The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2012-12-21 11:52
to those who have been following my concerns about my 11 yr old student.
once again, he was 30 minutes late for a 45 minute lesson. I wanted to not do anything for those 15 minutes.
i used someones advice and asked if maybe there was a better time? Grandpa said no, there was just a lot of traffic and they could try leaving earlier.
student STILL wants to be in recital.
good grief..... maybe i should ask my director what i should do asbout this.
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Author: William
Date: 2012-12-21 15:04
That would result in a 15 min lesson.....end of story. Full payment, however, for original time.
Post Edited (2012-12-21 15:05)
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2012-12-21 15:28
i meant i didnt feel like teaching him (being late again) but I did. for 15 min. and I do expect to be paid in full.
its just im getting tired of this.
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Author: ruben
Date: 2012-12-21 15:35
Dear Jan
The habitual tardiness of students-it's worse when you live and work in a Latin country-is the reason why I go to my students' domicile. I adjust the price accordingly-slightly higher. At least this way I am in control of my schedule.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: pewd
Date: 2012-12-21 16:00
I charge a month or semester at at time, in advance.
If they don't show up, or are late, no refund.
After a month or 2 of nonsense like this, I simply terminate lessons and tell them to find another studio.
Good luck with this one.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2012-12-21 16:13
thats what i will do one day when I am self - employed. but i work for a music school. thats why I should talk to the director.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2012-12-21 16:37
I taught for a couple of years in a private conservatory. I carried about 14 students, mostly in the first book of the Langenus Series. 12 of those were simply horrid --like janlynn's problem child. The boss generously allowed me two students who were actually worthwhile, and I really enjoyed my work with them.
The problem children made progress ONLY during the half hour that they spent with me. Typically, the kid's Mom (back in the one employee per family days) would sit in the waiting room, be pleased at the kid's progress and PAY THE BILL.
It was part of the music BUSINESS.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2012-12-21 19:42
HI Janlynn,
The overwhelming majority of my income is from my private studio.
Just to echo some thoughts above: teach the 15 minutes and expect the full payment.
In addition: remember that you're the professional in the situation. Teach those 15 minutes to the best of your ability with what the kid has brought. You can't take it out on the kid -- at least not at that kid's age.
The way you retell it, it sounds like you have an interested and enthusiastic student who is the victim of inconsiderate adult care. Consult your director, and determine with them what the best course of action is.
In the beginning (before being fully established) it may not be a horrible thing to take full pay for working a third of the time if the parents want to waste the money.
When families come to me for lessons initially I'm very clear: I'm not a musical babysitter, and I'm not going to waste their money. If the child isn't producing the work -- I first address the child. Shortly thereafter -- the parents. If it continues, or in this situation, I'd simply let them know that I appreciate their efforts but I'm not available to teach them.
Good luck!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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