I offer a trial lesson before a student can officially sign up for lessons with me. It gives me a chance to meet them, ask them personal questions and see how they interact with their parents. I get a chance to explain my philosophy and approach as well as make it very clear what is required and expected of my students and parents. I make a point of clarifying that while they are here to get to know me and gather the information they need to make a satisfied choice, I too, must agree that the student is ready to enter my studio. In the end, I have had parents thank me for being honest when I have declined their request to join my studio. I find most people respond gratefully to genuine, kind-hearted honesty. It is also useful to have other resources and recommendations ready in case I am unwilling to accept the student.
I’d like to share a few things I look out for that are clear circumstances for me not accepting a student into my studio. Here is what I look for:
- Energy & Enthusiasm
- The student’s behavior with me and his/her parents
- The parents behavior and attitude
No matter the age of the young beginner, if they spend the entire hour of the introductory piano lesson sluggish and unresponsive (assuming all of my talents for working with children fail) I usually will not accept them into my studio.
Additionally, if the child continually gets off the bench and runs around or simply will not try anything I offer (again, assuming all of my talents for working with youngsters completely fails), then I will not likely accept this student.
The last category applies to both the student and the parent. If the student is disrespectful to me during the introductory lesson and the parent does not intervene or correct the student’s behavior, I will certainly not accept this student into my studio. I will also not admit a student if the parent is belligerent or disrespectful to me during the introductory lesson.