students and parents to easily see what others have to say about you and it puts the thought of similar acts of gratitude into the heads of those who may not be inclined to think of it themselves. There will always be some who just cannot properly express their thanks, or maybe they just aren't thankful. But some people, like me sometimes, (my wife watches over me) just need a little nudge sometimes.  Jim.

Say, sounds real nice, but in my situation, I have nothing to *show* on a bulletin board, by the way.....
So it would not deem it possible for me to do that. 

best wishes,

go12_3

[soitainly]

 While you may have good reasons for feeling slighted go12_3, think of it like and business relationship. Student=Client. It would be nice if everyone adored you, payed on time, and never canceled a lesson. But thats just not the way things work. Piano teaching is a profession.

 A lot of parents regard piano as just another of a string of activities to keep there children occupied. Hopefully a few will really take to it, that's what makes it rewarding. But most probably think of you as more of a glorified babysitter, just accept that. On the other hand, I imagine summer vacations are just as much a respite for the adults as for the kids sometimes. After trying to juggle school, work and whatever, having a few months not having to deal with it keeps them sane. I would think traveling or other summer activities in the long run would make for a more balanced life, this would seem to make better artists.

 As for thanks, yes, people should be more freindly. But again, they are paying you so the relationship isn't the same as if you were doing it just for the joy of teaching. So in the end you should be thankfull that you can make a living teaching piano, there are a lot of less rewarding careers out there.

[go12_3]

solitainly:   I may have sounded a bit childish in my earlier posts, but I was frustrated earlier in the week.  I am aware that it is only a *student=client* relationship.  I don't get involved with my students' lives and make friendships with the parents.   I don't have the energy nor the time to do that.  And besides, when a students quits, then it's no big deal in my personal life either.  I am aware that every profession has its pitfalls.  I am realizing that teaching piano has been more enjoyable with each new student as my confidence grows through the teaching process.  I learn something new from each student.  So I probably need to re-evaluate my attitude and adjust that  accordingly.  thank you for your post.   

best wishes,

go12_3

[brahms4me]

I've been teaching for a few years now and yes, thank-yous are rarely, if ever, expressed.  For example, I had taught twin boys for 8 years.  They ended up going to a local university as music majors - and believe me, teaching them was no picnic so for them to go on into music, let alone be accepted into the program, was very surprising to me.  We had been through it all:  competitions, festivals, Certificate of Merit, not to mention family illnesses etc.  After the last recital I never heard from them again - not even a thank you.  They just quit - no phone call, no notes, no nothing.  They graduated from high school and didn't even bother to send me notification.  I just learned to go on and try and not let it bother me. 

Gratefulness is something we have to teach our own children - it's not something innate in our nature.  I have to rely on the fact that I did my best in teaching these young people and perhaps in the future it will dawn on them how much time and effort it took to teach them.  Until then I am satisfied with my work and how I taught them. 

[go12_3]

Well, now that school is over for the Summer vacation, my agenda  will have more free time for my personal practicing on my piano and violin.  Some of my students are out of town, and some will take lessons twice a month, and some just continue on their weekly lesson schedule.  This cut back of students does  affect my budget, which is another woe.  But, I will survive anyhow.  I only have a few students scattered throughout the week and I don't teach on Wednesday and Friday.

Indeed, I'll have more time for reflection and learning more new pieces, to relax and go on a trip in July, yes, I plan on a good Summer.  I don't worry about my student's not taking lessons in the Summer, they will return in August and be all right with their continuation of their lessons.  Some may retrogress, but I am not going to stress out about that.  Children has a way of bouncing back anyhow.  As long as they are interested in learning to play piano, then that is fine with me.  Of course, one day I hope to acquire a student that would be serious about piano playing and truly excel.  But, I have no idea when such a student will come along....*wishful thinking*.....

best wishes,

go12_3

[pianowolfi]

If mutual respect and gratefulness was not anymore of value...I would have quit my piano teaching job long ago....

[joyfulmusic]

I find that familiarity breeds... well... indifference.  In the beginning they rave about my upbeat techniques, and oh they wish they had had a teacher like me.  A year later.... Oh, is it time to pay you already?  Can you wait til next week?  NO.  Boy this is a lot of money, etc.  I confess I'm thinking of doing something else for a while.  I am really getting sick of the obsessive over-booking of my students.  I wanted to make a recording of one student and asked if they had a not busy day they could come to my studio.  Oh sure, mom says, she only has soccer and horseback riding on saturday and "nothing in the afternoon".  I didn't even book her I was so annoyed.

