Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Teachers Forum When parental involvement crosses the line

I meant, that it's time for the student to move on to another teacher. Yes, it seems that policies sometimes do fall through the cracks, and normally, when this happens, I either take the loss, or work it out. This isn't one of those occasions.

pianodad, yes, we are actually allowed to take students with us. And, I meant that it was time for this family to move on to another teacher. Overall, I am very fortunate to have some wonderful families. I may get the occasion rude student or the students who forget their music, come in late, don't practice, but the parents are usually very easy to work with. I hate to ever let go of a student, which is one of the reasons for my post--to get feedback and perhaps learn how other teachers handle these types of situations.

Thanks for clarifying. I was wondering how inflexible the store owner might be about allowing you to drop paying students.

pianodad, they don't like us to drop a student, but this is the first time I've ever requested it, and I referred the family to other teachers at the store.

The first is always the hardest. I've had to do this in the past as well. Just know that there are other more deserving students that are waiting

She felt she was losing control of you therefore tried to regain control by trying to control your 'boss.' Perhaps you can learn to pinpoint people like this ahead of time or find creative ways to dimiss students a little more effectively to save yourself the headache in the future. I like susan's (?) post earlier about taking advantage of certain situations.

I had a student that pretty much showed up every other lesson, and hadn't paid for any lessons for a month. I scheduled another student for her time and sent a letter letting her know that she owed me $x (including no-shows) and that I had given her time away due to too many missed lessons (which is in my policy). I never saw the student again and never got paid, but the balance is with the collection agency now. I didn't waste any more time stressing out about that student after I sent that letter.

These are real situations that occur ..so thanks for sharing how you handled it.. I could always use a tip or two when these things come up.

Anytime! That's what we are here for

BTW, music32, you and I are fellow alumnus, afterall!

Oberlin??? or NYC HS Performing Arts????

music32, I will send you a private message (pm) and tell you!

Yep.. its best not to share classified information here.

Agreed!

Anonymity isn't all it's cracked up to be.

I agree.. I was only being sarcastic there.