“Trying out” Simply Music
Found in: Student Retention/Attrition
Megan F., Nebraska
Just curious how you handle inquiries from people who are interested in “trying it out” vs being committed to a long-term relationship with piano. I’m looking for students and families who place a high priority on music, although I’m well aware that without being exposed, they might never catch the fire, so to speak. I don’t want to be the one to discourage them! However, I teach in mostly smaller classes, so I’m especially looking for people who aren’t going to bail after a few months and leave me having to reschedule or reorganize groups. I know it’s inevitable that some will quit, but I’d like to minimize the attrition as much as possible.
Stephen R., California
I require a two-month minimum commitment. People stopping is inevitable. It’s hard to find truly dedicated long-term students. but it does help to ask people early on and see where they’re at. Maybe do this at the Intro session.
I do have a good base of long-term students myself, but have had countless more that are short-term (under a year). I start everyone that is interested, because I give everyone a chance and people do blossom after a while. Sometimes, life gets in the way of people stopping (i.e. having a baby, losing their job, moving away, etc) and this cannot be controlled. I have had students I thought would quit early and stayed long-term and vice versa.
Cate R., Australia
I can see this happening with a brand new students. His private school offers piano lessons. The school won’t take new students unless they have some sort of experience. I’ll probably have him for the term. For me, this term is 8 weeks. I’m happy for the money and to give this little guy a good solid start in music.
Leeanne I., Australia
I have a family coming to see me this afternoon. They live around the corner from me and the mother wants to see if her kids like it before they commit. So I am giving them the 4-week workshop. Normally I just do this over the summer months, when half my studio is on holidays. You can offer this when it suits you.
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
The ‘try it out’ mindset makes them much more likely to quit at the first valley. But as you said, sometimes they just haven’t considered the perspective we can provide.
I suppose it really depends on where you’re at with your studio numbers. If I were trying to build my numbers, I would be more inclined to start them and give it a chance. I am much more picky when my studio is already full and I’m just filling in 1 or 2 open slots.
I require a minimum 3-month commitment and at this point I tell families up front that I am probably not a good choice if they are only wanting to try it out for a while.
I agree that the Workshop is an ideal way to start students who want to ‘try it out’. They have no long-term commitment there.
Carrie L., Michigan
I’ve had students tell me they were going to ‘try it out’ and they stayed six years. You just never know!