|
Welcome to the Piano World Piano Forums Over 3 million posts about pianos, digital pianos, and all types of keyboard instruments. Over 100,000 members from around the world.
Join the World's Largest Community of Piano Lovers
(it's free)
It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!
|
|
71 members (Abdulrohmanoman, Charles Cohen, accordeur, BWV846, Animisha, benkeys, Anglagard44, 13 invisible),
2,325
guests, and
431
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13 |
I am new in this town and I am trying to get my Piano Studio going.
I just have 5 students so far and three out of them are siblings ( two boys and a girl). They started this month. When they first came the mom told me how they couldn't afford my fees but really wanted to take lessons with me and could pay only half the price of what it was supposed to be originally. I accepted because the kids are very talented and well behaved and besides although this is my business. I always remember that when I was a child since my mom didn't make a lot of money I did get help.
I agreed and was happy doing it until today while I was driving I heard a Medical Doctor's commercial with the last name of the kids. It is a very rare last name and I know they are the only family in this town.
I feel a bit mad because I have relatives that are in the medical field and I know how much they make. Of course I was going to give her a discount but I sort of feel cheated. Has anyone ever have to deal with something like this?
I am mad specially because this is my only job and I'm not financially strong right now and my mom depends on me up to certain extent.
Last edited by cassariel82; 09/19/12 01:05 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,336
3000 Post Club Member
|
3000 Post Club Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,336 |
Welcome to the forum! I appreciate you need to get your studio going, but I would never teach for less than my stated rate. If they can't afford it, too bad. Harsh, I know, but I need my income too. I also wouldn't make assumptions based on the commercial you heard, but you know your location better than me. Can you be sure it is the same family? Are all doctors rich?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,651
2000 Post Club Member
|
2000 Post Club Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,651 |
Hi cassariel82, welcome to the forum.
That would be a surprise. I would not call it a lie though. The mother may feel she can't afford to pay for lessons for 3 kids and likes to negotiate for discounts. And with a high mortgage and car payments it may be a squeeze for her to add in lessons for 3 kids.
It comes down to a question about your policy and how you will handle requests for discounts.
I would recommend not giving any discounts.
But since you've already started, then consider giving the parent notice that you will no longer be able to offer discounts after a certain date. Maybe starting January l? Or just one month notice. And ask the parent what she would like to do. Would she like to pick one or two kids to continue etc.
I hope you let us know what happens.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,639
7000 Post Club Member
|
7000 Post Club Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,639 |
I agreed and was happy doing it until today while I was driving I heard a Medical Doctor's commercial with the last name of the kids. It is a very rare last name and I know they are the only family in this town. Could he be starting a new practice and at this point in time, has a very low income? Rather than fume, why not simply ask mom how things are going, if Dad's practice is growing now after several months, etc., etc. When would it be appropriate for them to pay the standard rate? Perhaps you'd like to go to his office and receive a comparable discount? Your annual physical, perhaps? Whatever the outcome, as others have already stated, giving discounts is risky. Plan them carefully and then stick to your policies.
"Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn." -- Richard Henry Dann Full-time Private Piano Teacher offering Piano Lessons in Olympia, WA. www.mypianoteacher.com Certified by the American College of Musicians; member NGPT, MTNA, WSMTA, OMTA
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,651
2000 Post Club Member
|
2000 Post Club Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,651 |
I agree with John that opening communication about the medical practice is a good start.
But let's say this is the poor sister of the doctor. Even so, i would not give a discount.
If your heart truly goes out to this poor soul and you want to help, you could give her an opportunity to increase her earnings. Do you have a house to be cleaned and sheets changed weekly? Does the parent want an opportunity to work? Would it be worth it to you?
I'd love to know what a "poor" doctor's wife says when offered the opportunity to clean your home in order to pay for lessons. BTW, each of you should be paid in an arrangement like this. That way if Mom doesn't do the work, she doesn't get paid, but you still do.
If you go the route of discontinuing the discount, I would simply say you will no longer be able to offer the discount. You don't owe an explanation, but if the parent presses for a reason, you could mention that you want to be fair to everyone, and you simply can't afford to reduce your rates by 50%.
Last edited by Ann in Kentucky; 09/19/12 02:30 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,257
Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
|
Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,257 |
Are all doctors rich? Well, no, but I'm sure it's a rare one who is not in the top 5% of the national income distribution. Unless there are other things going on, like they are paying 30% of their income to support a sick granny and there is a fourth child in the house with a serious and debilitating condition requiring expensive care, then I can understand cassariel82's exasperation. I too would think that I had possibly been deceived.
Nonetheless, I don't think I would immediately confront the family. Gather a bit more information, and suggest that the discount will go away in the not too distant future.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,353
4000 Post Club Member
|
4000 Post Club Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,353 |
Devil's Advocate:
The Doc might have astronomical student loans, a newer medical practice needing more patients, hence the radio ads, huge loans on the medical equipment and rent, a payroll to make, a new family with at least 3 children to feed and clothe, and thus be strapped for cash.