[mike saville]

Interesting thread

When I take on a student I realise that I always have 2 people to teach - the student and the parent. Parents rarely know how to behave either towards you or the student and need 'directing' as to the best ways to do both. This needs to start at the outset - a year down the line is too late.

[go12_3]

Today, I am a sour puss....a parent didn't pay my fee and she has been the one who usually pays me on time, etc, and I wrote the *fee due* and lesson dates in my studnet's assignment book, which I usually do.....but, not today.  At least the mom could give me a call and say something!  I sure could use that money towards paying my violin.  Argh!

Plus, a student didn't show up for her lesson and usually she does every Monday afternoon.....not a call, nor notice......I have had it with this job at times.....
I have to take a deep breath and realize that circumstances do a occur, but , I have to charge for this missed lesson as my policy states.  Now, if that parent calls to apologize and what not....then I will feel bad for telling her that the missed lesson counts as a *lesson*.  Gosh!  I will be glad that next week I won't be teaching, I need a break.   

best wishes,

go12_3

[keyofc]

joyful,
I know the feeling -
it's probably, if you're like me, you want to make the experience so wonderful for them -
do things your piano teacher would have never considered to encourage them -
and then our thanks is -"we'll see if she can come over that day"
not realizing the prep time we put in and what we are offering...

All I can say - is I'm glad we are joyful about music anyway!

[oxy60]

Just being a musician today is already rare. Being a classical piano player or teacher reduces the number even further. The general public has no idea whether any music is played bad or good. If you can stand it listen to the current "top" pop bands. They can hardly play "their own" music correctly. It's just us (right here on these few forums/boards) who know good music from bad. 

[Bob]

For the fees, you could charge x-amount if paid before the lesson and x-amount times 10% if paid during the week following the lesson.  Some type of extra amount for late payment. 

But instead of saying it that way... You could make it sound more positive.  "It's x-amount (10% higher) for the lesson, but 10% less if you pay before the lesson."  (Those aren't the same amounts for 10%, but it's the idea.)  Something like $35 for the lesson, but only only $30 if you pay before the lesson.

[go12_3]

I can hardly wait for Summer piano lessons to end by next month!  I don't know what it is about this Summer....I have had a lot less students taking lessons, plus it has been crazy keeping up with a student that suppose to come to lesson but *spaced it* because they happen to not be in town and I never got a word about the missed lesson.....as I wait for my student to arrive.  Oh, and to get an email informing me that they will be out of town next week and their child won't be coming to lesson(just got one last night, by the way).  This summer has been tight with the fees, I hardly got paid anyhow due a variety of students' schedules and missed lessons.  Oh, yes, and the fact after Summer time is over, and I begin the Fall semester lessons, most of my students will have to review what they learned from last Spring, providing that they remember....

Ah, the joys of being a piano teacher.....so many unexpected things that come upon us....  

best wishes,

go12_3

[n00bhippy]

I make a point to thank my teacher after every lesson. 

[go12_3]

I make a point to thank my teacher after every lesson. 

I love a student who does that!  Out of 13 students , I think I only have maybe 2 that would thank me and they are twins, a brother and a sister of 11 years old.  Real nice kids though.   I hardly have a parent that thanks me either....

best wishes,

go12_3

[go12_3]

Guess what my nightmare has come true today!  Two of my students showed up at my door at the same time!     

Well, I thought the one student was out of town,(I DID have her scheduled for next week though) and therefore I rescheduled another student at 4:30 this afternoon, the same time as the one student's regular schedule.  So to my dismay, *surprise, surprise!*  what an addition  for my wonderful  teacher's woes!     Anyhow, I had the one student, who only lives down the street from me, returned home(and I called her mom to explain what had happened) and so she returned later for her lesson.  All went well afterall.   Phew!  I'll BE certainly GLAD when this Summer is OVER so that every student will have a regular schedule so that I could keep track of. 

best wishes,

go12_3

[go12_3]

