Private Lessons
Found in: Claiming Territory, Scheduling, Student Management, Studio Policies
Amber B., Michigan
Okay, so I finally quoted $150/month for private lessons. This is a girl who I have moved three times and seems not to fit with any other students. By default she has been in private but I told the mom today, that after August she would be placed back in a shared lesson unless I was charging her a private rate. The mom said she understood but who knows what will happen come Fall. Right now her daughter and a 4-year old are the only private lessons I am scheduling.
To top it off, I told another parent-who was taking July “off” that I could not sell her Level III until she prepaid for lessons. She clearly is trying to teach her child on her own and I feel partly responsible for not communicating the benefits of Simply Music beyond the foundation levels. Part of me wants her to go away but maybe I want to avoid the conflict rather than explain myself. Over time, do you get an attitude and stop explaining?
Cindy B., Illinois
I’m fairly certain that there’s never a time for ‘getting an attitude’ LOL. If you’ve been requesting the same thing from this parent repeatedly, and she has continued to go her own direction instead, it’s time to stop requesting and start requiring. To continue to request is to imply that it’s her choice. If she is teaching her own child, against your expressed instruction – she must stop. now.
Victoria S., California
I think, over time, you are more clear up front and claim your territory in a way that has people decide right away if they are going to be with you or not.
I would definitely say something before she decides to leave on her own (if she does decide that) as you will feel better about yourself for setting boundaries and communicating them to another person. Plus, it will give you courage to define and keep your boundaries up front with the next student to come along.
Winnie B., Colorado
For myself, I just get more comfortable explaining things as I have more experience. To me any one in business for themselves is in the business of helping people understand the benefits of your business, as long as it is merely a simple explanation. Clients who have developed an attitude are a different matter: clearly setting boundaries with these people is also a matter of experience: to the extent we are clear about what we need, we needn’t be uncomfortable about setting limits. But getting to that comfort level is a lot of work! It is a growth process, for sure!