Lea Ann wrote:
> Those of you who have ended your lessons with a teacher what did you say? I have been wondering what I will say to my current teacher. Shall I tell her why I am quitting lessons with her? Shall I make something up? I feel terribly awkward about this.
I haven't had to "fire" a teacher. But my job is in Human Resources, and I give advice supervisors every day on how to talk to their employees about lots of awkward things. So here's my "script" for you. Modify to suit your own style. I envision this as a telephone conversation.
[After the usual Hello, how are you doing] I wanted to let you know of my decision to stop my lessons with you and study voice elsewhere. The reason is that I feel that my interests in singing are very different from your interests and areas of expertise. I've learned a lot from you [This is not a lie. One can learn a lot even from negative experiences.], but I think it's time I moved on.
Based on what you've written, and her lack of interest in you as a student, I don't think this will come as a big surprise to her. And if she responds in a normal polite, pleasant manner, you can exchange pleasantries and end the conversation.
But if she reacts in a negative or emotional manner, attacks you, says bad things about you as a student or singer, whatever, I'd recommend that you let her talk without you saying anything. And when she stops talking, you can end the conversation by saying something like, "I'm very sorry you feel that way. I guess, then, we have nothing more to say to each other. Goodbye." Don't feel like you have to explain or defend your decision or yourself. You're the customer/boss; she's the person you hired.
Peggy
-- Margaret Harrison, Alexandria, Virginia, USA "Music for a While Shall All Your Cares Beguile" mailto:peggyh@i...
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