How many times have you set your piano lesson schedule and explained how missed lessons work, only to have a parent come to you asking for something other than what you offer? For example, perhaps you teach from 3-7pm Monday-Thursday, but a parent asks if you can teach at 7:30pm…or if you can teach their child on Fridays?
Does this give you pause? Do you hesitate in a scenario like this and end up giving in because you could use the money or you want others to see you as gracious and flexible? I have been there! But it is not a good place to be. Going outside of the parameters you have set for your piano studio can cause regret and end up causing resentment. There’s a better way!
Having a good studio policy in place can prevent many such discussions - and more - but you must be clear about what you offer and then stick to your policy.
What is a studio policy?
Simply, a studio policy is a document that states what taking piano lessons with you looks like, from which days and hours you teach to how you handle missed lessons to how you handle payment. It also gives information about your expectations for practice and lesson attendance. And it explains what you teach and why you structure the lessons the way you do.
How do I create a studio policy?
You can start by writing a 1–2 page document stating what you offer and what your expectations are. A good studio policy will include the following elements:
- Your philosophy of teaching (how and why you teach)
- Who you teach
- When and where you teach
- What kinds of lessons you offer
- How you accept payment
- How you handle missed lessons
- What your expectations for students (and parents) are during lessons and in at-home practice
I introduce my studio policy to everyone who interviews to be part of my studio. After the interview, a printed copy goes home with the parent along with a copy of my studio calendar and a contract for payment. In order to secure lessons with me, the contract must come back signed by both parent and student, indicating that they agree to my policy and terms for payment. (An additional printed copy of the policy and studio calendar go in each student’s binder. Learn more about how I use binders here!)
Having a clear policy in place shows parents that you are a professional and have parameters around how you run your business. After the initial expectations are stated, the policy becomes a tool that you can refer back to when questions come up concerning payment, missed lessons, practicing, and so forth. When you are asked to make an exception, you are free to be flexible, but you are also free to gently but firmly refer back to the policy with “No, I’m not able to do such-and-such; instead, this is what I offer.”
Having a good policy in place and the determination to hold fast to the expectations you set for the studio can resolve many potential conflicts and help you focus your time and energy on teaching!
What are some boundaries you have set in your studio policy that have been helpful in your studio? Let me know in the comments!
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