Klarinet Archive - Posting 000566.txt from 1996/07

From: niethamer@-----.EDU
Subj: Re: A teaching problem
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 22:44:36 -0400

On Mon, 29 Jul 1996, Daniel A. Paprocki wrote:

> I want to throw out a problem that I'm faced with in teaching . I just had
> a 10th grade student start with me. I teach in my home. The mother wanted
> to "sit" in on the first (or so I thought) lesson. I didn't mind and in
> fact thought it was a good idea to see my teaching, if we get along, etc.
> I teach in an office that's not too big. The mother was seated about five
> feet or so in front of us. During the lesson she (the mother) paid some
> attention to what I was doing, but also read the newspaper, and towards the
> end did her lipstick. I was thinking oh well it's just this first lesson.
> As we ended and were setting up the date of the next lesson, the mother
> said that oh next time the student's father would come instead - he's into
> music things and might be more interested in what I'm saying. I didn't
> know what to say - I said nothing.
> I have never taught Suzuki clarinet or clarinet for spectators. I
> don't mind the first lesson sit-in but not all the time! The other problem
> is my wife shouldn't be inconvenienced by a parent waiting around in our
> living room for there child. I teach hour lessons every other week and
> there are numerous stores very close by to do errands at. So how do I go
> about solving this problem. How have others dealt with non-driving young
> students or parents that want to observe. When I was young, my mom would
> drop me off and come back at the ending time. Help.

I make it clear to the parents of all new students that there is no place
for them to observe (in my studio, there's barely room for the student
some days!), and that waiting is not a viable option. I have an outside
entrance to my studio, so my home space is not invaded. I'm lucky to have
shopping and a library near-by.

Hope this helps. BTW, I have no complaints from parents, only an initial
raised eyebrow on occaision.

David Niethamer