Regaining Momentum After A Break
Found in: Adult Students, Attendance, Scheduling, Shared Lessons
Susan F., California
I have a bit of scheduling dilemma and would welcome some input. I have some students who are anxious to start lessons, but because of vacations they’ll be away in August and I’ll be away in September. If they were to start now they would have 3 lessons in July (the first of which is a Foundation Session) and then have a 2 month break. Do you think that’s wise? I’m torn as to waiting until fall so as not to interrupt the momentum, but maybe I should grab them while they’re interested?
Any thoughts?
Robin Keehn, Washington
Something similar happened to me this year with a group lesson (four adults – a married couple and two individuals). We had just begun when conflicts arose for everyone in the group. We decided to take about three weeks off and resume. When we got back together, one woman said she was ready to quit because she was bored with the songs. A guy told me this wasn’t going to meet his needs now that he had time to think about it. I was really shocked but calmly put things into perspective for them by reminding them that we had only had three lessons and had barely begun when the work conflicts arose and disrupted our progress. They all stayed and within another week or two they were all singing the praises of SM.
Just be prepared if you do take a break that they may decide it isn’t for them or that they are dissatisfied with their progress. I would be very tempted to make them wait. We have a waiting list and only start students in September and February. It hasn’t been a problem.