Studio Policies
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…
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…
Make up lessons
What is your policy and procedure on make up lessons? I’m thinking about when students are sick as well as when they miss for planned reasons such as dad’s graduation from college. I have a full studio and not many times that I can make…
Building vacation time into tuition
I have not been giving myself set time off each year, but now am considering 2-3 weeks. Any advice/thoughts? Are you talking about ‘paid’ time off? I’ve considered having at least a week paid vacation but never have done it. Yes, I know teachers who…
Controlling germs in studio
It’s flu season so a parent asked me what I do in my music room to keep the piano and environment as germ-free as possible. What do you do and how would you answer this question? I keep hand sanitizer on the piano, and wipe…
Parents trying to manipulate policy
Has anyone had any issues with parents of students trying to manipulate policy? My policy clearly states that I do not do makeup lessons or refunds unless in the event of inclement weather, and I just had all of my students and life coaches sign…
Dealing with aggressive parent
Anyone had a parent demanding a refund for a lesson they didn’t show up to and then cancelled lessons and never came back? While I was kind and said I would refund his $25 with the next round of billing, he has sent me 4…
Tuition credits question
I have always charged students per school term, regardless of when they are away on holidays. If they are away, they still get charged. But I have LOTS of students who go away! I seem to have the conversation with them frequently. I have 5…
Toddler sibling at lessons
A mom asked me if I would teach her son and daughter on Saturday instead of our weekday time because she does not have childcare for her 4-year-old, and he is somewhat disruptive during lessons. I do not want to teach on Saturday. I know…