Episode Highlights:

Communication

Read your teacher’s studio policy.  Make sure you adhere to the terms of the policy.

Find out the best way your teacher receives communication.  Text? Email? Telephone?

Respect your teacher’s office hours.

Your child’s teacher has the gift of 30-60 minutes of dedicated time with them.  Be sure you have hired a teacher who will speak positive encouragement to you son or daughter during that personal time.

Listen to your teacher when they recommend additional vision, hearing, or learning tests for the benefit of your child.  They are able to observe their students more closely then even classroom teachers and might pick up on potential problems that can be addressed early.

NEVER discuss problems in front of your child!  Don’t let your son or daughter hear you speak negativity into their lives.  Address issues with your teacher privately and during their office hours.

Payment

Follow your teacher’s payment policy as you would any other professional transaction.

Time is not for sale.  You do not buy time from your teacher; you are purchasing a reservation in their studio and their program.

If you miss a lesson, do not expect a refund or makeup lesson.

Cancellations

Lessons

Cancel a lesson if your child is sick.  Piano keys are a breeding ground for icky germs!

In my studio, there are two extra lessons built into each semester to allow for unexpected absences.

See if your lesson time can be swapped with another family occasionally. Do not abuse that privilege.

Unlike doctors, piano teachers do not overbook their schedule.

Unlike salons, piano teachers do not take walk ins.

“Sponsor a Break” for your teacher.

Events

Make every effort to attend special events your teacher plans.

Make the Spring Recital important. Mark it on your calendar early to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Leaving a teacher

When the time comes to leave your teacher, communicate with them.

Let them know that you are leaving.  It’s up to you whether you let them know why you’re leaving.

Make the transition as smooth as possible. Give your child the chance to say goodbye.

A letter of appreciation is a wonderful way to provide closure for both the teacher and your child.

Triangle

Parent-Child:  You have the most influence in your child’s life.  They learn from you and love you most.

Teacher-Child: Piano teachers also have a great influence on their students.  Make sure this is a positive influence.

Parent-Teacher: The third part of the triangle is the parent/teacher relationship. Support and communicate with your teacher for the good of your child.

How have you made a difficult situation better through simple communication? Tell us about it and inspire other parents to do the same  in the comments below or on our Piano Parent Podcast Facebook Page.