Simpedia

Robin Keehn, Washington

In my opinion, no one can make a real decision about taking lessons in only three weeks. For that reason, we have a two month minimum enrollment in our studio for everything (music, dance, gymnastics, SM, SMR). With piano in particular, sometimes just getting fingers moving can take three weeks. We’ve seen things turn completely around with a reluctant young student because of the two month minimum. We had one very young boy who wanted to quit after three weeks but after about the fifth week, he was so excited and so happy with what he could do that he continued and has been a wonderful student.

I’ve seriously considered making it a three month minimum commitment. That would allow me to get a student most of the way through Foundation Level 1. I’ve never done it but it certainly makes sense!

Shanta R., Minnesota

I sort of use a workshop as a “trial”, both for the students and for me. I have definitely come across students in workshops that I would not take on as regular students. At the end of the workshop, I do require a two month commitment as well, which then means that a student who has been through a workshop and continues goes for a minimum of three months.

This has worked pretty well for me, especially as my schedule has gotten more full.

Nicole O., California

I’ve had parents request this and here is what I have done:

When a student enrolls into my studio they’re required to pay first and last month’s tuition up front. For these parents who want a “trial” period, I tell them that I will waive the last month’s tuition until the following month if they decide to continue. And that a trial period is best done over a complete month (which would include the Foundation Session and three or four lessons -depending on the number of weeks in that month).

If this parent wants to start the trial mid-month, I’d still let them know that it takes at least four lessons to determine if it’s a good fit for all involved.

Terah W., Kansas

I started pretty much at the beginning with a three month commitment, for the same reason Robin mentions: three months is almost a guarantee they will get Level 1 nailed. But also because by that time, I have had a chance to educate with a lot of info and validation (proof the system works!) thinking that if they quit at that point at least whatever they told folks about SM had a fair chance of being somewhat accurate. My experience has been that the folks taking a little think they know as much as the folks taking more!
The three month commitment also sends a message that I think music is as important as all the stuff they are involved in that compete for their time.

After all, no one ever signs up for a few games during baseball season and then claims they are a part of the team when they win the championship!

It’s usually at about this point in the conversation that I bring up the odds of little Johnny playing a professional sport vs. the odds he will still be playing piano if he learns Simply Music. Almost everyone gets that and it helps put the three months into perspective yet again.

Laurie Richards, Nebraska

I also have a minimum three-month commitment, just recently instituted. I have thought about it for a long time, struggling with how to enforce it. I really didn’t want to ask for three months up front. Now I require every family to be on automatic payment, and they agree (in writing) that once they commit to a class, they have given the studio permission to deduct the monthly payment for three months.

My reasons are the same as what has been mentioned. People will sometimes make judgment calls about the curriculum too quickly without giving it a fair chance, or just decide they don’t want the extra thing in their schedule. They need to start with some level of commitment so they can see some results.

I’ve begun telling new prospects that I have very few openings (which is true) and that I’m only interested in taking students/parents who are willing to make the three-month commitment in earnest, following the process as instructed by the teacher. However, we do offer the four-week workshop if they are not ready to make a commitment but still want to “try it out”.

Julia S., Kansas

I require a three-month commitment for exactly the reason you mentioned: We can get through Foundation Level 1 and by then, they are LOVING it!

(I should mention that I only teach adults, so I’m speaking directly to the person who will be taking lessons when asking for this commitment.)

Elaine F., South Carolina

Over the summer I read this study and didn’t save the article— but this is what I recall.

1. It was a well designed scientific study with a control group

2. The purpose was to look at the effect of commitment to ability to piano. So we are not extrapolating or wondering if this study might apply to piano!

Two groups began piano at the same time. I believe they were matched re age and former experience.

One group entered the study with the belief that they would play piano their whole life. The other group began with the idea that they’d ” try it”. I think they had the same teacher and same practice times— but I don’t know how rigorously this was measured.

After — I forget– eight weeks? — The group with the long term commitment was a LOT better than the other group. All that was different was their expectation! I tell parents this story and they seem to get it.

If anyone else is familiar with this study and has the citation for it, please post!