Ethics question

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Okay so I got a student that can’t afford lessons at the school I teach at

They can’t afford lessons so they’re gonna quit lessons at the school but instead they wanna pay me directly at a cheaper price than what they were paying at the school obviously

I mean it would be a win situation for both of us cause they would be paying less for lessons and I’d be getting paid more cause I’m getting the money directly

Is this like ethical?

[lostinidlewonder]

When I finshed my time teaching at a school a number of students wanted to follow me but I had to tell them not to because it would look very odd if students who had been going to the school for several years all of a sudden leave when I left. Also the school expressed their concerns with me in person because some of the students told them they wanted to continue studies with me when I left.

I think your situation makes sense though to do it, the student will give up lessons anyway if you don't offer it. Talk to the boss of the school and let them know about the situation, I am sure they will appreciate you being upfront with the situation.

[lowk-_-y]

I could kind of see it as unethical if you had persuaded this child to stop taking lessons through the school (assuming the school would get a percentage of what you would get) but in your case it is certain from the students circumstances that they won’t be using the school. That’s just a fact. Not something that you instigated. By taking this student on privately you are not really having any impact on the school possibly losing anything because the student was going to quit anyway. Like you said it’s a lovely win-win situation for both you and your student, the school really has no relevance (in terms of piano) anymore.

Hopefully this is what you meant

[timothy42b]

All schools that I'm aware of make you sign an agreement that you won't poach their students.  Sometimes there is a time limit, sometimes not. 

These agreements are probably not enforceable. 

But if you agreed to it, then there is no possible argument.  It is unethical.

Most likely if the school finds out they won't prosecute.  They may (probably) fire you. 

If this was not addressed when you started with the school, then it becomes a little more gray, but I would say it is generally understood that this is unethical. 

If you joined the school to get students, then quit and take them with you, then that's theft.  IMO of course. 

[fftransform]

Given that you do want to retain the student, it would be unethical not to keep them on based on their circumstances.