Losing Students, is it the weather?? Options

[sbhoa]

Is anyone else having a spell of losing people?

I've lost 2 in the last couple of weeks and another I've not heard of since half term so I'm not sure about.
One is a boy who really would have been better with more home support anyway and who may return at some time if his interest re awakens. The other is an adult who will be continuing piano with her violin teacher because of the travelling time.

Doesn't sound too bad but I only teach part time and this represents almost half of my numbers. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I suppose I will have to look at some advertising now.

[carol*piano]

That's a shame sbhoa (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)
I haven't lost any yet but this term is a nightmare for cancellations - too much going on! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[maggiemay]

I have one who is wobbly due to family situation at the moment, and who I may lose between now and next term - although I sincerely hope not.

I lost one just after half-term - father simply wrote and said they'd got an immediate place at school - no hint of it earlier and no notice. Been with me about half a term Communication had been a nightmare so I didn't bother chasing it.

I was told by another one yesterday (separate thread though on this!) that she's probably going to learn at school next term but will come back if she doesn't like it (!).

I was starting to feel that it's the season for it too! although it doesn't usually happen to me this time of year. I have another who was thinking of a break (slow prog, lack of interest) but we are trying to resurrect enthusiasm with Microjazz and so far so good.

I do have a waiting list, but I'm finding it's starting to be the norm for parents simply to either lose interest in the interim, or to make other arrangements (oh - he's doing drama and French now - as if any activity is better than none).

Sorry - bit of a grouch ! feel a bit like you do Sbhoa.
We could just blame the football??
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

[maggiemay]

ps - a couple I forgot ...

one family e-mailed just after half-term and said they were having to cut back on activities - little girl had made a great start in a one term but I was already giving them a reduced rate,
and a lady booked in for two introductory lessons during May - and failed to turn up for either of them!

In some ways it's not been a great term. Others have worked well though and a couple who were lagging seem to have got going again so that's good.

[gazdudeuk]

to be honest, i find that every summer is the same, you lose a few. For the kids, usually they want to be outside (cant blame them in this weather!) but doesnt help income.

[chocolatedog]

I've just lost the majority of mine..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) - but then it is now the school holidays.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Seriously though, I hate it when they just seem to stop coming - I had an adult came for one lesson, and then we arranged the next.....and she never turned up, so I rang to re-arrange, which we did, and I didn't see her then, or the week after....... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) so I'm afraid I didn't bother wasting my time on her any more.......

[Hotair]

I will be losing 60 % of my school pupils this term as they are leaving primary school for secondary school. There doesn't seem to be enough new ones coming through who want to learn woodwind. Guitar seems to be the most popular instruement at the moment.

[nannyjay]

I'm definitely losing one student this term, although Mum has given plenty of notice. He's going away to school in September. And an adult who I have been teaching for about ten years, and has progressed very slowly but is now quite a nice pianist has decided to move to another town about thirty miles away. She says that she still wants to come for lessons, but I think it will fizzle out as she works full time as well.

No new pupils on the horizon either, and I don't have a waiting list now as I only work part time. I'd really like about another four or five pupils to make up the numbers next term. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[noodle]

I'm only losing 3 students this term - because I told their parents to find them a new teacher. The parents are more bother than they are worth (you've probably read about them here! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)) and I don't need the hassle.

[petrat]

I have not lost any so far as many have been working for exams and are looking foreward to having some new work when they are over. I did have a teenaged girl book a first lesson with me just before half term though who has not turned up since! Her father rang to arrange a consultation lesson and I offered him a time and asked him to phone to confirm if his daughter was to come. No call, but she arrived anyway 15 minutes later than offered, forgot purse to pay for first lesson and made an appointment to see me the following week. I trusted her and lent her a book of songs. She seemed keen and genuine but no sign of them since. Time to send a letter I think! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Oh yes, I did lose two last summer but that was because they were both off to music colleges. What a nice loss!

[dcmbarton]

It always seems to be a case of being up and down. Before Easter I had 10, the during the Easter holidays I booked in a further 17. After Easter, 5 failed to show for the first lesson. A further two have gone during the term for valid reasons, so we're back down to 20 again. That said there's 2 new one's starting next week so we'll be up to 22 again! You can never tell!

Anyway, I've got 14 more this summer than I had last.

David

[arabesque]

Private teaching - I too am losing some pupils 3 so far. I think to be honest that I shall be sad to lose only one of them the others never practiced and attitude stank in lessons!! Having said that I do have a waiting list and hopefully can put four new ones in for September.

Peri work - I get very sad a this time of year as I tend to lose loads moving on to other schools (that i don't teach at). 10 i think this year - it seems that you start them off year 3 or 4 come year 6 they are just getting to the really good stage Grade 3 + and they leave (very inconsiderate - i think that they should stay at primary school forever!!!!!) Then you have to start a new bunch off and it all happens again.

Oh well enough of the moan - I do love teaching my kids it can be a tad frustrating at times though!

[sarah-flute]

I can't believe the number of you who have pupils just not showing up for lessons! I can't imagine being that rude unless there was some genuine emergency (even then I would do my best to let the teacher know, and would definitely explain and apologise afterward...) or possibly if I genuinely forgot - but again I would take the time to explain... it's appalling that anyone can think it's OK to do that.

[dcmbarton]

I can't believe the number of you who have pupils just not showing up for lessons! I can't imagine being that rude unless there was some genuine emergency (even then I would do my best to let the teacher know, and would definitely explain and apologise afterward...) or possibly if I genuinely forgot - but again I would take the time to explain... it's appalling that anyone can think it's OK to do that.

I'm afraid I fear that is simply a sign of the times. I agree with you. It's the same when people commit to doing something and then let you down - suddenly decide they can't do it after all. I just couldn't be that rude to people.

David

[tonyteech]

I simply build into my planning that people will drop out usually at a moments notice
I keep advertising all the time - which is expensive but means that I have a constant flow off enquiries

Thank God the football is coming to an end as this has really affected things this summer