Just now while I was surfing the forum, my mobile phone beeped a message...

How would anyone here feel if a pupil's parent cancelled lessons for good via text message? I know I don't feel too pleased

I have had people cancel the odd lesson that way, which I don't mind so much as then it doesnt disturb me when I'm teaching, but I'm just in shock that someone would let me know they were stopping lessons like this. The reasons were too many other commitments which is a shame as the pupil was doing very well, but that doesn't bother me so much as the way it's been done.

I haven't repiled yet (no credit anyway). Not sure how to feel

That happened to me not so long ago. Two days before the start of a new term. So I know how you feel! Maybe they don't know what to say....

My response was "ok" ....

I wouldn't feel to insulted. The pupil probably didn't do it consciencly. If you really want them to realise what there doing ring them and ask why they are quiting or even just to say thanks for the text and sorry to hear you've decided to quit.

Thanks,

I'm sad because I like the pupil and from all the accounts I've heard she likes me and loves her lessons..

I do know she does other activities which take up more time than piano does though. The text was polite etc... mum said what a shame it was.

Also if I could have predicted a pupil to give up piano, she wouldn't have even entered my mind, but that's not my desicion at the end of the day. I still would have been surprised even if she had told me by phone. The message just gave me a shock as it was so unexpected!

Maybe I will phone later. I can't afford the price of a text message back anyway

I had a similar situation not so long ago. I took on a new student who had some learning difficulties but he was getting on really well - after about 5 or 6 lessons we really started to make good progress and he seemed to enjoy his lessons. I was then told that they would be away for a couple of weeks visiting family so I said ok thats fine as they gave me notice. The evening before the next lesson back I get a text message from the mother saying that she was starting a new job the next day and she couldn't fit in his lessons anymore and could I leave the slot open for him in case she found some free time in a month or so!

Firstly I couldn't believe she did it via text message and then that she only gave a days notice when I very much doubt she had only just found out she'd got a new job on the sunday and was expected to start the next day!

Its just so rude! And i'd been particularly accommodating letting her pay weekly as she couldnt afford to pay a lump sum.

Sarah

I have to say I think it a bit rude. My sister in law did the same thing to a person who worked for both of us. I was very embarassed. I still see the person a couple of times a week. I think it worth the curteousy of a personal call no matter how hard it is to make.

Yes, it is rude. It also smacks a little of cowardice.

Yes I thought maybe they were too embarrassed to tell me on the phone/face to face. Not sure why as I'm not threatening at all!

I'm glad I do have some new pupils this term to make up for it. I wish I'd known sooner than 2 days before the lesson though.

Yes, I think so too. I wouldn't expect to get this kind of message by text, to be honest, so I'd be a bit taken aback too.

The prospect of technology allowing parents to communicate with brevity sounds appealing, but clearly in a situation where a parent wants to stop lessons with a teacher, they should do it in person.



Personally, having someone tell me that they don't want lessons with me anymore, in whatever mode of communication (text msg, person, phone, email) doesn't affect me. Should that person not want to take lessons with me anymore, I should let it go.



Unless, I grew a musical attachment to that student, (e.g. that student is particularly talented and losing lessons would be detrimental to the stdudent's musical performance)

Yes, they are expected to give notice, and had the whole holiday period to do so