I just fired our piano teacher.

[Trivium Academy]

Deleted

[Jennifer3141]

I don't know what's next for you but I don't want to annoy you right now either. :D

Jen

[Alenee]

:grouphug:
eta: check your inbox.

[Emmy]

You are probably wise to sever the relationship now rather than 3 months from now! I applaud you - I can be a noodle about stuff like that and I probably would have continued until it drove me totally insane LOL

[Erica in PA]

I hate to say it, but I feel sorry for her. Maybe because I tend to be absent-minded myself, I can relate to forgetting about this sort of thing, and then I know the feeling of truly being so sorry about it. I can think of a few times when someone could have described me as "blubbering my apologies." :( And at those times, I was really, really remorseful and sorry, and I've have hoped the other person would understand that.

Not that you necessarily did anything wrong in cancelling the lessons. I can see why you would do that under the circumstances. I guess maybe since I can relate to making mistakes like this woman did (assuming it was even a mistake and not some truly unavoidable like a serious medical problem!), my sympathies tend to go out to her.

Erica

[Trivium Academy]

deleted

[elegantlion]

It's called standing up for youself. Everyone has life situations that throw them for a loop, but if you are paid, especially in advance, for something, you make sure to communicate with that person.

It truly sounds like she was not taking the lessons as seriously as you would like and I think you did the right thing.

As a caring person I would probably do a follow-up call to inquire about her health and stay off the topic of piano lessons. I know how tense those type of appointments can be.

Sounds like she has a lot thrown at her at one time, possibly cancer, moving out of state. She may need someone to listen more than someone to receive her lessons.

[Remudamom]

I think you did the right thing, and she should consider it a cheap lesson on what people expect in a piano teacher.

You weren't nasty to her, just truthful.

[WTMindy]

I was thrilled to find someone in the same town we live in but when we met last week, I wasn't thrilled anymore.

She's a single mom with two little girls, no problem.
She has a digital piano, smaller than ours, problem.
She has a masters degree in piano/vocal or is it just music, no problem.
She told me that she might unable to continue lessons due to receiving a job out of state, problem.

Her two little girls were there during the lesson and kept interrupting. I'm not heartless but this was a problem. 30 minutes is short for a piano lesson and not much can be learned with constant interruptions.

We went today to dd8's lesson and she was not at home, big problem.
I paid her last week for the entire month, problem.
I left a note on her door today, "We were here for dd8's piano lesson at 12 noon, you're not here. No need to continue lessons. Jessica (last name and phone number). "

She calls me and says that she didn't have my phone number programmed into her cell phone and was unable to reach me b/c she had a dermotologist (sp?) appt. and her Dr. suspects she has skin cancer. She's so sorry and this is so unlike her...blah, blah, blah.

I stopped her and said:
I'm sorry for your troubles, I don't think this is going to work out. I've put a stop payment on the check I gave you and we wish you well.

She blubbers her apologies and we say goodbye.

What is getting into me? I've never fired anyone before and I feel like I was very cold towards her but then again- she was very unprofessional. I told dd8 on the way home from her non-lesson that we would not be going back. She asked why. I told her it is because when you pay someone to do a job, they should do it or at least contact you if there is a problem. I also told her about first impressions and how important it is to put your best foot forward.

I surprised myself today. First standing up to FIL, now firing a piano teacher...what's next? Lol. :001_huh:

You go, girl!

[Mrs Mungo]

I think you did the right thing by firing her.

If it were *me* I think I would have just kissed that money goodbye rather than do stop payment and possibly add to her troubles but...that's just me.

[Journey]

Maybe it's just me, but I think you're being rude and jumping the gun. First of all, the woman had a dermatologist appointment because she may have skin cancer? Don't you think her health is more on her mind than your dd8's piano lesson? Have you ever forgotten to do something you've "promised"? She's a single mother too, maybe she couldn't find child care. At least she didn't cancel the lesson. It's too bad that her girls were interrupting the lesson and I'm sure it bothered the mother. Give the woman a break and be glad that you don't have to walk in her shoes. I'm on her side on this one. Shouldn't everyone be given a second chance?

