Are Summer Lessons Beneficial for Students???

[go12_3]

After teaching students through some Summers, I think that this Summer has been the most challenging for me because:
   * Some had to quit due to travels for two months or more;
   * The  missed lessons without notifying me;
   * How I have to reschedule lessons each week for a few students;
   * I had a  student that I expected to come but could not because of circumstances after a   
                   few weeks last month;
   * I have students that come two times a month;
   * A parent calls the day before, letting me know that their child is already out of town for a
                   few days;
    *Checking my calender to see if I have any students to teach or if I do have any for
                   the week; 
    *Most of my students are too tired to even follow directions and I have to keep telling
                   them the notes and even the fingering(early elementary level)and I get exhausted
                   mentally to even think about getting through this Summer. Plus, I need to check my
                   sanity on occasion just to make sure I can get through this Summer....

I am wondering if teachers experience challenges throughout the Summer, or what do you do?  I sure need some insight about this because , my Summer is half over and already I am burned out today.

Next year, I think I will take June and July off and then resume lessons in August, the month when most folks will be home from their vacations, quick trips and activities because I wonder how students do benefit anyhow.   Oh, I have  three students that has taken lessons about every week .  Plus, the fact I need a break from teaching;  I had a week off at the end of June and another week off  this month(which is my going on a trip).   

best wishes

go12_3   

[Bob]

Nah...  They need the summer off.  Time to be kids.  A few months away from practicing.  It'll only take a month or so for them to get back into things in the fall, and during the same time they'll be getting back into the swing of school.  It's only maybe a 1/4 of the year.  After four years, that's only a year of lost practicing.    Yes, I'm being sarcastic.  Toward parents.

Can you really take two months off?  Don't you need the money?


If that's what you got to work with and they pay you and keep coming back, why not make money off them?  Or use these kids as guniea pigs?  It sounds like they just want someone to help them with an 'activity.'  Smile, encourage them, etc.  They want something musical they can feel good about.

Don't try so hard.  Take a mental break.  You might end up teaching at the same level anyway.  That's what I found.

[allthumbs]

I am always somewhat amazed that teachers are having this problem.

I only have a few students, but my policy is that I do not give make up lessons for missed lessons. All my parents are aware that the tuition they pay is for their time slot to use or not use. I am not a baby sitter, as I don't charge by the hour.

As far as summer goes, I set up a teaching schedule based on input from the parents and I teach during the day. They can use or not use their time that they've paid for.

For those who take the summer off, I let them know that their time slot will not be protected should another student come in the summer and wish to take that time slot.

You should not let yourself get burned out. Their holiday/summer plans are not your problem.

Get a commitment from them as to whether they will attend lessons or not and have them pay up front if they do commit.

Sometimes, however a break for both the student and teacher is neccesary. However, the longer the break, the harder it is to get back on track. I wouldn't extend it longer than a month.

allthumbs

[go12_3]

It could be I am burned out.....just get tired of the same thing with each student, that none of them really are flying through and I think it's the learning-to-read-the-notes stage.  Probably by next Summer I will have more of an idea on what needs to be done.  I think the month of July I may not teach because many families do travel in July. And then in August I resume lessons. I cannot afford to quit teaching completely through the summer.  That isn't an option.

Thanks, Bob, for telling me to take a mental break and not try so hard.  Some days are quite rewarding though.  I know that by September then my schedule will return to normal and lessons will be weekly.  Plus, the pay will be better too!    

best wishes,

go12_3

[dr. j]

I am always somewhat amazed that teachers are having this problem.

I only have a few students, but my policy is that I do not give make up lessons for missed lessons. All my parents are aware that the tuition they pay is for their time slot to use or not use. I am not a baby sitter, as I don't charge by the hour.

As far as summer goes, I set up a teaching schedule based on input from the parents and I teach during the day. They can use or not use their time that they've paid for.

For those who take the summer off, I let them know that their time slot will not be protected should another student come in the summer and wish to take that time slot.

You should not let yourself get burned out. Their holiday/summer plans are not your problem.

Get a commitment from them as to whether they will attend lessons or not and have them pay up front if they do commit.

Sometimes, however a break for both the student and teacher is neccesary. However, the longer the break, the harder it is to get back on track. I wouldn't extend it longer than a month.

allthumbs

All thumbs seems to have a great policy and one that is very similar to mine.  My studio is comprised of adults who appreciate knowing my policy and that I adhere to it.  They respect the policy if it is carefully presented (for mine studio - each quarter).  I would think the same would be true for parents of young students - they would appreciate knowing your policy and how you enforce it.  You gain respect.

Dr. J - The More You Play the Better Your Day

[kelly_kelly]

I think summer lessons are great for motivated students who have time, because there's usually a lot more time to practice than there is during the school year. But for unmotivated students, it's probably just a pain. I know my teachers only teach certain weeks during the summer. If I'm here while they're teaching, I take lessons. If not, I don't.

[ahbach]

I see both sides of the coin....I as a student can't imagen taking the whole summer off....that would be horrible...but I know of many students that are still in school and well quit frankly their brains seem to fall out of their ears during the summer and they just dont care...but when school starts back up they find their brain again and focous better on their lessons....so for some students summer break is a good thing but for others its not even a desire to take a break for the summer.