My one remaining pupil finally called to hand in her notice; a bit of a relief for us both really because I was psyche-ing up to tell her I would not be entering her for the next exam unless she pulled her finger out a bit.
I didn't really expect to hear again from the other one (who had a baby) but its left me with a bit of a dilemma.

I have a day job to keep the wolf from the door (there's a joke in there somewhere but it eludes me) so could take a rest for a while and concentrate on the Dip I am working on (teaching) and the next performance exam (last one was about 10 years ago- i need to feel the fear).

It would look better on the business cards to have the extra qualifications (ever the optimist) but in the opinion of the esteemed Posters, would it be better to keep my hand in with any student i can lay hand on or to go away, regroup, and re-emerge with style and start charging a more realistic rate?

Take it as a sign and take the time for you - if you do the maths, regrouping, increasing your qualifications and coming back at a higher hourly rate will probably be financially neutral in the long term.

Nothing to stop you taking work if you get offered it - just don't chase it. And if you get some - go for the increased rate straight away.

If you enjoy teaching and you have the time and expertise .. I would keep one or two ticking over.

If you feel the need to upskill to get more confidence and satisfaction .. I would take this opportunity to learn for a while without having the teaching responsibility as well.

If you have a day job, the question should not need to be an economic one, but how to make most productive and relaxed use of your leisure time.

If you don't mind me asking, why were you not charging a realistic rate in the first place?

Violinia

Thank you all for your replies.
It was a depressing evening and I needed some input from others who may have been in the same situation or at least a similar one. I recollect dcmbarton last year being a little worried about getting a practice off the ground (I think it was you, please excuse me if I'm mistaken!) but all turned out well in the end.

Having read your thoughts I shall have 3 months off, concentrate on increasing my qualifications to something recognisably to do with music teaching, as opposed to being just a musically literate person (BMus and Grade 8 piano) and relaunch my teaching with hopefully more confidence.

In answer to Violinia, that was probably why I was only charging 7.50 for 30 minutes; I didn't want to lose my client base by being expensive.

Well, I lost 'em anyway!

Pricing's a funny business - people tend to respect you more if you charge more - it's the way of the world these days. Perhaps it's something to do with: charging more shows you value yourself more so they will value you more too... or something. There's definitely a point below which people will value you less and think your fees are low because you lack experience or aren't that good. Getting it right can be quite tricky. Good luck with everything!

Violinia

Hi,

Have you thought about maybe taking one of the ABRSM's courses in the meantime? I have done the TME course which was great fun, gave me lots of confidence and is not too pricey. The CT course will give you a music teaching qualification if you do that one. Sorry if I'm off the mark here - I just wondered if you had explored these options.

Keep smiling,

Tasha

Haven't heard about that one. I'll look into it - thanks.