I was walking home with one of my students recently and he told me they are "reading the doggie newspaper". I like this! Walking dogs is so therapeutic, and I think it's very good for one's playing. Hope you forgive this little OT interlude

Or checking their wee-mails

Ahh ohhh! Just choked on dinner
Good one!

btb,
It was good to hear your "absolute requirement" for parents to have a quality piano. I've only been teaching 2 1/2 years, but it's clear the only students left are the ones with a good piano. ALL the keyboard players quit or were dropped (only 2 were dropped...the other was a 7 year old who would cry during lessons). I have a few early beginners whose parents are actively looking for the right piano...and they seem to really understand that it matters.

So you're right. I need to be firm about requiring an acoustic piano, instead of just making recommendations and letting the chips fall where they may.