Life is so busy! I know that between the many families in the Godfrey Violin and Viola Studio, collectively there are innumerable sports events and practices, school rehearsals, dance classes, gymnastics, orchestra concerts, choir concerts, and family activities. Just last week I had eight families notify me of not being able to make an upcoming lesson. Often it is illness or another last minute unforeseen challenge. For a same day cancellation I do not make up the lesson. Eight is a large number. Usually I have maybe one or two. This prompted me to update the contact information for parents and students in my studio on the Phone-Email list and make sure that all students and families received this file, along with my current teaching schedule. Since I don't have a secretary or receptionist (wouldn't that be nice?) I am hoping that when a student cannot make their lesson time they will try to trade with someone else that I teach. I am certain that there are parents or students who would rather not "bother" with this task and just take the makeup lesson at the end of the month. Then again many will call or email another family to try to trade times. I know how hard each family initially works with me at the beginning of the year to obtain a time that fits well into their lives. Certainly we are all in the same boat. To my studio families, I would suggest, since everyone occasionally has a lesson that they can't make please consider trading if you possibly can with someone who approaches you in a bind for a trade. They may in turn be happy to help you when you have conflicts. When you do this you are not only helping each other but you are helping me.
I don't want you to miss your lesson. It slows the flow of what we are working on when you skip a lesson. This is manifest when we have the "Off" week at the end of the month after the group lesson, although I consciously try to send home enough material so that each student will practice well for two weeks. I may not be able to give up non-scheduled teaching time for a makeup. When you have a conflict I realize that you may look at the schedule and not see even one lesson time that you can make, even if a trade were possible. In that case the end of the month makeup is usually available or I might be able to fit you in someplace during the week that works for both of us. The Godfrey Violin and Viola Studio has more students than it did six months ago and so my non-scheduled time is less than it was.
I am so blessed to teach the special young people that come into my life. I want to give each of them the best that I am capable of. I know that working together in the Godfrey Violin and Viola Studio we are giving children a powerful musical legacy. Each developing talent brings me much joy and satisfaction. Thank you for your many kindnesses to me and for your consideration of the makeup policies, just another detail in the excellent process that we are engaged in.
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