Strange perspective piano student...?!
Question: Strange perspective piano student!.!.!.!?
I have a perspective piano student that has some bizarre requests and I wanted to run it by some fellow music teachers!. We had an e-mail "interview," in which he asked me how long I've been teaching, what methods I use, etc!., which seemed normal to me!. Then, we did the same thing on the phone, which seemed a little bit redundant!. Now, he wants me to drive to his house for not a trial lesson, which would be the reasonable thing to do, but just so he can hear me play to see if it's up to his standards (he's a beginner!)!. I was actually practicing for my "audition," when I realized that I should not be auditioning for my student lol! He also lives 45 minutes away, which is 1!.5 hrs of driving for an hour-long lesson!. I won't be getting paid for a lesson when I go, but he will reimburse me for gas!. The other thing is that he's worried that I will expect too much from him, because he doesn't have a lot of time to practice!. If this is just a hobby, why is it so important that I'm such an amazing pianist!? (I've been playing 15 years and went to music school, so it's not like I'm unqualified!.) Is it just me, or is this getting a little weird!.!.!.!?
Thanks!Www@Enter-QA@Com
Thanks!Www@Enter-QA@Com
Answers:
That scenario has red flags all over it!. I would not under any circumstances go in this person's house until I knew more about him!. How old does this person say he is!? Does anyone else live with him, like parents!? It is unfortunate that this sounds like a ploy to get you in his house and that in this day and time it is so difficult to trust people!.
First try meeting at a public place if possible so you can get a better read on the person and his intentions!. And you shouldn't have to audition for the student!. Why doesn't he come to your place for lessons (and have one of your friends present too at least for the first couple of lessons)!? Let him foot the gas bill !!
Musician, composer, teacher!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
First try meeting at a public place if possible so you can get a better read on the person and his intentions!. And you shouldn't have to audition for the student!. Why doesn't he come to your place for lessons (and have one of your friends present too at least for the first couple of lessons)!? Let him foot the gas bill !!
Musician, composer, teacher!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
You must be very strapped for cash, is all I can say!. As your first responder stated, such a situation is preposterous!. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see "proceed at your own risk", written all over this situation!.
AlberichWww@Enter-QA@Com
AlberichWww@Enter-QA@Com
lol asking twice for qualifications!?anyways shouldn't the student be auditioned and not the teacher!?how old is he in the first place!.!.!.yea like the first responder said!.!.!.this scenario has red flags all over the place!.!.!.u should be more careful or something!.!.!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
I definitely agree with the sentiment that has been expressed here!. It's just too, too weird!. And it sounds like too much of an effort too, if you want my opinion!. He should be coming to you!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
Yeoch!. I'd be weirded out by that!. I don't think I'd go through with this one!. Sounds like trouble already!.!.!.and when they tell you up front that they won't have much time to practice, then they're probably going to be one of these, "oh, I practiced a little today before the lesson" kind of kids!.
If you do drive out for the audition, I'd insist on being paid for your time as well as gas!. But, I would just turn it down!. Sounds like it will be more trouble than it's worth!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
If you do drive out for the audition, I'd insist on being paid for your time as well as gas!. But, I would just turn it down!. Sounds like it will be more trouble than it's worth!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
This one sounds like he wants more than piano lessons!.
? Yeah, he can ask for qualifications !.!.!. once!.
? Meet at your studio with a parent or third party present and have HIM audition for YOU!.
? Unless you are a traveling teacher, there is no reason to go to the student's home at all!.
? Have a minimum standard established for his practice (pre day/per week) and have milestones mapped out for progress !.!.!. should by in your studio policy anyway!.
!.!.!. I'd say follow your gut and don't pursue this student any further, it's bad news waiting to happen!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
? Yeah, he can ask for qualifications !.!.!. once!.
? Meet at your studio with a parent or third party present and have HIM audition for YOU!.
? Unless you are a traveling teacher, there is no reason to go to the student's home at all!.
? Have a minimum standard established for his practice (pre day/per week) and have milestones mapped out for progress !.!.!. should by in your studio policy anyway!.
!.!.!. I'd say follow your gut and don't pursue this student any further, it's bad news waiting to happen!.Www@Enter-QA@Com