Comments on: I’ve Been “Fired”

By: Atara

Atara — Sat, 09 May 2009 20:29:09 +0000

I don’t look at like you were fired. I’d say more like THEY couldn’t hang.
Everyone has different opinions about the instruments. Like Mindy said, just stick to what you think is important for your studio.
I won’t take them if they don’t have some kind of full-sized digital keyboard with weighted keys.

By: Mindy

Mindy — Thu, 07 May 2009 03:22:54 +0000

In this case, I would say you have not been fired, but have been set free! All the things you listed were hassles. I would not look at this is a negative light. You can learn from this about taking students who do not have a piano at all. I’ve been burned on this, too. I’m pretty sure you did not want this student in your studio.
You will get the hang of it! Keep it up!
I’ve read lots of different opinions on pianos versus keyboards. I’d encourage you to set your own criteria and stick with it. You’ll be much happier. With my students who don’t own a full keyboard (only 1), I keep teaching music that encompasses the entire keyboard, I don’t cater to them. But, like another poster, one of the first questions I ask is if they own a piano. The guitar analogy is good- also kids don’t play soccer without a soccer ball, etc.

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:38:36 +0000

Oh, I’m sorry. It never feels good to lose a student for any reason, but it’s especially hard when they decide to leave you. As someone has already mentioned, any decent teacher is going to realize that it wasn’t your fault. Don’t take it too badly. There are lots of other students out there! It sounds to me like you did everything anyone could reasonably expect!

I have taken students who didn’t yet have a piano, but fortunately there were always arrangements made for them to practice somewhere – another family member’s house or a church. I’ve never had that situation turn out well, so I don’t do it any more. If I did, I’d have a clear, written understanding that an instrument would be purchased by a specific deadline. My instrument requirements are also in my policies, and parents must sign a form that says they’ve read and agree to abide by them. If they didn’t meet the deadline, and they wanted to continue studying with me, then I might consider offering them general music instruction, but not piano lessons. Most folks wouldn’t sign up for guitar lessons if they didn’t have access to a guitar. I will teach students who have digital pianos, but they have to meet my criteria – 88 full-sized weighted keys, touch-sensitivity, a damper pedal, and a stand & bench.

By: Carly

Carly — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:00:42 +0000

You can’t let this one student and his mother get to you. But maybe it should make you think more about taking on students who don’t have a piano in their home. Whever anyone approaches me about taking piano lessons, the first thing I always ask is if they have a piano. And if they don’t, I tell them to call me when they get one.

Regarding the digital piano, I’m with you in that I don’t recommend them. No matter how fancy they are, they just don’t compare to a real piano. People have to be willing to make the complete investment in piano lessons, which includes a real piano.

By: Avril

Avril — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:25:15 +0000

Love your blog! I am probably too much on the “soft” side with my student families when it comes to these issues, but it might help to consider where these folks are coming from. I don’t know what their situation is (many of my students are from lower-income backgrounds) but making the decision to begin a long-term financial commitment like piano lessons can be difficult for a family. Buying a piano on top of that can be even more difficult. You probably did your best to make the parents aware of these things before agreeing to teach the student, but from what I can see, the only way to guarantee them buying the instrument is to refuse enrollment until they do. Perhaps they were being too demanding with their schedule requests—without knowing the whole situation I couldn’t say—-but from their perspective, you were making demands as well. In the end, it might come down to asking “how much do I want to keep this student?” In my experience, some parents are always willing to take some extra effort because you’re a great teacher, but some just aren’t. If they do end up leaving, hopefully the spot can be filled by a family who is more committed and appreciates your expertise!

By: LaDona

LaDona — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:04:31 +0000

Oops – the side note about digital pianos – I don’t like them and I urge parents not to get them but some do anyway. I could refuse to teach those kids but there always seem to be complicating factors – like I really enjoy the student, or I know the family situation and it might not be possible. I’ve seen some of these students still benefit a lot from piano lessons, even though the piano is not ideal and they don’t end up developing quite the same technique or control.

By: LaDona

LaDona — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:58:44 +0000

Getting “fired” definitely sucks. It hurts. You fear for your reputation and you hate having someone else thinking you can’t teach. I’m sure there isn’t one of us who hasn’t been through this. Because of the personal one-on-one nature of this teaching, remember that not every student-teacher relationship will be a perfect fit. I’ve learned this the hard way, of course, both as a student and as a teacher.

Any decent teacher will realize very quickly the previous teacher is practically never the problem. Throw yourself with renewed energy into the students that you do have. I really hope you’re not out any money because of this – that so frequently compounds the problem – or maybe it’s the root of the problem.

I like your blog. Keep it up!! All the best…..