The customer (guitar student) is not always right

Consistency is a big issue for many people and usually explains why they have not reached their goals to date. This is especially true of adults who likely had a dream to learn guitar since childhood. If you call them on their inability to commit they will either stop lessons or will become loyal students. Either way you win. You don't want students who keep cancelling because both you and they lose. You lose time, money and reputation and they are unlikely to ever achieve their goals. If they can't manage a 30 minute weekly lesson I doubt they are going to be consistently putting in daily practice. 

Your aim should always be to get results 

Telling students what we expect of them may seem counterintuitive to our 'Customer is always right' culture. We are taught that we should be listening to our customers and then delivering what they want. Students are paying you to learn guitar period. They are not paying for your time or friendship or even your wisdom. They are paying for results. To achieve this there are certain actions they need to take. If they are not taking those actions you need to make it clear that you can't accept their money under false pretences. They will at the very least respect you for your honesty and if they stop their lessons they will do so for the right reasons. They will almost always stop because they realise you are right and they will usually be grateful but the reality is most will not stop. Most will realise you are something special as a teacher and will continue.

You students are a reflection of you

When you are honest and genuine about the importance of consistency you end up with students who progress and reach their goals. As a consequence your students are more loyal and will spread your name. Your reputation will spread quickly in the community because your students will be doing it for you in terms of verbally spreading the word but more importantly via their ability to actually play guitar. I can't begin to explain how good it feels when all your students are practicing, filling in their practice logs and eagerly turning up to lessons each week. Conversely having 30 or 40 students who are inconsistent and constantly making excuses is soul destroying but remember your students are a reflection of you.

1. G4 GUITAR Teacher Network
2. www.g4guitarmethod.com.au

   
   

   If you have any questions please use email below.
5. Contact: My email address is g4guitar1@gmail.com