[sweetbaby]

Congratulations, Jessica. You're now a grown up. :lol:

I don't think you did anything wrong. I would have done the same esp. after burning my expensive gas to get there. ;)

[Cadam]

I think it's the hive's fault. All of this support for setting boundaries is actually affecting your life and reinforcing that back bone!!:party:

[Karin]

The only thing that really bothers me is that she couldn't call you because she didn't have your number in her cell phone. However, if it's really skin cancer that's suspected and she's a single mom, I can see why she'd space it because that's a very stressful thing to be worried about.

If it weren't for her standing you up, I'd have suggested quietly entertain her dc during the lesson by reading to them. It's not easy to make a living teaching piano, and it's not a skill likely to get her many jobs in the business sector (btdt.)

[Cadam]

Maybe it's just me, but I think you're being rude and jumping the gun. First of all, the woman had a dermatologist appointment because she may have skin cancer? Don't you think her health is more on her mind than your dd8's piano lesson? Have you ever forgotten to do something you've "promised"? She's a single mother too, maybe she couldn't find child care. At least she didn't cancel the lesson. It's too bad that her girls were interrupting the lesson and I'm sure it bothered the mother. Give the woman a break and be glad that you don't have to walk in her shoes. I'm on her side on this one. Shouldn't everyone be given a second chance?

Jessica did give her a second chance. She went to the second lesson and the woman didn't show up. She didn't all of a sudden have a dr. appt. These are made in advance and while I am sorry for her problems it is just common sense that you can't be at two places at once. If she had to go to the Dr. she should have called Jessica and canceled her lesson before leaving or made the appt some other time when she wasn't working.

I am not heartless, really, but Jessica gave her more than one chance and there were other factors that indicated it wasn't a good fit anyway

[TejasMamacita]

I think you did the perfect thing.

Sometimes it's very difficult for us Moms to stand up for ourselves and we end up being walked all over whether it is on purpose or by mistake, you were paying for a service that was very poorly and in that one instance not at all provided. Don't feel guilty for valuing your own time and money. It is VERY hard to come by these days.

Bravo for you! :hurray: Now go forth and find a piano teacher worthy of that check!

[Elaine]

While I can see your point, I think you were wrong to stop payment on the check. You basically got a free lesson from her last week. That's not cool, IMO. Plus, if it bothered you so much you probably should have said something to her and given her the chance to find a better situation for her children during the lesson.

[Erica in PA]

"She calls me and says that she didn't have my phone number programmed into her cell phone and was unable to reach me b/c she had a dermotologist (sp?) appt. and her Dr. suspects she has skin cancer. She's so sorry and this is so unlike her...blah, blah, blah.

I stopped her and said:
I'm sorry for your troubles, I don't think this is going to work out. I've put a stop payment on the check I gave you and we wish you well.

She blubbers her apologies and we say goodbye."

I've read the OP a couple of times to make sure I understand it correctly..... I'm all for standing up for yourself, and it doesn't sound like this woman would be a good fit for your dd's lessons, but the tone you have here... you seem to care so much more about your dd's missed practice than about this woman's potentially serious health scare. It's an awfully harsh way to talk about someone who is dealing with cancer.

I see lots of people giving you a big high five for this, but I'm afraid I can't join in this time. :confused:

Erica

[Elaine]

"She calls me and says that she didn't have my phone number programmed into her cell phone and was unable to reach me b/c she had a dermotologist (sp?) appt. and her Dr. suspects she has skin cancer. She's so sorry and this is so unlike her...blah, blah, blah.

I stopped her and said:
I'm sorry for your troubles, I don't think this is going to work out. I've put a stop payment on the check I gave you and we wish you well.

She blubbers her apologies and we say goodbye."

I've read the OP a couple of times to make sure I understand it correctly..... I'm all for standing up for yourself, and it doesn't sound like this woman would be a good fit for your dd's lessons, but the tone you have here... you seem to care so much more about your dd's missed practice than about this woman's potentially serious health scare. It's an awfully harsh way to talk about someone who is dealing with cancer.

I see lots of people giving you a big high five for this, but I'm afraid I can't join in this time. :confused:

Erica

:iagree: And, quite frankly, I am surprised at all of the kudos.