Blues and Boogie-Woogie piano teacher.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,521
6000 Post Club Member
|
6000 Post Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,521 |
We never know all the facts, not here, and not in real life.
But discounts are tricky. I would charge less for a good friend, someone I had taught for years. I did that for one person, and she remains one of my closest friends. But for people I don't know?
No. I'm certainly not rich myself. I bust by butt for my students. I can't afford to pay my own bills if I discount lessons.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,651
2000 Post Club Member
|
2000 Post Club Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,651 |
The bottom line is that we all have to live within our means. If the parent does not have money for lessons this year, maybe she can pay off some debt this year and start lessons next year.
It's difficult getting started in teaching. And it can be tempting to accept offers to pay only 50%. But I think you would do better figuring out how to get the word out about your studio. Advertising, developing your policy, and not discounting.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,825
1000 Post Club Member
|
1000 Post Club Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,825 |
rule # 1: Charge what you're worth.
Rule #2: Be worth what you charge.
That's the answer.
********************************************************************************************************** Co-owner (by marriage) and part time customer service rep at an electronic musical equipment repair shop.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13 |
Dear Ten left thumbs, I do know it is them. This is a very small town and not all Doctors are rich but do live a comfortable life at least. But I know to it was my mistake I should have never given such a steep discount I learned my lesson.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13 |
Dear Ann in Kentucky Thanks for your comment. It is true about the discount maybe it is just that it has taking me a while to get students here since I am the the only piano teacher in the area giving private one to one lessons. People are used to group lessons.
I think I will take your advice starting January 1. It is a bit sad though because I really like the kids.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13 |
Short but true! Thanks
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,269
1000 Post Club Member
|
1000 Post Club Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,269 |
Perhaps you'd like to go to his office and receive a comparable discount? Your annual physical, perhaps? Whatever the outcome, as others have already stated, giving discounts is risky. Plan them carefully and then stick to your policies. Ooohh, this sounds like an interesting idea. Put the whole 'discount' thing back on them: you'd be happy to give them a discount of 1/2 off lessons if you are afforded the same opportunity for your doctor's visits.
Music School Owner Early Childhood Music Teacher/Group Piano Teacher/Private Piano Teacher Member of MTAC and Guild
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13 |
Thank you everybody for your responses. I will let you know what happens.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 86
Full Member
|
Full Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 86 |
Regardless of one's income, we all place a value on what we buy or want to buy, that value is not the same for everyone. I have been blessed in my life and career, and I find $1500/child each year to be a lot of money for piano lessons (2 kids, neither in lessons however). Granted, I spend 3k every year on things many PW members will not appreciate, but those are our choices. I must say that I am surprised group lessons has not ever flourished to enable teachers to make the incomes they want/need and spread the costs across more families.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13 |
Dear Ann I liked this response. You really made me laugh. I would love to see her face if I was to tell her something like that...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,562
6000 Post Club Member
|
6000 Post Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,562 |
1. A discount is a discount and since it's your business you can do as you please.
2. If someone more or less 'pushes' you to accept a discount (and actually a big one at 50% off), then there must really be a reason.
3. I would, actually, feel cheated if I found out that there were quite a few facts hidden from me.
But the final line and point of view, for me, is that I'm not part of the family and I have NO idea on what's going on with them... Same goes, btw, with any pirate who supports piracy "because the industry is filthy rich": You have NO idea what it takes to run a business (a doctors office, for example) so you can't make absolutely any claims about someone being rich or not.
You could very well ask, however...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13 |
Group lessons will never replace private lesson Bjabill because you can't give all the attention the student needs when you have 7 to 15 kids in the same room for an hour. I've thought like this at college level so I've had experience with that.
Kids transferring from group lessons are the ones with more technical problems. Besides it is true that we make a leaving out of teaching but personally I like to offer quality and that for me you can better find in private lessons
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,436
2000 Post Club Member
|
2000 Post Club Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,436 |
I would recommend not giving any discounts.
But since you've already started, then consider giving the parent notice that you will no longer be able to offer discounts after a certain date. Maybe starting January l? Or just one month notice. And ask the parent what she would like to do. Would she like to pick one or two kids to continue etc.
Ann has put it very nicely. You are mad at yourself, no doubt, but still you have committed to teaching these kids at half price. Now you will have to decide how long this price reduction will continue. I'd say either put up with it through to next June, or else change it on January 1, 2013. Either way, you could blame it on your accountant, the fact that as of Day X you will be returning your rates back to their regular levels for all your students. My guess is you won't lose all three siblings, assuming you're a competent teacher. You might lose one or two, or mom will ask you if two of them can share a lesson.
|
|
|
|
|
Piano
by Gino2 - 04/17/24 02:34 PM
|
Piano
by Gino2 - 04/17/24 02:23 PM
|
|
|
Forums43
Topics223,405
Posts3,349,434
Members111,637
|
Most Online15,252 Mar 21st, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|