Adult student who cancelled too many times

[love_that_tune]

I fired a student today.  i was attempting to teach a mother and daughter weekly.  I go to the home to teach right now... long story.  After canceling for about the tenth time since last September and asking for a re-schedule i said no more, I'm done.  So why do I feel so guilty?  She's asking for another chance.  This lady is very hyper and always jumping from one activity to another with her children.  I would rather stick my eye with a needle than deal with her any more.   There, I feel better now.  I got it off my chest, er ah piano.

[lostinidlewonder]

I would offer this student contract payment, so get them to pay x lessons in advanced and if they miss a week and they cannot come at a time that suits YOU, then bad luck. If they are serious about taking lessons with you this should not be asking too much of them.

[love_that_tune]

I have already done that.  Actually I think the issue is that the mother is not serious about taking lessons.  I got a ridiculously long email from her stating her resentment that they had "supported me", meaning paying me for lessons received and referred me to other students and that I owe her a chance to work it out.  Every time I have issues with a family paying, it seems to me, it is a non-working stay at home parent (whether it's mom or dad).  It is as though they can't see beyond the time that I am teaching them or their children to the fact that this is my profession.  It's rather like they see it as entertainment.  I have them sign a contract.  I have them pay for Sept-Dec, Jan-Mar, and then April-June.  Some people are going to be frustrating no matter what you do.  Most often I have wonderful appreciative students.  I knew a piano teacher who stopped teaching children because she was weary of this kind of thing.  I'm giving that a thought.

[quantum]

If this student has continually caused problems, even after giving her multiple chances, then be done with it.  Move on.  There will be other students.  That is, unless you are in a situation where you need the income and there are few students in your locale. 

It sounds like she is trying to make you feel sorry for her, and that some or all of what happened is your fault.  Don't fall into that trap.  If you have dealt with the matter in a professional manner, then you have done your part of the deal.  It is time for the student to own up to their part. 

[lostinidlewonder]

I have already done that....  I have them sign a contract.  I have them pay for Sept-Dec, Jan-Mar, and then April-June.

Then if they miss the lesson you get paid for doing nothing but booking the time for them. At the school that I teach at if students during tutorials miss out on the one on one lesson it is no skin off my nose because I am already getting paid for the lesson they missed out on. I do take personal interest in my students progress but certainly I have no control over them attending a lesson or not. I can understand as a teacher you would want to be teaching the craft and not just get paid for doing nothing, but getting paid for nothing is a good job, you can catch up on other work.

[asiantraveller101]

Good move! Not worth the constant grief, and having to explain your policy and etc.

[binghamtonpiano]

It sounds like she is trying to make you feel sorry for her, and that some or all of what happened is your fault.  Don't fall into that trap.  If you have dealt with the matter in a professional manner, then you have done your part of the deal.  It is time for the student to own up to their part. 

The quote above says it all. You have given her an answer (which was "no more"). Stick to your decision. Do not allow them to make you feel guilty. You don't need those kind of students.

[bleicher]

I completely support your decision. You can't teach someone who keeps cancelling. Having lessons is a two-way contract that isn't just about money: as well as paying their fee they need to commit to the lessons and commit to practising in between lessons, otherwise there's no point. Don't let her bully you into taking her back. If she really has reformed and is ready to commit to lessons she can always try another teacher.

[go12_3]

My advice:  Quit teaching the student who cancels many times.  It's not worth the time to fret about that.  There are more important things to attend to.

[DeusExMachina]

Let them go. Who needs the aggrevation when you can fill the spot with someone who shows up?

[lovelandpianoacademy]

This is a difficult one, especially when you are travelling to the students' home and you've already wasted your gas to get there!  Very frustrating.  I did this for a while, but now I have a totally new payment system and a way to offer makeup lessons while NOT infringing on my schedule.  I am a happy teacher with happy students!  You have to make sure that you have them sign a policy agreement (which you did, so that gives you a professional stance when you're talking to them), and then graciously get rid of students that make your life difficult.  If you are a good teacher, there will always be another student to take their place!  I got a lot of useful payment info (and guidance in dealing with less-than-ideal students) from www.musicacademysuccess.com.  Before you decide to quit teaching, make sure you check it out.  Payment is a hard subject for piano teachers... but now my system works great and I don't have to hunt down my wages every month. 

[pianoplayjl]

You have done the right thing, Love that tune. students should be dedicated to practicing and learnig on a regular fixed basis.