Saving spots over summer

[mama206]

I teach piano part-time with a small studio and a growing wait list.  Any suggestions on students who don't want to take lessons during summer but want a spot in the fall?  Is a deposit reasonable?  Many thanks!

[glamfolk]

If you're teaching over the summer, I think it's reasonable to expect students to take lessons over the summer.  I always try to let parents know right up front that the student's brain atrophies over the summer, and they've wasted a few months worth of tuition by letting their kid lose three months' worth of practice time.  If you're part time, it might not matter too much, though.  I also let the parents know up front that it's my living, and that I need to fill spots, and that their spot might not be available again in the fall (it usually isn't).  Almost all of them are very understanding and flexible.  i count on my income being cut in half during the summer because of vacations, and so I take on a few extra students to help out--it's nice for college kids to get a little theory or jazz instruction as a head start for fall classes.

Have fun!