The value of attending lessons
Found in: Student Management
Joy O., Alabama
I just had a parent text me that she’s not coming to her make-up lesson today, saying “We’ll just watch the video”. However, I was planning to teach an arrangement, which is not available in the SHMs. How do I communicate the value of being in the lesson with a real, live teacher, that you’re paying me for?
Heidi M., Canada
I just had something similar happen to me but with an adult student. My gut feeling is there is an underlying issue (that she may feel discouraged about some aspect of her progress though I keep encouraging her about her victories) and I plan to find that out ASAP. Certainly in the next class. Your situation might be totally different than what I described here – but I think it’s worth finding out the “why” and talk about that with the parent in your case. Personally I think she is fortunate to even have the make-up class offered; not every teacher even does that (or even can do it)!
Carrie L., Michigan
It’s okay if they can’t come. They are learning to generate on their own.
Mark M., New York
Keep your lesson plan for next time, independent of regular lesson vs make-up. Give them the value of a live teacher whenever they’re present, as much as possible. Hopefully over time they’ll become more likely to take advantage of the time they’ve paid for.
Many teachers don’t do make-ups. When I occasionally do them, if the situation isn’t completely conducive to my regular lesson plans, I make it known that the make-up time will not hew to regular lesson plans and will instead be about questions, repertoire review, games, extra improv/comp/accompaniment/reading that students choose to do. Stuff that is worthwhile but does not compromise regular lesson plans.