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Longer lessons for advanced students
I’ve been thinking of implementing longer lessons for my more advanced private students who I think need the time in the upper levels, in particular with all the reading we do. Maybe 45 minutes or hour lessons? One student is requesting an hour lesson and…
Student canceling lesson with short notice
I wanted to share a difficult conversation success I had recently: a teenage student attempted to cancel a lesson 30 minutes prior, by saying they were sick. To me, this felt like a classic case of claiming territory, making it necessary for me to let…
Fee Increases – when & how much?
Hello everyone, I am curious to hear how various teachers decide on when and how much to increase their fees. I seem to remember Robin Keehn mentioning a particular percentage she uses when raising her rates. In the U.S. the rate of inflation is currently…
Writing an exit email to departing students
Who has wording for an exit email? They’re choosing other activities over piano and I’m fine with the, so I just want to say a nice goodbye. Just putting the question out there actually helped me write it. I kept it simple. This is what…
Parent balking at tuition
I received a phone call from a mom whose daughter had her first lesson with me last week. She clearly wants to “try out” piano lessons for her daughter and she is not committed to continuing if it becomes a huge struggle to get her…
Disclosing disability to students
A question for those teachers with a disability: do you disclose your disability on your website or at your FIS? I have fibromyalgia. Sometimes I forget words for things (memory fog), drop things, or fall into the piano (weak muscles). It doesn’t affect my ability…
Handling Monday holiday lessons
I’m considering starting new classes on Monday evenings. I charge students a monthly flat fee and I’m wondering about the “holiday” Mondays. In my policies, I don’t guarantee makeup lessons. If you have a similar payment structure, have you found it an issue with families…
Webinar Series: 10/24/2017 – Piano – Developing Strong Communication Skills
Neil discusses some the components of powerful communication in this webinar. Learn how you can ensure that your studio requirements are clearly understood and met by your students and coaches, thus maximizing your success as a teacher and your students’ success with their lessons. Topics…
Setting up an in-home studio
I just moved and am building my studio from nothing again. For those who do an in-home studio, how do you set it up in your house? What kind of chairs do you use? I got folding chairs at Office Depot on the after Thanksgiving…
Recruiting additional teachers
Those of you who have recruited multiple teachers for your studios – did you pay for their SMP training, or did you have them pay and just handle the administrative stuff? And what is your cut? I’m driving to lessons all over Northern Virginia, and…