Vocalist.org archive


To: vocalist
Date sent: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 14:58:29 -0500
Subject: What would NATS Say?
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>



Dear Mary Jane,
You asked:
> If these teachers (ones who give 20 minutes worth of instruction
> when they are supposed to give an hour and who cancel lessons
> without reasonable notice) are NATS members, can they not be
> reprimanded or even "disbarred" for this behavior? I've seen the
> NATS code of ethics and don't remember if this sort of thing was
> covered, or is it only ethics between and among teachers that's
> covered by their code?
I believe this answers your question:
> 12. It is unethical for teachers to offer less than the best instruction
> of which they are capable to students under their tutelage. The
> moral and financial obligation of teachers is to give students the
> instruction, the attention and the full amount of time agreed upon.
That pretty much covers it as far as I'm concerned. I am not sure how
any of these ethics matters are policed. Sometimes I get the sense
that these ethics things are more to keep the private studios in line
because those involved en academe are better disciplined by their
more scholarly peers.

Warmest regards,
Les