Private Lesson Etiquette

taking lessons in someone's home

We don’t know what we don’t know! 

Teaching from Home

I’ve taught private music lessons in Georgia, New York, Florida, Texas, and online. Lesson locations range from private home studios to schools to music shops- I’ve done it all. 

My favorite place to teach is in my home. Of course there are pros and cons to this, but I grew up in a house where music lessons were part of our daily lives. When I was a kid, there was a parade of voice and piano students in and out of our house taking lessons with my mom. So, to me, it is normal to teach from home. 

Teaching in your home, however, isn’t always a rosy experience, but there are things the teacher, the students, and the parents can do to make it work well! 

Private Lesson Etiquette

So, today I’m sharing some private lesson etiquette with a focus on taking lessons in someone’s home. I will also share some general private lesson do’s and don’ts! 

We don’t know what we don’t know, and that’s ok. Some of these things may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised!

Our neighbor has a sign that says “All Y’all Welcome Here…But You Have to Act Right.” Sometimes I feel like I need one of those in my window too! 

Here are some tips to ensuring your have a good lesson experience in someone’s home:

Arriving & Entering the Home/Teaching Space

1. Always strive to arrive on time, not too early, and not late, if you are running late, let your teacher know.

2. Bring your music, instrument, and anything else requested by your teacher

3. Park where your teacher asks you to

   1. We live on a busy street and prefer students to park in our driveway, but everyone is different. Mind the street signs and if you’re confused, ask where to park.

4. Wait in your car until your lesson time or in the designated waiting area, your teacher will let you know

   1. For example- I have a porch where students or parents can sit and wait, but sometimes it is occupied by the previous lesson’s parents or siblings and it is best for students to wait in their cars.

      

       

5. Follow the directions your teacher says about entering their home

   1. Ask if you should take off your shoes or leave them on.

   2. A good clue here is if there is a shoe rack near the door and your teacher arrives at the door barefoot or in house shoes 

6. Do not attend lessons sick- especially in someone’s home.

   1. It is always better to cancel or reschedule than go sick to a lesson. Most private teachers are self employed, do not get sick days. They also see students 1:1 for hours.

   2. Being sick in a lesson exposes the teacher, all the other students and families involved. 

In the Home/Teaching Space

1. Place cases and personal belongings where asked and unpack in a quick yet orderly fashion

   1. I have a bench for students to place their cases and personal belongs

2. Use a coaster if you brought water

   1. It is best not to bring food or drinks into someone else’s home or space. Water is OK, but probably best to leave the snacks and coffee at home

3. Don’t touch anything in the house that doesn’t belong to you

4. Parents sitting in on a lesson

   1. Sit quietly and try not to be distracting during the lesson. 

      1. Please do not make phone calls or play loud games or watch videos on your phone during the lesson. 

      2. I have two designated areas where parents can sit: at our dining room table or on the front patio. I’m sure your private teacher has designated areas too. 

5. Do not bring friends or siblings to the lesson unless it is cleared with the teacher

During the lesson

1. Phones need to be on silent or have notifications turned off

   1. I allow students to use their phones during a lessons for: tuning, metronome, and recording

2. Your teacher will guide you through their process and their lesson format

3. Try not to interrupt your teacher when she/he is talking

4. Don’t pluck your strings or play while your teacher is talking

5. Play your best and come prepared:

   1. Your teacher only knows what you show them. If you show up unprepared each time or only halfway play something, your teacher will believe that’s all you have.

   2. We only can help you if we can hear you. Show your best, especially if you grow weary of hearing the same thing over and over again 🙂

6. Ask on topic questions 

   1. Being inquisitive and curious about your instrument and your growth is a great thing! 

7. Don’t argue or use rude/vulgar language 

   1. Your teacher has spent years working on their instrument and growing as a teaching professional. Usually, your teacher knows best. If you find yourself in disagreement with your teacher on something, politely ask questions or bring up the matter in question in a calm and respectful way. 

   2. Teachers are human too and we make mistakes, however, working with an obstinate student is a no go. 

8. Respect is a two way street and good communication takes more than one party’s involvement. 

Leaving

1. Take all of your belongings with you

2. Pack up and keep moving especially if your teacher has back to back lessons- this helps ensure that everyone gets the lesson time they deserve and the schedule stays on track

3. Make sure your ride arrives on time if you get dropped off 

4. Close the door behind you

Have a great time taking lessons!