[elegantlion]

Jessica did give her a second chance. She went to the second lesson and the woman didn't show up. She didn't all of a sudden have a dr. appt. These are made in advance and while I am sorry for her problems it is just common sense that you can't be at two places at once. If she had to go to the Dr. she should have called Jessica and canceled her lesson before leaving or made the appt some other time when she wasn't working.

I am not heartless, really, but Jessica gave her more than one chance and there were other factors that indicated it wasn't a good fit anyway.


Just fyi, sometimes the drs will call and tell you to come in right away. I had cancer several years ago and they called me immediately when they got the test results. They demanded I come in asap, like within the hour. I was supposed to meet a friend and couldn't get a hold of her (way before cell phones). I simply left a note on my door.

[Trivium Academy]

deleted

[Elaine]

Jessica did give her a second chance. She went to the second lesson and the woman didn't show up. She didn't all of a sudden have a dr. appt. These are made in advance and while I am sorry for her problems it is just common sense that you can't be at two places at once. If she had to go to the Dr. she should have called Jessica and canceled her lesson before leaving or made the appt some other time when she wasn't working.

I am not heartless, really, but Jessica gave her more than one chance and there were other factors that indicated it wasn't a good fit anyway

Yeah, see I disagree. Going to the second lesson isn't a second chance. A second chance is saying, "Hey I have some concerns about your little ones being present at the lesson. Can we discuss a better arrangement?"

And as far as the dematologist appointment, well, life happens when you least expect it. I would hate to be judged by the frenzied moments in my life.


I'm not throwing tomatoes at you, Cadam.:001_smile:

[hpymomof3]

You did the right think. We had a similar situation. The first time that we went to the studio she started my dd #1 lesson late. Then it was dd #2's turn. Right in the middle of the lesson someone came into the studio, which also sold sheet music, etc. The teacher spent 10 minutes talking to the customer and then came back to teach dd. It was annoying but I assumed that she would lengthen the lesson by 10 minutes. When it ended and I questioned her she said she couldn't because she had another lesson to teach. She said she couldn't help the interuption because that is part of her job. The following week we showed up and the door was locked. We waited and waited and finally left. She forgot about us. We didn't go back.

[Alenee]

Oh c'mon you guys, give her a break! It's not THAT bad! We all have moments where we react and we (hivers) don't really know all the specifics. :grouphug: Jessica. It's over, let it go.

[Trivium Academy]

Just fyi, sometimes the drs will call and tell you to come in right away. I had cancer several years ago and they called me immediately when they got the test results. They demanded I come in asap, like within the hour. I was supposed to meet a friend and couldn't get a hold of her (way before cell phones). I simply left a note on my door.

A note would have been great!

[fluteAnn]

Perhaps she was expecting to be home sooner? Maybe she should have anticipated not being home on time, but haven't we all experienced long waits at the Dr.'s?

[newbie]

I was thrilled to find someone in the same town we live in but when we met last week, I wasn't thrilled anymore.

She's a single mom with two little girls, no problem.
She has a digital piano, smaller than ours, problem.
She has a masters degree in piano/vocal or is it just music, no problem.
She told me that she might unable to continue lessons due to receiving a job out of state, problem.

Her two little girls were there during the lesson and kept interrupting. I'm not heartless but this was a problem. 30 minutes is short for a piano lesson and not much can be learned with constant interruptions.

We went today to dd8's lesson and she was not at home, big problem.
I paid her last week for the entire month, problem.
I left a note on her door today, "We were here for dd8's piano lesson at 12 noon, you're not here. No need to continue lessons. Jessica (last name and phone number). "

She calls me and says that she didn't have my phone number programmed into her cell phone and was unable to reach me b/c she had a dermotologist (sp?) appt. and her Dr. suspects she has skin cancer. She's so sorry and this is so unlike her...blah, blah, blah.

I stopped her and said:
I'm sorry for your troubles, I don't think this is going to work out. I've put a stop payment on the check I gave you and we wish you well.

She blubbers her apologies and we say goodbye.

