Following School Calendar in Studio
Found in: Attendance, Scheduling
Diane C., California
Does anyone follow a local school calendar as their schedule in their studio? I am thinking of adopting ours and then charging a “summer program” for those who continue in summer. But Im afraid it may open a huge can of worms.
Sue L., California
My students have a lot of different schedules because of a variety of school districts, private schools, charter schools, etc. I have taught through the summer with fairly consistent attendance. For some reason, I get a lot of inquiries in July, and very few in late August and early September, so I’m glad I’m available to do lots of info sessions in July.
Carrie L., Michigan
We do Sept through June.
Melanie W.
We pull from several school districts. I download the school calendars and use them “loosely” for time off since none are the same. Our calendar goes from September through August, and we do take about a total of 11 weeks off throughout the year. My teaching schedule changes in the summer since school age children can come during the day instead of just “after school” during the school year. I expect my students to stay committed year-round.
Jacqui G., Canada
I follow our school calendar. It just doesn’t work to schedule lessons during spring, summer, or Christmas break. Too bad – means a great deal of review, plus the possibility of losing students. Of my three students, the adult now wants to “put piano on hold” until January, and the teenager is discouraged – but I think once we get going she will be fine.
Bernadette A., California
I take all federal holidays off. And just teach through the summer.
Joan H., Canada
Yes I follow the school calendar – seems more common in Canada. However I did follow the idea of some of my SM Canadian teachers and updated my policies: “This year’s calendar includes 40 sessions: 36 weekly lessons, 2 performance opportunities on January 31st and June 5th (aka Piano Parties where students share music with each other), 2 summer lessons”.
The 40 sessions divide evenly over the 10 months of Sept to June, and make for nice even billing. The 2 summer lessons are part of the package to motivate families to come for a monthly check in during July and Aug. Hope its helpful!
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
I like how clear your communication is. Am I reading this correctly to mean that you don’t collect any tuition over the summer, only Sep – Jun?
Joan H., Canada
Hey Laurie – yes that’s right. I’ve decided to try to package it this way going forward, so that by the end of June, they have already paid for their 2 summer lessons and hopefully are more likely to come! Keeps things neat and tidy. I can still make exceptions for those keen families who want to come biweekly or have more than just the 2 summer lessons, but at least it creates an expectation, and I make it very clear why it is advantageous, in terms of not losing as much ground come September.