Okay, I have been through this before with the same parent this Summer.   
Again, I got myself ready to teach her daughter a lesson yesterday.  Got it rescheduled for yesterday at 5:30pm because I was out of town last Monday, which is my student's regular lesson schedule.  Anyhow, I waited for 15 minutes and then after 6pm, the mom left a voice mail that she just got home and forgot about the lesson.  She wondered if I could have her daughter come on Thursday, which is today.  I didn't bother to return her call because I have 5 students already for today, so why bother calling her and I was tired of dealing with this parent.
Now, in my policy, a missed lesson counts as part of the month's fee, especially when I didn't get a call prior to the lesson.  I wonder, will this parent EVER learn?  At least she apologized for the missed lesson.
I think in my mind, *soon the summer lessons will end and back to normal scheduled lessons*  (sigh, sigh, sigh)!!!

best wishes,

go12_3

[go12_3]

Well, as you know(this has become my blog now for some reason!) the school year will begin next week and I know what that means-----a regular routine after such a hectic summer!  Gosh!
I'm so glad it's OVER!  Woohoo!

But, I have 3 students that were gone this past Summer and I'm wonder, this minute, whether
they will or want to return to taking lessons from me.  I wish that parents would have the
courtesy to give me a call or email me to let me know if their child is to continue lessons or not. 
I mean, it doesn't take much time.  But, should I contact these parents to check on their
plans or should I wait later this week?  I think I'll wait and see....I'm not in the mood to deal
with much right now.

In fact, I wonder about teaching piano.  Some of my students have much improved since January and I can tell they PRACTICE.  And then there are others I want to *whisk off somewhere* else. 
I enjoy teaching and yet I don't.   ( I want to do art work, but it's a hard career to get establish and get commisions and so forth). 

I only have 11 students right now and that is about how much I can tolerate for now, although I need the $$$ to pay the bills.  Gosh!  I can't seem to get more students and the *missing* three will need to contact me sometime soon.   

 In my mind, I just get so weary about it all week after week.  I need some kind of a boost. 

discouraged, 

go12_3

[soitainly]

 I definately think you should call the 3 students that haven't contacted you. Its not a game of who should call who, it is a business so treat it like a sales call. They may have forgotten or have been putting it out of mind, a pleasant call to say you enjoy having them as a student and are looking forward to having them back might be the difference between that and having to find new students. Remember the old business adage that it costs 10 times as much to get a new customer as to keep an old one. I would consider calling students that may have quit even in years past, who knows if they haven't reconsidered taking up lessons again and just need a little push. Even though your students can be freindly, the burden is on you. You have to disassociate the business end from the social aspects to some degree.

[go12_3]

I definately think you should call the 3 students that haven't contacted you. Its not a game of who should call who, it is a business so treat it like a sales call. They may have forgotten or have been putting it out of mind, a pleasant call to say you enjoy having them as a student and are looking forward to having them back might be the difference between that and having to find new students. Remember the old business adage that it costs 10 times as much to get a new customer as to keep an old one. I would consider calling students that may have quit even in years past, who knows if they haven't reconsidered taking up lessons again and just need a little push. Even though your students can be freindly, the burden is on you. You have to disassociate the business end from the social aspects to some degree.

I'll give the parents a call tomorrow and see what happens.  Hopefully I could have them begin lessons once again next week.   

[go12_3]

Okay, here's the deal with my teaching.  I've been teaching this one student for a year and a half.  He's doing great.  Him and his sister finally got a real piano instead of the keyboard.  So
that suppose to be a good thing, right?  Well, yesterday when I heard my student play
a piece, he was pushing the keys down in which made his playing more harsh.  And
I noticed that right away, because he used to play so musically and with a nice touch.
Now, tell me, teachers out there, does actions of pianos affect students' touch or striking
the keys?  I told my student to lighten up on his touch and he sounded better.  But, not quite.
I thought *OH, my gosh!  I have to reteach him to play differently*  .  I am saddened
how he lost his special and unique touch due to the fact his *new* piano has a more
stiff action than my piano.  Alas!  Alas!  What is a teacher ever going to do?   

best wishes,

go12_3

[oxy60]

I think you need to teach the ability to adapt and change touch.

On the spur of the moment I have had to play on everything from "clunkers to concerts." Often I hadn't even touched the instrument before the first public note. By the second note I knew what kind of instrument I had.

Unless your students will be playing in some of vacumn they must learn early how to balance their loudness to the surroundings and their touch to get the best out of the instrument.