What is getting into me? I've never fired anyone before and I feel like I was very cold towards her but then again- she was very unprofessional. I told dd8 on the way home from her non-lesson that we would not be going back. She asked why. I told her it is because when you pay someone to do a job, they should do it or at least contact you if there is a problem. I also told her about first impressions and how important it is to put your best foot forward.

I surprised myself today. First standing up to FIL, now firing a piano teacher...what's next? Lol. :001_huh:

I think you did the right thing. Having the kids there the first time does not count as a lesson. This is a business and it needs to be treated as such.

Everyone has problems. But to be even able to afford lessons, you have to get your money's worth and find the right person. We had to cancel ours because our teacher after six yrs was having one too many personal problems.

Jet

[Trivium Academy]

deleted

[Elaine]

She didn't know about the suspected skin cancer until AFTER her Dr.'s appt. Blubbering meant giving excuses for why she wasn't there and how she's not like that ... on and on.


A little grace goes a long way, Jessica. Hopefully the situation will never be reversed.

[justme]

Well, I guess I will be with dissenters on this one. I wouldn't have fired her (in a note, much less) over ONE missed lesson due to a doctor's appointment. And I am usually very cool to people's excuses with their personal life, health problems, etc... this situation struck me as harsh, though. I would have let her know I didn't appreciate showing up to find her not home for the lesson, made sure she had my number in her phone for future reference and given her another chance (at lessons- no more no-shows, etc..). If You truly felt she wasn't a good fit for you dd's lessons after the month you paid for, I think that would have been a much better way to end the relationship. Again, I'm pretty hard-nosed about living up to responsibilities and being professional, but this didn't sit right with me. Not that you need to care about my opinion on this matter, but there it is.

[Renee in FL]

I didn't explain that but last week was a get to know you meeting, not a lesson. We chatted.

In your OP:

Her two little girls were there during the lesson and kept interrupting. I'm not heartless but this was a problem. 30 minutes is short for a piano lesson and not much can be learned with constant interruptions.


Did you ask her if she had childcare for actual lessons? If it were only a meeting (that you were not to pay for), is it possible that she couldn't pay for childcare for the meeting?

I wouldn't have fired her, but I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt.

[mommylawyer]

I think you absolutely did the right thing.

DD5 begins piano with a new teacher today. Her former teacher, who I LOVED as a person by the way, was just becoming too unreliable. She had to cancel the recital in May (for medical reasons) but has never called back to say when she's starting the lessons back up again this month. She got married in January - and we didn't have a lesson for TWO MONTHS. Plus, she takes off summers, and she's going to have a baby in February and will probably be out for a while then. So... that's why we quit her.

Children need continuity in their instrument lessons at this age. I hope you find a GREAT new teacher!

[Tarheel Heather]

Well, I guess I will be with dissenters on this one. I wouldn't have fired her (in a note, much less) over ONE missed lesson due to a doctor's appointment. And I am usually very cool to people's excuses with their personal life, health problems, etc... this situation struck me as harsh, though. I would have let her know I didn't appreciate showing up to find her not home for the lesson, made sure she had my number in her phone for future reference and given her another chance (at lessons- no more no-shows, etc..). If You truly felt she wasn't a good fit for you dd's lessons after the month you paid for, I think that would have been a much better way to end the relationship. Again, I'm pretty hard-nosed about living up to responsibilities and being professional, but this didn't sit right with me. Not that you need to care about my opinion on this matter, but there it is.

:iagree:

[Trivium Academy]

deleted

[Mrs Mungo]

Including paying someone for a month of lessons that did not come to fruition!

While I understand you didn't want to pay her for lessons that your kids did not receive, I don't think putting a stop payment on the check is something I would have done. I might have asked for the check back or a partial refund (if your child received a lesson, the story kind of conflicts there) but I would not have put a stop payment on it because if she's already deposited it it will screw up her bank account. Plus, you two had a verbal contract in which you agreed to pay her for the month. Second thoughts aren't a good enough reason to put a stop payment on a check, imo. I'm all for standing up for oneself and not taking any crap but I'm also one for owning up to my own responsibilities and mistakes. Again, ymmv, jmo, all of that.

