dveej-
I find that even if I do a little bit of a phone interview, I usually need to work with someone first before I get a feel of their character and work ethic. I admit, I am a type A personality and like productive lessons. Even if my students are low key, I still want to make sure someone is actually going to practice from week to week and not expect that I teach them absolutely everything without practice. This is usually when I do not accept a student- not because they show no musical promise- but when they want a quick fix (think American Idol auditions!) with minimal effort. I usually tell them that that’s not my style of teaching, and give them another teacher suggestion.

Christian-
I typically don’t get flack from parents about the audition lesson. Usually I will coin in as a “trail lesson” to take the pressure off of the incoming student. I understand that most of us private music teachers are probably not “household names”, but most of my students come to me through referrals, and I have a waiting list, so that does say something. I wouldn’t want to sign up a student who is again looking for a “quick fix” or is being pushed to do lessons from their mother and has no real interest, so an audition lesson gives a cushion to decide if this is a good fit.

Petra-
Your comment is completely valid. I teach students at a variety of ages and levels. Mostly in the audition lesson, I’m trying to get information that I can’t get over the phone. I get a sense of their work ethic, their drive, and also their voice and music skills. I recently auditioned at 13 year old who has a very young voice, but has a great ear, and I sensed a lot of determination. Though musically she can’t read music as well as my high-schoolers, I gave her a lesson time because I admired her spirit and wanted to teach her.

Leah-
I have not let students go because of practice negligence yet. Mostly I let students go who skip lessons without notification, consistently pay late, etc. Usually those people who disrespect my time are also students who don’t practice, so I guess that works out.

Christine-
I do charge for the trial lesson. I charge students in my studio a monthly tuition, so the first lesson is pro-rated. When I first started teaching, I tried a “free trial lesson”- what a mistake! I blocked out hours for people who never showed up!! Never again!

I don’t mind the level of my students at all, and I love beginners (I am a piano teacher)and I also have all the patience in the world for those who make the effort. Now that I can afford to be choosy, I am considering laying the hard word on those who are not meeting my expectations, and explain that I have people waiting who may be more ‘deserving’ of their spot. I just need to figure out how to do this in a diplomatic way. It will either have the student knuckle down and do some work, or leave, in which case I can take someone else from my list.

It does feel nice to be in a position to take on the types of students that I want now though!

However, from reading your article, I put myself in the shoes of a parent interested in signing up my son/daughter. I asked myself, “Who are you? You’re not a household name and why do you believe you’re in a position to select students?” I know that sounds harsh but I can see a parent asking this.

If this is asked, how can I justify these questions?

Christian