[go12_3]

Well, I just got done teaching a student this afternoon and I must say, it was the worst
lesson I have ever taught!  Or experienced!  This student has been taking lessons
for a year and she turned 8 years old this Summer.  She is in the *first year* of
Piano Adventures.  Anyhow, these past few weeks, she isn't doing as well.  I have to
tell her what notes to strike and what hand position and I got really tired today...I felt
I was going to loss my mind!  She hardly played well enough to pass on any of the pieces
in her book .  Granted she might have been tired, oh, you know kids will be kids.....
But, her dad just happened to want to sit in during the lesson which I feel was the worst lesson of all that I have ever had with his daughter!  I don't even want to deal with this student next week now.  I am so weary about students that cannot progress not matter how hard I try to teach them. 

I feel bad about this.  I know students can progress quite well but then can they even
retrogress too?  Does this occur with many students?  Is my young student realizing that
it takes WORK and practice to play and learn the notes?  And there could be possibility she is losing interest.  Should I call the mom and talk to her?  I don't normally contact parents unless I am sick or out of town.

Right now, I don't know what is best to do.  I feel like apologizing for the bad lesson today to the parent.....but, should I just let it go and carry on with this student?  I'd like to quit teaching her, but then I feel obligated to not stop lessons because she may not resume lessons later.   

best wishes,

go12_3

[rgh55]

 Piano Teachers Woe...Parents who cancel Monday lessons and don't bother to get back to you for a reschedule later that week and don't think they should be charged for the cancelled lesson.

[go12_3]

Piano Teachers Woe...Parents who cancel Monday lessons and don't bother to get back to you for a reschedule later that week and don't think they should be charged for the cancelled lesson.

Yes, in my policy, I stated that an unexcused (no calls  or contact) missed lesson is part of the month's fee.  And I don't do make up lesson unless the parent notifies me in advance. 

[nanabush]

I'd like to add (or reinforce, if it's been added already) summer vacation!!!

Parents like to let their kids take a "break" from the extremely rigorous 30 minute weekly lesson 
They don't understand that 3 months of no piano for a little kid means pretty much restarting from scratch.

It's painful because deep down the kids remember the stuff, and don't want to have to repeat anything.  They just haven't practiced anything having to do with naming notes or counting rhythms for the entire summer, and any attempt at a piece/song of any level turns into a free for all.

I really don't like the parents' mentality towards this.  They treat it like school, saying that summer break is good time off.  The issue is that a 30 minute lesson once a week isn't the same as 6 hours of school 5 days a week.  The few students that age who do take summer lessons are miles ahead of the rest of the kids come the fall.

One kid had finished 2 and was halfway done a third Grade 1 RCM piece when the summer came around.  We come back, he doesn't know any of them, or any scales; I tried to re-teach one of the pieces he finished, and he was completely lost as if reading a different language.  His mom says "He practiced on and off"... the literal translation being "Our piano gathered dust over the summer".

I also get loads of "Why are you restarting scales; why didn't I hear my kid playing; why doesn't he have new homework".  It's hard not to treat the parents like little kids at this point.  "You took your kid out of lessons for a season - he forgot everything!"

Ahhh, so I'm pretty much saying it's back to square one with 3/4 of the 'new batch' of kids I got last year

[go12_3]

I can understand the frustration about students taking the summer break, I have had a few students that took some weeks off during the Summer, but families take vacations and things happen along the way.  I am more relaxed about what and how my students learn.   I keep things simple for the 8 to 10 year olds because they are only children and taking a break from piano is okay.  I take breaks also.  It gives a new perspective upon the music the students are learning.  Some quit after the summer break, then I realize that piano wasn't their desire to learn.

This year, I have a lot less students and they are progressing in their own special way.  I have to keep in mind that they are all unique individuals and learn music in their own way.  I have one student that is interested in composing music.  She hears the melody in her mind.  So her lessons will also include music composition and she is only 9 years old, plus she can improvise.   

best wishes,

go12_3

[go12_3]

Yes, I'm back with another Teacher's Woes!     

A week ago before a student's lesson, the dad announced that Grace(my 8 year old student who has taken lessons from me for a year now) will not be taking lessons over the Christmas holiday...and do you know that ticks me off.  Really.  So all I could do is smile and respond, "oh, that's okay." 

