Klarinet Archive - Posting 000382.txt from 1998/07

From: <Maestro645@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Student problems
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 19:34:01 -0400

If I could impose for more help....
I have a clarinet student. Great player, and quick learner. But he has a
horrendous problem with showing up on time, and sometimes not showing up at
all. Just today, for example. He was supposed to have a lesson at 10:30. He
did not show up. So I called the residence and was told by his mother "Oh! I
forgot! Leo's at the Mall of America. Can we do his lesson next week?" I
think I'm being way to nice about this.
With all of my students I give them an information sheet explaining
expectations and blah blah blah. I am a very articulated with my thoughts. I
even have a lesson evaluation sheet that records their progress and payment
options. It has a rating scale for different aspects of playing, an assignment
portion, a comment part, payment record, and practice chart. (Now I'm getting
aheasd of myself here. Backtracking...)
I've stated that with my busy schedule and with having students one right
after the other, I tell them that punctuality is important. If a student is
to be late, I expect a call that day a couple hours in advance. If I am not
notified and they are late, they don't get a chance to make up time. I also
say that if they can't make a lesson call me in the morning or preferably,
days in advance (like this was his vacation, so I should have been notified
last week!). If they pay in advance and don't tell me they will be gone, I
keep the money. (mean, I know, but I do this with the suggestion of one of
my teachers, and it discourages truancy.)
Well, Leo pays every week, so the rule of keeping money doesn't apply. I've
mentioned my frustration to them before, but no improvement has been made.
Now I enjoy teaching, and I like working with Leo (when he shows up on time,
or shows up at all), and i don't want to discontinue lessons with him. I just
want him to be more respectful of my time. What is a good way to address the
matter to him and his parents?
Thanks for all your advice!
Chris Hoffman

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