Making Changes in Studio
Found in: Claiming Territory, Studio Policies
Carrie L., Michigan
I’m looking to make changes in my studio. I haven’t been consistent and lacked the courage or commitment in the areas of enforcing parents to stay in the lessons, practice time and watching the videos and paying by the 1st.
I can see the difference in those students that DO all the things I ask and the ones that don’t.
It’s a big shift and one that takes courage on my part and commitment. Honestly I’m a bit afraid to do it at the risk of losing some students as well. Michigan’s economy isn’t great as it is so that’s a little bit of a concern. On the flip side though I’d rather gain the reputation as enforcing what I expect and being a ‘harder’ teacher. I also think if I did this then I would gain the students that I want to teach.
With this confession, my question is.. what’s the best way to start doing this.
My thinking is an evaluation form. Something like Level 1’s, but with some added questions and then having the parents fill it out by a set date and attend the lesson with their child the next week. At this lesson, I’ll go over any/all aspects that need the change and go over the evaluation form. If they don’t come to the lesson I’ll follow up with a phone call.
Any thoughts/comments? Also any ways that I can prepare myself for this change and be more confident and sure of my follow through?
Cindy B., Illinois
Janita had an awesome handout that I’ve used to great advantage in reiterating all the things that a life coach should be doing. I’m attaching my version of it. I had 2 adult students quit after reading it, because they realized that they are their own life coach and neither one was willing/able to do all that’s necessary to succeed. I’m going to send it out at least twice a year, once before Christmas vacation, and once before summer vacation (July). I currently have a student in her 70’s who I KNOW isn’t following my instructions because all of her personal experience in life has taught her that her way is the best way. I know she’ll eventually quit if I can’t persuade her to trust me. At the very least, this handout helps immensely in putting on one page all the pieces of the puzzle that amount to success.
HeatherLee S., Canada
The motto I use to parent by is: “I say what I mean and I mean what I say”. Sometimes I speak too fast or too harshly, but once it is out we have to follow through, because not following through would be a HUGE mistake. That would give my daughter the idea that a meltdown would get her what she wants! Giving in (even occasionally) would give her the message that I will cave. Not what I want to teach her.
Dealing with students can be the same. Do you have Studio Policies? If you do, remind people what they agreed to. If not today would be a great day to re-write those policies and go over them with each and every student you see from this moment forward.
The other thing to remember is that not every one learns at the same speed. Does it really matter, as long as your students are happy with their individual results? I haven’t taught, but I think there will be some people sign up for SM Lessons, before they have their SM ah ha! moment!
Francis B., Nevada
Here’s a few things that I have done in my studio . .
Tuition Reminders:
I send out emails prior to tuition dues to my parents usually 2-3 days prior to lesson day. It is also consistent in its title: Piano Tuition: February 2009 (Courtesy Reminder). I also send them an email for payment record and as a thank you.
Studio Policy:
I made amendments on my studio policy this year and have both student and parent sign it. I always remind them of the mission statement of my studio as needed to keep this fresh and reinforced. I also use different analogies to have the parents and students have a better understanding of everyone’s roles. (Humor is involved but I am firm about what I communicate.) My policy also has a late fee for those payments that are not made on time. I haven’t had any issues with this.
I also love the workshop recordings that were made available, particularly the request vs. requirement and managing practice times workshops. I listen and review them as much as I can when I am driving to and from places. . .
Evaluation/Assessments:
Janita P. had shared her newsletters and I have taken the “Back to Basics” I have taken it to the next step which is for parents and students to agree on a goal they want to work on at home and report back to me. They also fill out the questionnaire and report back to me. This has been good for reassessing and accountability. This is an on-going process. Follow-up has always been key as we are designing and refining for more effective progression.
Notesbook:
I also have parents initial the working projects have been completed in the Notesbook for responsibility and more meaningful practice at home. This has been a challenge for my students and parents and due to its negligence, it is reflected to some degree at instruction time. I have found this to work for me.
Hope some of this becomes helpful to you.
When you are firm and coming from a place of compassion because they know your underlying interest is always for their best interest, you will find that they will respect you and love you for it in the long run. I always remind them how much I care about them as my students and the parents see that. J
Robin T., Tennessee
I have been sending my tuition “reminders” or “request” through PayPal. It is very easy to setup and is FREE. This was another one of my New Year resolutions to make sure that my invoicing was a bit more professional both in appearance and timeliness. You can setup the whole thing by submitting your email addresses, entering the amount that you want each invoice to read, and then it goes straight to their email. It offers students the option of paying online with a credit or debit card as well. I have several parents that use this and appreciate being able to pay with a credit card. And, if your parent comes up to you and says, “I just forgot to bring a check” you can reply, “that’s OK. You can pay online with the invoice I emailed you”. Just a nice way of saying that you too have bills to pay and NEED THAT MONEY! You can even attach it to your checking account so that the money can go right in (less trips to the bank). Or, they have a FREE debit card that you can use immediately once they pay. Most people are familiar with PayPal and have used it online with making purchases, so they are typically OK with making a payment using that service. But, I basically used it for the free invoicing. The online payment is an added bonus.