I had a great blessing fall into my hands this past month. A CIM alumni who is moving to New York, up and e-mailed me, on the recommendation of a mutual acquaintance, to ask if I would like to take on some of her voice students. As a result I have added 11 new students to my studio. I teach Mondays at the Chagrin Falls High school from 3:00-8:30. It’s a VERY long day, but I do love it. Its a varied group of students. There are a few shy ones, a few very extroverted ones, several outgoing ones, a few with slight attitudes. They’re all girls and they’re all very nice. The talent levels range, but most all of them seem very eager to learn. I’m excited for this chance to expand my studio, make a little money, and keep myself in-touch with youth. I came home today with a harsh headache and a very knotted up back, hopefully that won’t always be the case. I was reminded never run as smoothly as you organize them to. I sent out a student questionnaire and studio policies letter ahead of time to the parents, asking that they read the letter and bring the questionnaire filled out, with a slot at the bottom where the parents were to sign saying they read the letter and agreed to abide by the rules. How many of my 11 brought it? Three! GRRR. Which meant, only three paid me for the month. I hate having to keep track of money. I don’t like to have to focus on accounting during a lesson. I wish I could handle all of those technicalities at the first lesson of the month and be done with it, but NO. Not yet.
My first two students didn’t show. “Oh were we supposed to start this week?” they asked. Yup! “Oh and by the way, we won’t be able to come for the next month, because we have tennis.” -Uh what! You do realize I have a waiting list. I’ll call you back.
What do I do? I hate to cut them because they can’t make their first four lessons, but is this a sign of things to come? Is it fair that I hold their spot, while others wait.
Other than that things are good. Everyone left sounding better than when they came in. One girl really grasped the idea of a low breath, and applied it. Several learned how to sing legato. Most laughed. All smiled. All in all it was a good day!
3 responses to “First full day of teaching”
Four lessons is a lot to miss, especially the first four. Obviously their priorities aren’t in the right place. I say cut them. Between the not making time for you and the not paying you, cut them.
(I’m going to send you an invite to my blog, by the way.)
How exciting to have that many new students. They are very lucky students!
I was taking piano lessons from an accomplished pianist in Rexburg. Due to work contraints I was 5 minutes late for my lessons. He cut me. He was kind but firm. Does that make you feel better?