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Emily C., California

Breathe – and remember, “what you pay attention to, you get more of”. So envision and create your ideal students, class etc.

Carrie L., Michigan

Think about how much you may resist a new routine. It takes a bit to get there.

Leeanne I., Australia

We all feel like that at times. Think of all your great students and how much they appreciate you. Ride through your teacher ‘valley’, it will change!

Susan M., Canada

I believe our job is very challenging and I always tell myself the rewards are there under the surface. I’m also in a bit of a valley, so you’re not alone. Most of my summer students are set back with summer. Stay strong and try not to react. I’ve mentioned – with confidence – to two students that maybe I’m not the teacher for them, and they quickly changed. I review the training materials/claiming territory files regularly to keep up my confidence.

Joy O., Alabama

Take a deep breath, brew yourself a cup of tea, and look at the Relationship Graph. Listen to the Claiming Territory training again. Pull out blank paper or a notebook and write out what your are feeling. Also write out why you started this journey in the first place. Those reasons are still valid, right?

Now, specifically on using the toilet, you might try reminding parents that they are paying you. If the student spends time at your house doing something besides receiving a piano lesson, you are still getting paid. Some parents don’t mind getting a shorter lesson, but maybe some haven’t realized they are cheating themselves out of those few minutes. Stand firm on not giving extra time to students who start late for whatever reason. If it’s a group, don’t wait for that one individual.

Joanne D., Australia

Some weeks are so frustrating and then like the relationship graph, it changes again. I am going through a period where I am being tested a lot with claiming territory and being forced to be stronger in what I will accept. Last night I had a student not practice enough during the week and not watch the video, and then couldn’t remember how to play section 2 of the song. I told her she needs to go home and watch the video and learn it this week. I won’t move on in Foundation and won’t teach it to her again. Work out what you will and won’t accept and risk losing them to have your sanity back.

Heidi M., Canada

I feel in a bit of a valley too. But I do think we (who are in music/creative professions) tend to be extra hard on ourselves and don’t have to be (though there is always room to grow). I find it helpful to rehearse victories and rehearse what is going well and has been going well. I am sure many things go very well in your studio that you just got used to, that you can encourage yourself about.

Cate R., Australia

Relax, calm down and breathe. We all have trying times when dealing with what our expectations are and what the parents are. I know the lesson is only half an hour and I know you can’t understand why someone would want to go to the toilet in the lesson. Is this one child or all of your kids? Can you ask as soon as they come in if they would like to use the toilet before we start, as there will be no bathroom breaks until after the lesson is over? Maybe that might train them and their parents to go before they start.

The grumbling thing if it seems too hard is a learned behavior. Ignore it. They have learned to get their own way by grumbling–maybe the parent does it. Ask them if they have finished grumbling if you need to say something and tell them “Okay, moving right along then”. If the kids forget their songs, I ask the parent “Would you like me to go over and reteach that song, or would you like to review that at home?”. I wouldn’t teach them any new pieces though.

Laurie Richards, Nebraska

I believe most of your frustrations can be alleviated by confidently stating your expectations and requirements and following through on them. I know that is often easier said than done. Listen to/read everything you can in your teacher resources about Request vs. Requirement and Claiming Territory and just try one suggestion at a time from those. Your students WILL do what you allow. It’s in our nature as human beings. You can do this!