[Michelle in TX]

Well, I guess I will be with dissenters on this one. I wouldn't have fired her (in a note, much less) over ONE missed lesson due to a doctor's appointment. And I am usually very cool to people's excuses with their personal life, health problems, etc... this situation struck me as harsh, though. I would have let her know I didn't appreciate showing up to find her not home for the lesson, made sure she had my number in her phone for future reference and given her another chance (at lessons- no more no-shows, etc..). If You truly felt she wasn't a good fit for you dd's lessons after the month you paid for, I think that would have been a much better way to end the relationship. Again, I'm pretty hard-nosed about living up to responsibilities and being professional, but this didn't sit right with me. Not that you need to care about my opinion on this matter, but there it is.

My twin boys began piano lessons last year and we love, love their teacher. However in the early months of lessons, she had an emergency with one of her cats and didn't have our number with her and it took longer than she expected, etc. So we arrived and she wasn't home but she called us later and was very apolgetic and made up the lesson and that was that. I can't say enough good things about our teacher and she is VERY professional and is an excellent teacher. I think things do come up and we can be gracious. It could have been that your teacher didn't think her appointment would run into your lesson time but the dr. found the evidence of cancer then and there and wanted to do some tests that made the appointment run over.

All that said, I don't like the fact that your teacher only has a keyboard and her dc interupt the lesson. That to me sounds like the basis for ending the relationship rather than the missed lesson. I hope you find another teacher. I would think that the good ones might be all full up this time of year. Although, if you're willing to come during normal ps times you might be able to get in with a good one that is full. That's what happened to us last year with our dear piano teacher.

[kristavws]

While I understand you didn't want to pay her for lessons that your kids did not receive, I don't think putting a stop payment on the check is something I would have done. I might have asked for the check back or a partial refund (if your child received a lesson, the story kind of conflicts there) but I would not have put a stop payment on it because if she's already deposited it it will screw up her bank account. Plus, you two had a verbal contract in which you agreed to pay her for the month. Second thoughts aren't a good enough reason to put a stop payment on a check, imo. I'm all for standing up for oneself and not taking any crap but I'm also one for owning up to my own responsibilities and mistakes. Again, ymmv, jmo, all of that.

:iagree: I probably would have fired her as well, but I would not have stopped payment on the check, based upon the verbal agreement in place.

I think if you had some concerns at the get-know-each-other (digital piano, moving, kids present at lesson), then it might have been best to tell her that you needed to think about whether or not the relationship would work or not, prior to employing her.

Krista

[WendyK]

She doesn't sound very professional. The cell phone thing and the bringing her kids thing (unless they really can be on their own for 30 minutes) is not professional. At the very least she could have extended the lesson due to the interuptions. Who is so important they can't turn their phone off for 30 minutes while they are working? Ugh

[Mamabegood]

A little grace does go a long way, but sometimes you have to do what's right for your own family. You are in a new area and looking for a piano teacher, not a project. Saying that you were rude for ending the process before it got further along is unreasonable. Their were enough red flags early on that if she wasn't there when she said she would be, no note, no phone call, it was the final confirmation you needed--it wasn't a good fit. Now she is free to find another client who will be a good fit, and you are free to find a piano teacher who actually has a piano. :001_smile:

[swellmomma]

"She calls me and says that she didn't have my phone number programmed into her cell phone and was unable to reach me b/c she had a dermotologist (sp?) appt. and her Dr. suspects she has skin cancer. She's so sorry and this is so unlike her...blah, blah, blah.

I stopped her and said:
I'm sorry for your troubles, I don't think this is going to work out. I've put a stop payment on the check I gave you and we wish you well.

She blubbers her apologies and we say goodbye."

I've read the OP a couple of times to make sure I understand it correctly..... I'm all for standing up for yourself, and it doesn't sound like this woman would be a good fit for your dd's lessons, but the tone you have here... you seem to care so much more about your dd's missed practice than about this woman's potentially serious health scare. It's an awfully harsh way to talk about someone who is dealing with cancer.

