Friend Lesson Visit
Found in: About Business, Fees Rates & Cost, Marketing & Advertising, Studio Policies
Sherrie A., Utah
A parent just called to ask if she could bring her daughter’s friend to the lesson today. Partially because she is watching her, but the friend had been begging her own mother to go to piano with my student. I said it was fine. I’m just curious about logistics. I’m assuming I would need to pay a royalty fee for her since she will be getting simply music content, and I’m happy to pay. I wonder if she wants to continue coming how I handle it? Does anyone have policies already regarding this? Would I have to say no next time? Or maybe two is the limit? I’ve just never thought about this before and obviously free lessons aren’t fair to the other students so maybe I don’t wait for the second time and instead contact the mother about an introductory session for her daughter? Obviously I’m thrilled about the interest! Just a situation I haven’t considered before!
Neil Moore
Hi Sherrie, seems more to me like this is a friend coming, on one occasion, to watch her friend having lesson (and hopefully decide she’d like to begin). I don’t see there’s any need for an additional royalty unless there’s something I missing?
Sherrie A., Utah
Neil Moore yes that’s what it was, though I wasn’t sure what to expect. She didn’t want to participate, just watched. Good to know no extra royalty is needed! Thanks!
Paula W., Michigan
It doesn’t happen often but I always say yes to a friend visiting. Friend mostly observes. But I always get them on the piano to improvise. Student will play Honey Dew or Jackson while I show friend what notes to improvise with. Encourage mom to video their performance and send it to friend’s mom.
Original discussion started July 23, 2020