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Trial Lessons? (All Teachers)
I’ve been exchanging emails with a potential new student, and they’ve asked if we can have a trial lesson. For me and other prospective students that I’ve had before, this means, quite simply, a lesson. That you pay for. But there are no obligations to go on and have more lessons – hence ‘trial’.
This new student want a trial lesson, but I’m very strongly getting the impression that they don’t want to pay for it – they’re asking if we can meet ‘for a chat’ first – most of my first lessons involve a fair bit of chat anyway, so I know what the student is hoping to get out of the lessons/improve upon. I’ve also said (a few times!) that if they have any questions I’d be more than happy to answer them over email, but nothing is forthcoming. I’m not feeling inclined to give up my time for this, only for them to decide that they can’t be bothered…
Am I being unreasonable? Has anyone dealt with similar issues to this before? A phone call may be the way forward but I’m terrible on the phone (especially with people that I don’t know!) and I’m not sure that either of us would get the information that we need!
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16 Replies
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Hey Rosie,
Some students just need to speak to you beforehand to check if you’re human! It can be weird going to a new place for some people so maybe it’s just that they need some confirmation that you’re real. I’m sure it’s less about information, more about trust and warmth. I always try and speak to my students once before their first lesson, even though I feel icky on the phone too. So give them a call and see if that resolves anything.
Matt:)
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Hey Rosie,
I would go with your gut – if it’s telling you this person doesn’t want to pay for the trial, it may not be a good sign. But perhaps I have become cynical, and Matt makes a very good point. I think you need to tell them how much the trial would cost so that they know that your time is money.. and that you are happy to speak on the phone (I hate talking on the phone too, but rather that than meet someone and do what I would do in a first lesson anyway – but for free!)
Hope this helps!
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Hi Rosie,
I’ve experienced this a few times and have offered a phone call to chat or a 5 minute meeting that would not involve any singing. If they feel that they would like longer, perhaps offer a reduced time and fee – perhaps 15 minutes/30 minutes.
Hope this helps,
L x -
Hey Rosie, I find myself agreeing with most of the things said above.
Definitely try to make the phone call. I used to be terrible on the phone, but I’ve found it’s a skill I’ve gotten better at (through sheer force of will and practice). I’ve also found that when I speak to a student on the phone BEFORE the lesson it can offer result in better retention after that first lesson as you’ve already got them on side.
That said, absolutely don’t feel as though you need to offer a free lesson (or a free “consultation” for that matter). If you treat them with a warmth and respect but set clear boundaries, demonstrating the worth of your time, the student will be grateful for this. Boundaries are important so that both parties (teacher and student) know where they stand.
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I’m really glad to see that not everyone is doing free trial sessions. I charge for all my first sessions and wondered if this was unreasonable, so it’s very comforting. I also think it’s a good idea to give them a ring and just make it clear how much the first session will cost:)
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