I see lots of people giving you a big high five for this, but I'm afraid I can't join in this time. :confused:

Erica


Well said! ITA From the sounds of it she was not a good fit for you anyway, but it also sounds like she just got harsh news at the dr and was very sorry for missing your lesson, there was no reason to be high an mighty about it. I had an issue with someone like that once. I had volunteered to clean the gymnastics club to cover my dd's lessons. The day that I was to do it, my baby got very sick and had to be rushed to the dr, this was when she had her adverse reaction to her shots, it was terrifying. I completely spaced due to complete fear of the situation and forgot to go to the club to clean and to call them to let them know. The person I spoke to after the fact(she left a message for me) had much the same tone towards me as you did towards this lady. I apologized, and offered to either come in another day or to pay for the semester and all I got was rudeness about me having commited to doing this and not showing up etc. A little compassion goes a long way. Cancelling all lessons with her is founded for sure, but saying someone who was just told they might have cancer was blubbering their apologies is very harsh and uncompassionate.

[abbeyej]

I think it was reasonable to end the teacher-relationship, but I would not have put a stop-payment on the check.

[Journey]

Seems like alot of you guys are saying how "unprofessional" this woman is. I highly doubt that she's a professional at all. I'm guessing that she's just a single mom trying to make some extra money in this money tight society. If the "smaller" digital piano (or whatever it was) was an issue to the OP, then something should have been said or done about it at the original meeting. The OP knew she had a smaller piano and she knew the woman had two kids. I think it's the OP's fault that these issues weren't taken care of up front if they were such huge problems (which is what she makes it sound like). And I don't know why she's getting so bent out of shape if the first meeting was just a meet and greet type thing istead of an actual lesson, which is what she stated it was in her OP. I don't know why but this post really bothers me. It just reinforces how rude people have become and how unwilling people are to give others a second chance. Jeez, I wish my life was perfect and that I didn't make mistakes. I guess I'm blessed with great people in my life (people whom I know and don't know) who don't write me off the second I make a mistake. I hope the OP finds the pefect piano teacher for her daughter, but I doubt one even exists.

[Sharon in SC]

I think it was reasonable to end the teacher-relationship, but I would not have put a stop-payment on the check.

:iagree: Our pastor spoke something from the pulpit 14 years ago when he first came to our church that I'll never forget. Speaking to times of discord or strife, he said, "The high road means assuming the other person is going through something we know nothing about." My guess is that is exactly what's going on for this single mom. I wanted to multi quote this post (can anyone teach me?!) and agree with mamabegood's statement to the effect that you were certainly in a position of looking for a "piano teacher not a project" and were, therefore, justified in your decision to end your business relations with this woman. I feel, though, that the act of stopping payment on the check (versus dialoguing together about how you could fairly address the issue of your check that had been written for piano lessons that have not transpired) ultimately translated as hurt and pain for her (in the face of her other troubling issues in her life). Because of this, I feel that if I were in your shoes I would consider actually apologizing for that action on my part and expressing sympathy for her situation - something to the effect that while I feel it is not in my child's best interest to continue piano lessons with her that I would be lifting her up in prayer as the Lord brings her to my mind. I fear the canceling of the check might have come across to her as the equivalent of being kicked while you are down because we have reason to believe that there is a lot going on in this mom's life that we "know nothing about."

FWIW, JMHO, my 2 cents, and all that..... :001_smile:

Nonetheless, Jessica, I think you're a great mom and believe that you were not with any intent and forethought setting out to hurt her in any way. While the canceling of the check may have been a knee jerk reaction on your part, so to speak, I'm confident it was not a purposeful effort to hurt anyone! :) For me the question would be: "Did I overreact by canceling the check?" If you feel you get an affirmative response from He who is Lord of your universe, then, the question becomes, "What can I do about it now?" If you, ultimately, decide that He is saying "no" in answer to the first question, then give it nary another thought and forget what this old servant of His has said!

Many blessings to you this day!
Sharon

[Scarlett]

Nonetheless, Jessica, I think you're a great mom and believe that you were not with any intent and forethought setting out to hurt her in any way. For me the question would be: "Did I overreact by canceling the check?" the question becomes, "What can I do about it now?"

(((Jessica))) I really hope you didn't stop payment on the check or if you did find a way to correct that. I do think you are a great mom, but I do feel so sorry for the piano teacher. I think you can find a way to stand up for yourself without being unkind and harsh to someone who is in need of understanding.

