Vocalist.org archive


From:  Margaret Harrison <peggyh@i...>
Date:  Sat Jan 12, 2002  7:08 pm
Subject:  Re: [vocalist] the PERFECT teacher

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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