Anyhow,  in my mind I'm thinking, if and when Grace returns, I'm going to raise my fee on her.  I have had students quit taking lessons and not return.  Well, at least Grace's dad  told me, most parents don't even notify if their child discontinue lessons.  But, how many teachers have had students quit for a few weeks and not ever return?  What do you do?  Or is there anything that can be done about students quitting. 

best wishes,

go12_3

 

[berniano]

Same problem here. I have three students from one family that are gone for three weeks over the holidays, with basically no forewarning (as in, I heard from the ten year old, but never contacted by here mother). Not to mention that they've taken off a few weeks this fall because hockey is a higher priority. Why is piano always the thing that goes........?  I'm thinking of dropping them since his is getting pretty annoying. Oh yeah, not to mention that for the past two weeks, I've had to drive to their house to teach two of them, and the third student on a different day to accomodate their different schedules.

[go12_3]

Hey, berniano~~
I understand , and the funny thing is, this student that took December off,
I haven't heard from the parent about resuming lessons for their daughter...oh,
I'll see what happens this week~~
It might be a good thing to drop those students that seem to think piano is a priority on 
their list to do, and I know about the sports, but I have a parent of 3 sons and she
manages to take them all of their lessons EACH WEEK without missing one lesson unless
sickness occurs.  I don't drive to students' homes, too much time and gasoline. 
I have this week off and then next week~~~back to teaching lessons. 
I have come to realize that this past year has been the pits in acquiring new students, plus
the fact, last January, I lost 9 students because of the recession and it's still affecting
students from  signing up for lessons~~   

[go12_3]

Well, I lost another student, without even returning at all this month.  Last November,
before the week of Thanksgiving, when Grace showed up for her lesson, the dad informed
me that they were going to take a few weeks off because of the holidays.  I had a gut feeling that
this student would not return and my premonition has been correct....no calls to resume Grace's lessons.  She took lessons from me for a little over a year when she was 7 years old.  I hesitate to call the parents because I find that awkward and stressful to do, and so I let it go.  I find it disheartening how parents pull their children out of lessons and it's something that children shall benefit from is playing the piano especially when other things takes over in their lives now a days.
So I'm down to 10 students and hopefully they will continue their lessons and it seems that they will and that's encouraging for me. 

[rejoyce]

Just curious. Have you ever considered a career change? Maybe your students are picking up on your woes?

[pianowolfi]

Just curious. Have you ever considered a career change? Maybe your students are picking up on your woes?

Indeed very helpful  

A few things you might need to know about piano teachers:
-- They are very committed
-- They often blame themselves for everything that goes wrong with a student.
-- They are often working self-employed and depend economically on their students
-- The loss of general knowledge about music and musical background in the families often makes serious musical work difficult if not impossible.
-- If a career change would really be an option "we" would have done it 20 years ago...

....

And last but not least: We love our job. To nuts  

[go12_3]

Just curious. Have you ever considered a career change? Maybe your students are picking up on your woes?

Not the students I teach NOW.  Besides, I don't complain to them, I enjoy teaching, it's the parents that don't understand.  And why should I change my career? Today,  I have taught 3 students that are brothers and they are great students.  Each student is different and besides, I did try to find a career elsewhere but that didn't work out...  

[penguinlover]

As teachers, we do have to put up with a lot of "stuff" like you have written about, and a lot more.  But, I find that the love of teaching makes it all worthwhile.  I love it when a student finally "gets it" and is pleased with himself.  We don't do it for the thanks, else we would all quit.  As I read through this thread, I was reminded of Jesus when He healed the ten lepers.  Only one came back to Him and thanked him.  Can we expect anything better?  People are people, often rude, ungrateful and inconsiderate.  One of our jobs is not to be that way ourselves, but help students discover the joy of music.  I hope you have a better year.

[go12_3]

As teachers, we do have to put up with a lot of "stuff" like you have written about, and a lot more.  But, I find that the love of teaching makes it all worthwhile.  I love it when a student finally "gets it" and is pleased with himself.  We don't do it for the thanks, else we would all quit.  As I read through this thread, I was reminded of Jesus when He healed the ten lepers.  Only one came back to Him and thanked him.  Can we expect anything better?  People are people, often rude, ungrateful and inconsiderate.  One of our jobs is not to be that way ourselves, but help students discover the joy of music.  I hope you have a better year.

Thank you for the well wishes for a better year.  I think this year will be a lot better with students that are interested in learning to play piano. It's interesting how some years are better than others and all we can do as teachers is to move on and enjoy the students we have now.  I know this thread is about my woes and such last year, but I needed to vent somewhere and I'm not always this miserable either in teaching piano.  Today I have 3 great students and I do look forward to teaching them.  And as you have mentioned, that people are people and we as teachers has to be tolerant and kind to parents irregardless of how they treat us.