Choosing Learn-at-Home over teacher
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Sherrie A., California
I had a nice conversation with a mother on the phone last week and thought for sure she’d sign up. She was sold on Simply Music (we never met in person and there was no FIS). Here is the email she sent when I followed up with her. I have so many thoughts about this, some I will tell her and some I’ll just keep to myself. Just wondering what others think about it and how you might respond.
“Thanks for the follow through but we went ahead and bought the Simply Music Learn-at-Home program because my daughter really wants to do this on her own. I imagine at some point she will want to have an in-person teacher but this was her choice and I’m going with it. Good luck!”
I should add that there was zero mention about the LAH program during our conversation. Thoughts?
Jeff O., Massachusetts
Going with the child’s choice is probably a bad sign. Let them go.
Sherrie A., California
I had this same thought. I could tell from our phone conversation that territory would be an issue and I made a mental note to go over the Foundation Session well about the role of the life coach. However, I also am thinking there had to be other reasons she didn’t mention that would tip the scales in favor of the child’s preference, like convenience and cost. It’s easier to say it’s what the kid wants than to say they are choosing the cheaper, easier route.
Joy O., Alabama
Follow up with a very professional email response. Thank her for talking with you, affirm how great SM is — in person or Learn-at-Home. Let her know that when her daughter is ready for in-person lessons, you’d love to hear from them. And let it go. Some students are very self-motivated. She might move through the whole Learn-at-Home program and then be ready to come into your studio. The daughter might not follow through at all, and Mom may say, “That’s that” to piano lessons. Or Mom might realize that the weekly accountability of attending a lesson is exactly what the child needs.
Colleen B., Canada
I have a fantastic student who came to me after progressing as far as she could independently through the Learn-at-Home program. It’s been great.
Robin Keehn, Washington
What I do when this happens is to make sure the mom understands that only a teacher can deliver composition and improvisation, arrangements, accompaniment, and eventually the reading program. She’s just getting a taste of Simply Music so I am sure to mention that in an email.
Sherrie A., California
This is what I want to make clear to her, but without making her feel bad about her current choice. My understanding is that the Learn at Home program only does two levels. Is that correct? I want to make sure I’m giving her accurate information and I don’t actually know much about the LAH program.
Stephen R., California
The LAH program has some songs from Foundation Levels 1-4, not all the songs. The student is also missing all the direct hands-on coaching and benefits from being with a real teacher!
Cate R., Australia
I would follow this email up with a “Fantastic news to hear you’re moving ahead with piano and I know that you will receive an immediate sense of playing, immediately from the very first video. I know that there will be times of frustration with your daughter and you’ll have to guide her gently to achieve her goals. When you are ready for the more advanced lessons, please feel free to contact me and I will schedule her in. Good luck and happy playing”.
Ian B., California
This is a big reason I actually show people the scope of the entire program during the FIS. I make a point to show how learning the songs is just the beginning.