...tell your teacher you are getting a new teacher?

I thought I saw a thread somewhere about what to do when you decide to get a new teacher...but I can't find it now. I tried the search option, but still couldn't find it.

I am looking for a new teacher, and wondering how long in advance I should tell my old teacher I am not going to take lessons from her anymore. The summer recital is coming up in a few months, and I am thinking I will continue taking lessons from her until then. When and how should I tell my teacher I am not going to continue taking lessons from her? (I haven't switched teachers, except when I moved out of state and when my teachers retired/moved out of state)

Sorry for bothering you with this probably-very-common question.

Most teachers understand. Martha Beth Lewis has great article on this topic. Both the process of changing as well why one would want to change. See below

http://www.serve.com/marbeth/change_teacher.html

End of year good time to notify teacher if you are planning to change. I suggest that you be upfront with your teacher on why you are changing, the teacher may even recommend someone who is a better match.

Hello, Canto--

As piano teacher, I have been on the other side of this situation a couple of times. I think the best thing to do is to be honest with your teacher.

Every teacher is not right for every student. An experienced teacher understands this. You may also be providing your teacher with an opportunity to learn and grow. There is NO teacher who does not have areas in which they could grow.

Just remember that the teacher's reaction is the TEACHER'S responsibility, not YOURS. Be kind, be honest and then go in peace and enjoy your new teacher!

Lynne

The best way to tell a teacher you're getting another one? Well, you could always walk into your next lesson and say to her, "Welcome to Dumpedville! Population: You."

Just kidding.

Seriously, though, I can see where you'd be nervous. No matter how you couch it, the message that the teacher will take away is that there are better teachers out there than her, and you've decided to go to one of them. People can get a little...emotional about things like that. (I speak from experience. In my non-musical day job, I reacted VERY emotionally the first time I was fired by a long-term client and said some regrettable things to him as a result.)

Here's my advice. You need to keep in mind that as the one who's footing the bill, you don't really owe your teacher any sort of an explanation beyond "I've decided to stop taking lessons from you." There's no need to tell her that you're taking up lessons elsewhere, no need to get into the reasons why you're leaving (especially if they're about some perceived failing on her part). Keep it as business-like as possible, and with any luck there won't be any sort of fallout.

If, on the other hand, your teacher is the type that will get emotional no matter what, I'd suggest you make up a reason why you need to stop that has nothing to do with her.

Over the years I've had students leave my studio to study elsewhere, and I've also had students leave another teacher to study with me. The only times there have been hard feelings are when a students just DISAPPEARS. Generally, I am very understanding of the fact that my personality and/or teaching methods may not be the best "fit" for all students, and I always appreciate a student's having the courtesy to communicate with me and end our relationship on a positive note. Also, it sometimes happens that I encounter former students again (at church, community events, or at the local music store)--it's so nice to be able to say, "how've you been" or "great to see you".

In your case, I think I'd let your teacher know as soon as possible that after the spring recital you plan to study with another teacher, maybe mentioning that you'd like to explore more ear training, jazz, a different perspective on technique, or whatever specific reason you might have. A small gift as a token of your appreciation for her teaching would be good if you've been studying with her for awhile (I've been given flowers, gift certificates for Starbucks, and CDs). Above all, smile and look the teacher in the eye. She will definitely appreciate your honesty and may end up being not just a former teacher, but a friend!

lalakeys says: "Over the years I've had students leave my studio to study elsewhere, and I've also had students leave another teacher to study with me. The only times there have been hard feelings are when a students just DISAPPEARS."

You can say that again!

I have a termination policy so that we can spend the last 30 days finishing up our projects and goals as much as possible and ending our relationship on a happy note.

I know some people take their music lessons casually, and they don't know how much we do to be involved and effective for them. We haven't just been there taking the money, we (I) give results and progress for the exchange.

Part of casual is that families do not remember the names of the teachers they have studied with. I have an interview sheet asking about previous experience and teacher's if it's a transferring student. "We had 3 teachers in the last 5 years, but I don't remember their names."
(This gives me a big clue as to how our relationship is going to be viewed.)

I haven't told this story before, and I'm not sure I should now. One family returned from their summer vacation, and lessons were starting in Septemer and we reserved the same time. They came back for the first lesson of the new school year, and the next Sunday I received an email saying "I didn't know that my daughters don't want to take lessons, so I am giving you 30 days notice, but we won't be back." After just receiving their payment for one month, and registration fee for 2 students and depositing it, I by email encouraged the parent to use the money, or to get in touch with me to discuss the problems she and her daughters were facing together, but which I did not know about. I never heard a word back after 2 more emails. I really wanted to return her money to her and would have done that had she "given me the time of day". I'm sure she rants about me, but I still don't have a clue as to what happened and what my role in it might have been. This parent had no ability to discuss this decision with me I'm sorry to say.

Lalakeys's entire posting is a joy for other teachers to read and appreciate. I hope the adult students feel so inclined to depart gracefully from the music studio, or to have conversations about what issues might be in a problem solving way, or to complete and end relationships.

Betty

Hi, Canto:

Does your teacher have a termination policy in the contract? If so, you need to abide by it. Over here in California, all teachers in the association abide by a "Code of Ethics" whereby we're not supposed to accept a student if we know the student is still indebted to another teacher in any way.

Most teachers can handle it professionally. Just be open and honest.

AZNpiano,

My teacher does not have a termination policy in the contract...fact is, I don't think she even has a contract; or, at least, I've never seen one. That's part of the reason I'm leaving...

To everyone: Thanks so much for your advice!