Getting students to sign up

[go12_3]

Hi: 
The Summer is about over and soon school will begin for my students.  I have 3 students that are brothers.  The mom told me last May that she wanted them to have a break in June and July, and would begin their lessons in August. I called her on the phone last week and left a voice mail about resuming the boys' lessons in August.  I haven't heard from her yet....
So, I wondering....should I wait until next week to contact the mom or just let her contact me instead.  I usually don't have a problem with this parent, she has been good about taking her sons to lessons for two years. I don't want to be pushy about scheduling the boys lessons,  perhaps the mom will call me next week.  I know how parents can get so busy in preparing their children for lessons, BUT, as a courtesy I feel the boys' mom could at least give me a call.  I usually email the parents with no problem, but I don't have her email address    
I just need some input from you wonderful teachers here!     And thank you!   

[Bob]

I don't think it's pushy to contact anyone you think has an interest in taking lessons.  Just tell them you're scheduling for the fall and need to know if they're interested and what time(s) they want.  She's probably just busy.

[go12_3]

I did leave another voice mail to this mom of 3 sons about signing up for lesson on Monday,
and still no word from her!   So, I may as well figure on not teaching them...gosh!
Why can't a parent just return a phone call!   

[Bob]

Cut your losses.  If they really wanted lessons they would get on it.  You'll just end up with more frustration and work.

[honeywill]

Is there a chance that the family is simply away on holiday and therefore not available to return your calls? Perhaps you could send them a short reminder letter as a final option - and put a date on it "I need to hear from you by xth August latest, otherwise I will assume you no longer require lessons, best wishes etc".

[doctor_ivory]

I did leave another voice mail to this mom of 3 sons about signing up for lesson on Monday,
and still no word from her!   So, I may as well figure on not teaching them...gosh!
Why can't a parent just return a phone call!   

From what you wrote it sounds as if you have tried calling only twice, that is not a lot.  What if they are on vacation, or have moved and have a new phone number, or their is something wrong with the mother's voicemail system.  I would try them a couple of more times at least.  If they haven't contacted you by september, then I would figure on not teaching them.  

Don't burn your bridges. They have lives to live also and if such behaviour is out of character for them then it is likely that there is a good explanation for why they haven't called you back.  I wouldn't worry.

[lostinidlewonder]

I have got this as well over the years, it is even worse when it is a family you have taught for many years. Recently I had one who I taught for 7 years simply stop lessons and never call to mention it to me. It is pretty rude if you ask me but I don't take it personally, if I where in their shoes I would feel pretty bad. I did SMS and call them many times until I got a response, she said she would call back because school work has got a lot harder they had to stop piano for a while. Wow great that they told me that after I sent them 5 messages. They still have not called me back but I have filled their position already with other students so no business loss for me if they want to come back to me now I have to apologize that there is no room.

In business you should be pushy an constantly call them until they respond. There is nothing wrong about this and you will get a lot more business if you take this initiative and not feel shy. I will not let students avoid me or simply stop lessons without telling me. I have actually found out some students that have not contacted me for a while where actually extremely sick and in hospital, so there are always reasons that you need to get to the bottom of if you care about your students.

[Bob]

Another way might be to go the "policy" route -- Charge more if they don't sign up by a certain date.  I like that idea.  If people follow your policies, they pay the normal price.  If they don't, then they pay more if they really want the lessons anyway and that extra payment can make up for some of your frustration.  Parents will be encouraged by the money to do what you want.  Maybe if you set something up like "Lessons for the fall semester... I'm not sure... signed/committed to by x-date are x amount.  Lessons after x-date are 10% more."   And something about first come, first served for lesson time slots.  That way the earlier they let you know, the less they pay and the more options they have for time slots.  They might see it to their advantage to commit early.

[go12_3]

I sure appreciate all of your responses above.  I think I'll call the mom tomorrow morning because
she is on the ball type of person.  And something could serious have happened in the family,as
doctor_ivory mentioned.  So I'm going to not get shy about contacting and hopefully things
will work out afterall.   

[go12_3]

Guess what!  I called the mom of the boys and they signed up for lessons! 
I am so happy!  All that worry.  The family has been busy this month and she
told me that I was on her list to call today   
I love teaching these boys and they bring a lot of smiles into my day.

[keyofc]

That's great, go!

Aside from the money -it's hard to let go of certain students.

Keeping the lines of communication open both ways is always
challenging!