After 4 years of lessons, our 14-y/o is wanting a break from piano - it's possible she will pick up another instrument and she will be taking a music app. course, plus some continuing theory (she's homeschooled). I'm hoping perhaps in the fall she will want to pick up formal lessons again, but I will allow her the choice at that time...

My question is, what would be the best way for this to be done? A short history: I take lessons as well (love PW's Adult Beginner forum!) and would gladly take the extra 1/2 hour time slot for a short while; I know our teacher counts on her fees and I want to be sure she has ample time to fill the opening. We have no written contract, but I would like to give Miss B some advance notice that our daughter will be quitting lessons - is one month's notice good? Would it be better to wait 'til summer, when we are offered the time "off", and tell her that our daughter will most likely not be re-upping in the fall? Too, are there any "loose ends" that a teacher would like to take care of, given the opportunity?

We both love Miss B and want to do this as graciously as possible - plus, I want to keep her as a teacher for myself!

Thank you for your thoughts on this...Liz

Liz,

Honesty is the best policy almost always in relationships we value. Clearly, you value this one with your teacher. I would suggest you discuss pretty much what you wrote in your post with the teacher. In any business with capacity restraints, the more advance notice of loading changes the better the opportunity to react. It may be that the taecher might have an inquiry from a potential new student that she would decline if she doesn't know your daughter is not re-upping.

Big Al

Hi Liz,

Most teachers appreciate a months notice for exiting students. You sound like a wonderful parent to work with. You are smart to look at the big picture!

"Loose ends" might be returning loaned music to the teacher or completing recital or testing requirements the teacher has paid for. Other than that, there aren't many loose ends to consider.

If your child is unmotivated, now is the time for a break. Most good teachers have a waiting list of students wanting to begin/resume piano. The one month notice gives the teacher plenty of time to fill the time slot.

Good luck!

Charlene

Charlene, I was thinking a month, too...and she may well have some music here that needs to go back - thanks for that reminder!

Yep, unmotivated is a good way to say it. I have talked to Miss B several times about this, so I know it won't come as a complete surprise to her. And of course she sees it in lack of practice and preparation.

Al, thanks for your input, too. It didn't occur to me she may have a waiting list now and not just in the fall, duh. Yes, I definitely value our teacher and am going to try to keep everyone happy...Liz

The best?
- don't quit.

Ahhh, I agree completely, Deutche. The vagaries of youth, however...Liz

14 was about the age when I quit playing the piano. 14 was the age when my good friend's daughter quit playing the guitar. 14 is a tough age. The reasons likely have nothing to do with piano and all about being 14.