Thinking about switching music instrument teacher

[Anonymous]

My DC has been with this music instrument teacher for many years. I started to consider about switching probably a year ago. The teacher has good background and skill level for teaching, but I got offended by few times she’s mad at my DC, and said something I felt she shouldn’t have said ( my DC didn’t have behavior issues, just the teacher was in a mood herself). I also feel tired about the year round lessons, so we have to always make up when we go vacation during break/holidays, it’s just too much. Another thing really caught my nerve is to do lessons when she’s out of town/country and not available in person, she asks for virtual lessons, even when she’s unavailable for regular lesson time, she would want an alternative day/time for virtual, or even charge for a lesson time in advance although she knows she won’t be available, and maybe force us to make up later? I don’t know if I should talk to her and let her know I don’t want lessons year round, so it’s more bearable to have virtual lessons and makeup mess during the rest of the time. Or I should just go ahead switching? I do have someone in mind already, but the concern is the possible new music instrument teacher I know, knows about DC/us, so if we try out and can’t switch, it’s probably awkward for DC/us. Do I explain when we try out?

[Anonymous]

Teachers usually will give trial lessons (at a fee). No need to explain other than you are looking for something different. Once you child is accepted into the new studio and you feel it is a good fit, then inform your current studio teacher that you will be ending lessons with her. If you signed an annual contract w the current studio, then you may forfeit the fees or negotiate some refund.

Don’t over think the situation. So what is right for the student and your family. It is not ok for a teacher to bring her own emotional issues to a lesson.

Both DCs have gone through music and sports in their youth. We hammed and hawed over each switch and sometimes waited too long to switch. If had the chance, DD would’ve left her violin studio and her sport club a year or two earlier. Having new fresh perspective will help with progress and keeping the kids engaged.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Teachers usually will give trial lessons (at a fee). No need to explain other than you are looking for something different. Once you child is accepted into the new studio and you feel it is a good fit, then inform your current studio teacher that you will be ending lessons with her. If you signed an annual contract w the current studio, then you may forfeit the fees or negotiate some refund.

Don’t over think the situation. So what is right for the student and your family. It is not ok for a teacher to bring her own emotional issues to a lesson.

Both DCs have gone through music and sports in their youth. We hammed and hawed over each switch and sometimes waited too long to switch. If had the chance, DD would’ve left her violin studio and her sport club a year or two earlier. Having new fresh perspective will help with progress and keeping the kids engaged.

It’s OP, thank you and you’re right, we will start try out with the possible new teacher.