Transfer student and his mother

[teacher]

Hi, need your advice.   It's been awhile since I've taken on a new transfer student and we just had our 1st piano lesson.

This student is an 8 year old boy with a strict conservative mother.   While I was teaching her child, the mother initially sat quietly and watched, then later came to the keyboard and watched.  By the end of the lesson she started correcting him while he was naming notes!   Then she sat in my chair beside the piano.  She also stuck her head near the music stand to peer inside my grand piano.  Very distracting and she doesn't seem to have a clue.  She seems to want to be included in the lesson.

How do you suggest I tactfully ask her to not interrupt without embarassing her in front of her child?   She is extremely conservative.  I understand that this being the 1st lesson, she would want to stay and observe me carefully rather than leave me alone with her child.

Thank you.

[tosca1]

I agree with you that the mother's behaviour is a little strange and insensitive.  However this was the first lesson and with a young child we should accept the presence of a parent for support and a helpful follow up for the child's practice.  A parent too will be interested to observe the lesson when the child is starting with a new teacher and the teacher should be prepared for that.

That does not mean that the parent has the right to intrude on your professionalism and should not meddle with your teaching.
Possibly this mother may no longer feel it necessary to sit in on the lessons and there may no longer be a problem.

Whatever the reason I am sure that she thinks that she is supporting you and all parents want the best outcome for their children.  

If she continues to interfere then you will need to say something but do it tactfully.  

Often this kind of person is loaded with insecurities. You could pleasantly thank her for her support but suggest that it is distracting for her child if she continues to interfere in the progress of the lesson.

Alternatively you could say something light-hearted like "No help from mother, please!" if she interrupts.  Using a little humour is most helpful in dealing with difficult people.
Regards,
Robert.

[teacher]

Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom Robert!  I appreciate the quick reply.  What you said makes alot of sense...it was only the first lesson and I like your suggestion about using humour.  I will keep what you said in mind for the next lesson and see how things progress.

Monica