Double Bass A Question of Courtesy

[David Potts]

Should students who wish to change teachers have the courtesy to at least advise their soon-to-be-former teacher of their intentions or just disappear? As an act of courtesy and respect for a colleague should their new teacher ask them if they have "cleared the slate" with the old teacher as part of their acceptance?

I find it hurtful when students disappear without notice, even more so if they still have some of my music. As someone who is trying to be a very good first teacher I am happy to pass my students on to better teachers but would ask that they be advanced enough to evaluate suggested changes to technique and musicianship before deciding what to absorb or quietly reject. In other words, to choose what suits them best from each teacher.

Sydney has a fairly small bass teaching scene and we mostly know each other, so we usually find out sooner or later where students have gone next. It's hard enough to make and keep friends in music so what's the use of making enemies?

DP

 

[waleross]

When I was studying String bass in College, it wasn't always my decision to change, the school and the teacher usually did it first. Being on scholarship meant the lessons were paid by the school etc. In any case one should have the decency to give advanced notice....................

 

[JxBass]

Should students who wish to change teachers have the courtesy to at least advise their soon-to-be-former teacher of their intentions or just disappear? As an act of courtesy and respect for a colleague should their new teacher ask them if they have "cleared the slate" with the old teacher as part of their acceptance?

Not sure of the age of your students but it sounds like an act of immaturity to me.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

We have two DB teachers in the jazz area at UofL. I require all students who request to switch to my studio from the other teacher's studio to discuss the intention to switch in person before I agree to accept them as a student. It just seems like the right thing to do.

 

[Steve Freides]

Should students who wish to change teachers have the courtesy to at least advise their soon-to-be-former teacher of their intentions...?

Yes, of course you're right, sorry that a student or students have done this too you - it's just plain rude.

Sometimes it's nothing you did, e.g., they discover another teacher who's closer and decide that's what's most important to them, or perhaps a student's parents get word from other parents of another teacher about whom everyone raves. Don't take it personally.

-S-