[Matt Pocock]

Send her to a voice therapist/SLT/ENT straight away! I’d also recommend not taking her on as a student. She should probably be on vocal rest and doing SLT exercises to mitigate the blisters on her folds, not engaging in vigorous voice work!

[Matt Pocock]

Eep – no idea! I’d try to find a SLT in your area who you can ask!

[Matt Pocock]

(You’re a Lessac fan, Chris? Wooooo! Love him!)

[Matt Pocock]

That’s so interesting! It’s bizarre that there’s such a gap in terminology between us and that we call the same bit of teaching different things! Would love to organise a Skype so we can record our thoughts – this would make such a good podcast!

[Matt Pocock]

Wes – that’s a really good point and one that comes up for me a lot. I’ve got quite a loose view on the cancellation policies – I’ll often let students off if they’re ill, especially if they kick up a fuss. You’ve got to take the long view – is charging this student now going to cost me in the future?

Because, yes, they’re nominally wasting your time (though you can usually spend it productively, hacking away at the admin mountain) but the real goal is about maximising the student’s value. You don’t want to alienate a student who might come for 10, 15, or even 20 more lessons – which is an astounding amount of time (and money) that they’re investing in you.

So I don’t know – maybe looseness is better?

EDIT: Having quickly scanned the forum above – I’ve noticed that this opinion is quite rare among us! Maybe I’m too soft-hearted. Must watch more Game Of Thrones.