[tibbyl]

Terminating the lesson arrangement - reasonabe.

Failing to pay for first lesson - unreasonable but certainly fixable.

[Mari]

My children have been taking piano lessons for years now and we've met quite a few teachers along the way. It has been our experience that the first meeting, the usual meet and greet, has always been free. It's a way to decide if lessons would work for either party. Of course this needs to be discussed up front, but I do believe this is an understanding among professional piano teachers.

It seems as if in this case, Jessica realized the possibility of it not being an ideal situation but SHE GAVE THE WOMAN A SECOND CHANCE anyway. Those in dissention need to at least give her credit for that.

--Mari

[Trivium Academy]

Thank you Mari, this was exactly the case. Yes, I made a mistake in paying her for the month on the first visit, I did that b/c I really felt for her and ignored my instinct. I made errors in this situation and I apologized for them but both the piano teacher was glad I put stop payment on the check- she was going to return my check to me anyways. Things ended well.

Our *new* piano teacher likes to be paid weekly instead, has a full-size piano and the lessons will be interruption free and last for 30-45 minutes as well as being highly recommended by a fellow homeschooler in my area.

[A.J. at J.A.]

Thank you Mari, this was exactly the case. Yes, I made a mistake in paying her for the month on the first visit, I did that b/c I really felt for her and ignored my instinct. I made errors in this situation and I apologized for them but both the piano teacher was glad I put stop payment on the check- she was going to return my check to me anyways. Things ended well.

Our *new* piano teacher likes to be paid weekly instead, has a full-size piano and the lessons will be interruption free and last for 30-45 minutes as well as being highly recommended by a fellow homeschooler in my area.

Glad you got it all worked out Jessica, I knew you would! Your heart is in the right place and I think it is wise to set boundaries to protect your peace of mind at home and with your daughter's education.

I'm so sorry that you got mean emails. There is no call for that.

Hugs,
Angela

[runninmommy]

This comes from a different perspective. I teach art out of my home. I have about 30 students to juggle, schedule and teach. During the course of teaching, my son has had to have surgery (and all the appointments that led up to it, My children have gotten sick and we have had times that I could not teach. Each and every time something has come up I have made phone calls, sent e-mails and left notes to make sure I cover all my bases. I also offer to have make-up classes so that the children do not miss the lesson and the parents don't feel taken advantage of.

The way I look at it is that I have been blessed by being able to make money doing something I enjoy and that still enables me to stay home with my children. It is to be taken seriously and the business should be conducted with responsibility and dignity. Yes, things do come up but ultimately it is my responsibility to communicate with my parents. If I failed to do so, I would fully expect and understand if parents withdrew their children. Furthermore, I would feel guilty keeping money I had not earned.

I am not completely cold..it is sad that this woman is having a difficult time. It sounds like she needs to reevaluate if continuing to provide lessons is a good idea. It sounds like she needs some help and understanding but not at the expense of her students.

[Mrs Mungo]

Thank you Mari, this was exactly the case. Yes, I made a mistake in paying her for the month on the first visit, I did that b/c I really felt for her and ignored my instinct. I made errors in this situation and I apologized for them but both the piano teacher was glad I put stop payment on the check- she was going to return my check to me anyways. Things ended well.

Our *new* piano teacher likes to be paid weekly instead, has a full-size piano and the lessons will be interruption free and last for 30-45 minutes as well as being highly recommended by a fellow homeschooler in my area.

I'm very glad that everything worked out. However, I still say that if I were in this position I hope I would have been assertive in letting the teacher know my concerns up front so that she would have the chance to address/correct them. If she doesn't know there's a problem, it's not really giving her a second chance.

I don't think you are expecting perfection or that you were (or are generally) too harsh or that you deserve neg rep over it (that's just silly) but I do think sometimes we are all guilty (including myself) of not being assertive in our wishes and get mad because we were hoping things would change but other people are not mind readers.

Again, I'm glad everything worked out and that you found a teacher that meets your needs. I hope I don't come across as overly harsh because I'm far from perfect and don't expect perfection out of anyone.