Private Music Teachers: Ethical Question?

Question

I have taught violin and viola for over 20 years - just about every type of personality from age 2 1/2 to age 70. Along the way I have had a few students who were just really wasting their parents' money by not practicing. I have always tried to make it a policy to keep the parents abreast of how their children are doing so they can make an informed decision about whether to continue.

Recently I began teaching at a music store/school. One of my little violin students is a sweet 5 year old girl. She loves to come to lessons, and her mother comes in with her. Mom is supposed to be the home teacher (We are using a modified Suzuki program), but never works with her. She is completely aware that the girl is making no progress, as we do the same thing every week and I have spoken with her many times about practice.

The manager thinks I should just let it go and let her keep coming. I think I should recommend quitting. She pays almost $100/mo! What would you do?

Answer 1

The mother knows her daughter's not making any progress, she knows that she's not working with her daughter in between lessons as she should be, and you've already spoken with her many times about the importance of practice.

I don't know what else you can say to the mother. Maybe Mom is just too busy and doesn't have the time and energy to work with her daughter at home and make sure she practices. You don't know what else is going on at home with this family or why the child's not practicing. If the child enjoys the lessons, maybe its worth it to Mom to spend the money to continue to give her daughter something she loves doing, even if she isn't making progress. Evidently she can afford the $100 a month or she would have discontinued the lessons herself.

As long as you continue to be honest with Mom about her daughter's progress or lack thereof, I don't see any reason to insist that she quit. Athough I can understand that you're probably getting tired of teaching and re-teaching the same thing every week.

Answer 2

If she loves lessons then why not change books. Suzuki is a good method but like all methods its not for everyone. I would never recommend any of my students to quit because they weren't progressing! If she is 5 and loving lessons I would still teach her!

You mentioned that you only began teaching her recently. Maybe she just needs a little more time. Also Modify your expectations of her. Some students struggle to keep up with their teachers expectations.

Just because the mother sits in on lessons and you talk to her about practise doesn't mean that she is in tune with her daughters progress! Most mothers have no idea about music and how their child should be progressing! You could talk to the mother and address your concerns directly but I don't think that is a good idea. Change the method you use and just wait!!!

Answer 3

I have this same problem. There are some parents that believe that even if their child is making no progress it does them good to be in music lessons. I have tried homework sheets with the days listed for the parents to sign off on, and this sometimes can be effective. If the parents want to waste their money, they will either pay you or find someone else who is willing. My philosophy is that at least I am trying to teach the students. By letting them go find someone else, they may end up with someone who doesn't even do that much. If the girl enjoys it and pays attention, you may consider researching some other teaching methods that don't require the busy mom to participate as actively. She may just want an "educational activity'' along with some babysitting, but that doesn't mean you can't make any progress with the girl.

Answer 4

I've been a music educator for over 20 years and a private music teacher as well. I know exactly what your talking about. As long as the parent is fully advised that no progress is being made because of lack of effort you've covered your bases. Many parents feel that the time with the instructor is better than nothing, in hopes that eventually the child will catch on. As long as the parent is aware of your concerns I would keep on trying. Now if the student is a burden in lessons than I would drop them.

Answer 5

Whatever deal you agreed upon to pay for advertising and rental space is the financial deal you made with the school. The arrangement with the previous instructor has no bearing on your deal. BUT...they do need to keep up their end of that deal. If the deal was for a private room, insist on it. If the deal was that they'd bring you a specific number of students, insist on it. I'd frame the conversation in the "the lack of a dedicated space is a detriment to my students, and parents have voiced dissatisfaction" tone rather than the "You're not being fair to me" tone. In the end, this just sounds like an ungood situation. If the school is struggling, it is unlikely to get better for you unless it gets better for the whole. You might just want to move on.

Answer 6

This is definetely not an easy question to answer. I would say that you need to talk to the student first and see if SHE wants to keep playing. If she does, you need to talk to the mom about encouraging her daughter. If she doesn't, I'd talk to the mom about stopping lessons. I think that you definetly do need to talk to the mom, though.
I'm guessing the manager is thinking simply in terms of money. It's not and shouldn't be about you getting paid; it should be about the student.

Answer 7

Maybe you should take a totally different approach with this student,slow progress down to a crawl,repeat,repeat and repeat more.If this child takes one thing home with them you've done your job,some people , like myself need to move slower to retain...If Mom is OK with the progress..then cool.Keep a child into music...that's huge.

Answer 8

Let the parent know