Scents in Studios
Found in: About Business, Claiming Territory, Studio Management, Studio Policies
Stephen R., California
Do other teachers have rules on strong scents in their studios? I have an adult that swims ahead of our lessons and the chlorine smell bothers me. She seemed upset that I prefer she swim on a day other than before our lessons. What would you do in a situation like this? I have had other conversations with students that have worn strong cologne or perfume. I don’t want that in my studio as it also affects other students and those that are after… I also have a “no workout attire” rule in my policy and maybe I should add “pajamas” to that list too. 😆🤷♂️ Thoughts? This may be a good discussion starter!
Giana N., California
You might be able to find a sign to post at your studio entrance that will do the job for you.
Stephen R., California
Giana N. I used to teach a guy that came in after working on cars and he smelled like oil or paint thinner. I’m not kidding! We really had to talk about that one. I have experienced many things over the years of teaching for sure! 🤦🏼♂️
Giana N., California
As obvious as it is to me/us now, I think back and remember when I used to go to my piano lessons as a teenager after volleyball practice still in my sweaty clothes, stinky socks, and stinky kneepads.
Heidi D., California
Personally I think it’s over the top unless you have a legitimate allergy. Strong perfumes are one thing but no swimming? I also dislike the “no workout attire”. Especially as a man, you should not be judging women’s clothing. My leggings have no effect on my ability to play piano. Your studio, your rules. That is my opinion.
Stephen R., California
Heidi D. I appreciate your opinion, but I’m talking about coming in to lessons after working out in work out clothes. The chlorine smell really bothers me! I’m just sensitive to strong scents in general. I’m also in a smaller studio and we’re also often in close proximity to students.
Heidi D., California
Stephen R. Gotcha, that makes sense. Maybe rephrase to something like “We understand you have busy schedules with many different activities. We appreciate you taking the time to shower and change in between swimming/sports/horseback riding, etc. as we share a small space and close quarters in the music studio.” That way it covers everything and puts the focus on cleanliness rather than attire. 😊👍
Heidi M., Canada
Heidi D. Some people even without a medically legitimate allergy per se, just find a strong scents so unpleasant that they find it really hard to breathe and that in itself is a problem. So I think it’s perfectly legitimate to have boundaries in that area if that issue was coming up. Especially where it could affect other students too. and their families.
Leeanne I., Australia
I am sensitive to smells too, but haven’t had a need to specify it in my policy. I do specify clothing as neat casual, school uniforms okay, no offensive slogans.
Stephen R., California
Leeanne I. I mention no strong scents in my policy! Most hospital visits ask for that too. I also mention “street clothing appropriate for a music lesson”. Sometimes I just have to call things out if it bothers me. I’m sure we’ve all encountered situations like this at some point.
Elisa P.-J., New Jersey
I had a radiology professor in dental hygiene school who had a sensitivity to perfumes and we were not allowed to wear perfume in her class…over 95% of the student body were women! It’s your call. If possible can she swim after the lesson or maybe take a really good shower perhaps after the swim to get rid of the chlorine smell?
Scott J., Australia
I have a strict rule that kids and adults come in after showering and toilet – no smelly anything thanks in my studio it’s common courtesy to all not to be leaving smells in the studio. They certainly would not like you to be in their home smelling it up. I have never had a complaint about this rule once
Stephen R., California
Scott J. Very true! My studio is my second home. My environment, my rules!
Jacqui G., Canada
Stephen R. my studio WAS my home! My family would certainly have objected to sharing their living room with stinky smells of any kind.
Cate R., Australia
Hahhaha, I had to change my lessons with Lyndel K. to an evening one as I was a swimming instructor and even with a shower the chlorine ooozing from my body made my eyes water.
Jacqui G., Canada
Stephen R. I can identify because I am extremely sensitive to odors. Perfumes and strong-smelling hygiene products shut down my brain and give me migraines. Cigarette smoke on clothing bothers me as well, but that’s a tricky one to deal with. I have not yet encountered chlorine or stinky gym clothes. While I did have a rule prohibiting perfumes and scented hygiene products, I also realize how difficult it is to find unscented products these days, so I made sure we discussed this issue during the introductory session, explaining why I avoided scents, and enlisting their cooperation. Often there were others with the same concerns.
Stephen R., California
Jacqui G. I want to revise in my policy: perfume, cologne and strong scents!
Jacqui G., Canada
good wording; “strong scents” covers a multitude of stinks
Nancy N., New Hampshire
I’ve found that people can have a hard time sympathizing with a sensitivity they don’t share. So you need to advocate for yourself. I personally have trouble with that, and I need to work on it. I too am sensitive to smells, but I tend to tolerate things that really make me feel ill just because I sense people get annoyed when I say something. And: most people don’t realize this but some people are extremely sensitive to lighting. So let’s try to understand and respect the sensitivities of others.
Stephen R., California
Nancy N. I can add loud piano playing to the list too…
Joan H., Canada
the worst smells coming into my studio relate to feet! in the winter, its about winter boot/sock foot smell, and in the summer – sweaty feet. Not sure I’m about to educate about food odor! lol. I’ve managed to live with it so far….
Original discussions started May 13, 2024