Sometimes when we schedule group lessons for our students (and cancel that week of private lessons), parents might be tempted to think that it is a little “vacation” for us since it seems like it takes less time. But if you teach group lessons, you know that this isn’t true. Yes, the week of group lessons might be lighter, but the week before group lessons is much more intense with lesson planning and preparation for the lessons.
Group Lessons are Not a Teacher’s Vacation
So just like we can’t expect parents to understand that their tuition covers much more than the time with the student unless we tell them, we can’t expect parents to understand the amount of effort and time it takes to organize and execute a group lesson.
It’s important to communicate this to parents, but in a kind way and positive way. Here’s an example of subtle ways that I educate my piano families about group lessons. Feel free to use this wording in your own communication with your families!
“It’s once again time for our spectacularly fun group lessons! It’s always a lot more work for me to put these lessons together, but in spite of the extra time and effort, I always enjoy them and know that the students benefit from these lessons immensely. As you know, group lessons are great for introducing new theory concepts in a fun way, playing games that reinforce concepts already learned, developing camaraderie amongst students, assuring students that they are not the only ones in and enjoying piano and much more. So if you need to get a hold of me in the next few weeks, I might be a bit delayed in getting back to you if I’m in the middle of the intense group lesson planning. But, I promise I’ll get back to you soon!”
I hope that helps! If you are looking for information on how to start giving hybrid group lessons (the kind that merely supplement your private lessons during the year), then take a look at Charlene Shelzi’s two great articles about this:
And you know if you have ever had this issue, there are many other teachers who have had it too! So help your fellow teachers out by sharing this vie email, Facebook, Twitter…buttons are below!  Thanks!
image by jcgoforth
Ain’t that the truth! I love your reminder of that fact to parents. I’ll have to do that! 😉
At the beginning of the year there were a couple students who couldn’t make it to the group lesson, so I made the mistake (although my policy said there were no individual lessons the week of group lessons) to offer that they could come to their individual lesson instead. Once I had done that I also felt obligated to offer it to the next couple who unexpectedly couldn’t make it . . . . . NEVER AGAIN! 🙂 I ended up with a very small group, and an even smaller amount of time to prepare for it. I like the idea of nicely making parents aware that group lessons are a priority, and not a cop out for me.
PS. Confession: Sometimes even with the preparation time, I like only having one evening tied up and it does feel a little like a vacation. 🙂
Thank you for the parent correspondence. I have used hybrid group and the wonderful TCW games for many many years. It does take so much prep but I feel it is worth it.