Greetings all!,

I was just sick because too tired to teach at students' home. Now, I decide only teach at my studio. I have recommended my friend to teach all ex-my travelling students. But one parent was angry and said,"Yes, we try for a month. But if your friend and my daughter don't match, how about her piano lesson in future? Where is your responsibility as her old teacher?!"

I think about her piano lesson in future, it's out of my responsibility. Am I wrong? Do you have any advice to face this parent?

Thank you in advance.

-- Jessica C (noname_poster@yahoo.com), August 05, 2003

Answers

For me, I think this is a time where you have to get tough. It takes an extra amount of time for you to travel to your student's home to teach them. I would tell the parent that you could teach at the student's home, but the cost would be significantly higher because of travel time (perhaps 2 or 3 times more).

On the other hand, if you just don't want to travel, then you have to be honest with the parent and just DON'T TRAVEL.

This is how I see it anyway.

-- freddie (freddie@nowhere.com), August 05, 2003.

1. Your responsibility as the girl's teacher was to give her the best possible musical experience you could. You did that already. 2. Now, since they are not able to meet your studio requirements, your new responsibility is to give them a referral to another teacher. You have done that too.

You have fulfilled your responsibilities to them. You must conduct your business the way you see fit. If they contact you again, be calm, polite and business-like, and say something like, "I no longer travel to students' homes, but I would be happy to teach Susie at my studio. Please feel free to contact me when you can make that work with your schedule." No need to explain, apologize, argue, make excuses, feel guilty, etc. If they try to argue, just repeat, "I understand, but I only teach at my studio now. Thank you for calling." You'll be surprised how easy this is once you try it!

-- anon (noname_poster@yahoo.com), August 13, 2003.

Did you give them some advance notice (like 30 days), or was this just a bolt out of the blue for the parents? How far in advance of lessons do they pay you? Are they prompt with their payments or a pain in the ....? How long have you taught their daughter?

The reason I ask these questions is that you may have unknowingly alienated them in some way, and if they are angry, and the situation is not diffused somehow, they may decide not to recommend you to others, which could negatively impact your earnings.

Although if you have health reasons not to travel, most people should understand that. Good luck with the parent.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), August 14, 2003.

Thank you for your advice. I have called her mom and explained that my doctor didn't allow me to travel. She can understand me well.

-- Jessica C (noname_poster@yahoo.com), August 14, 2003.