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frewen
Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 11405
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marigold
Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 12458
Location: West Sussex
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frewen
Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 11405
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VSS
Joined: 14 Jan 2007
Posts: 2845
Location: Llyn Peninsula, North Wales
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sneeuwklokje
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 277
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 Posted: Fri Jul 06, 07 8:57 pm Post subject: |
 
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I agree with Marigold.
However...  ... would it help you more to figure out what it is exactly that you hated about teaching? Was it the process; dealing with people that made mistakes; the lack of their committment; something else entirely etc and, do you feel the same way now?
Also, it's good to broaden horizons, so, see where it takes you? As you are clearly musical, perhaps checking out some community musical theatre projects might be something to look into? How about going to the local old people's home and offering to play for an hour there? Or perhaps, even to give lessons?
As for being uncomfy about the rates or being uncomfy in passing yourself off as a "teacher" and what that means to you in this context (you were fine teaching DH and the other people free, hence my question above), you could always word your ad accordingly? "amateur piano teacher seeks pupils" - umm, ok, so that's a bit stiff, but you get the idea? You could always emphasise the fun part of it, rather than the "let's go for grades" aspect of it perhaps? hrm. "Piano playing enthusiast offering informal lessons at reduced price of....."
When I went to learn guitar a million years ago, I was stuck with the most boring old fart ever, who wanted me to play Eidleweiss(sp?) at every lesson. I just wanted to strum along and sing with the radio, and I told him that right from the outset. I had no desire to do it all properly and be serious and practice 4 hours a day. I hated the lessons and my enjoyment and enthusiasm for it was sucked right out of me. Never played since. *ramble.
[edit: typo]
Last edited by sneeuwklokje on Fri Jul 06, 07 10:39 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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frewen
Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 11405
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chez
Joined: 13 Aug 2006
Posts: 35934
Location: The Hive of the Uberbee, Quantock Hills, Somerset
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sneeuwklokje
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 277
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frewen
Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 11405
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cinders
Joined: 04 Jun 2007
Posts: 2437
Location: norfolk The daft old bat club
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marigold
Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 12458
Location: West Sussex
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 07 8:21 am Post subject: |
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You put it all so much better than me, sneeuwklokje  .
Aside from stuff like CRB checks and insurance I think you could forget the idea of "rules" about how you should do it, Frewen. If you make it clear what you are offering, you will attract people who want that. Anyone who wants a "traditional" teacher will go elsewhere. It sounds as though you could well appeal to people who want to "do music", but DON'T want to do exams .
It's great idea to try a new venture - start small, decide what you want to teach and how, sort out insurance etc and try it out. Give it a year and then review the situation.
As for "ruining" someone - as chez says, it seems unlikely, you have talent, can recognise it in someone else and can point them in the direction of a more formal musical education (if they want it).
I'd suggest you do some basic planning before you start, eg:
- prepare a flyer stating what you offer, cost and contact details. Even if you rely on word of mouth and never actually use the flyer it will help to focus your mind on what you are offering
- simple lesson plans so you've got a starting point to work from
- costs, such as piano tuning, insurance, leaflets, copies of sheet music etc
- charges. Check other local teachers rates - don't undersell yourself and don't forget your costs! It's easier to give a discount that than to raise charges
- hours you are willing to work to ensure you don't end up being "persuaded" to give a lesson when you'd rather be putting the babies to bed
- childcare arrangements, if required
- anything alse I haven't thought of
Sounds to me like it could be a lot of fun, once you've sorted out the boring admin bits. How rewarding to be able to help people make music - I'm a total drone in the musical department myself!!  |
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wellington womble
Joined: 08 Nov 2004
Posts: 15051
Location: East Midlands
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 07 10:00 am Post subject: |
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I don't know about insurance, but CRB checks are neither onerous or terribly expensive. They just take a long time to come back. I;m not sure whether you would need one, as they are really for emplyers to cover their own backs to say that they have checked out their employees, and made sure they are safe. Who's going A) ask, B) check and C) if you turn out to be not fit to work with children, who is there answer for it, except you.
On the other hand, it may be a bit of selling point, and worth if if you wanted to say, put a notice up in a school, and they really aren't terribly difficult, so you might as well!
Edited to say I forgot that Frewen probably knows all that, given her previous career! Oh, well - it might be useful for someone! |
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sean
Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42208
Location: North Devon
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frewen
Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 11405
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Barefoot Andrew
Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 21 Mar 2007
Posts: 22780
Location: In the 17th century
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hated 
I am trying to (management speak on) 
And as Chez said, you can always pass someone along with no worries?
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