Let’s Play Music teachers encourage and practice open and honest and communication with respect for the hearer and the listener.
We value open and honest communication. Of course, communication is a two-way street. That means you have an opportunity and responsibility to speak up and ask your teacher. Let’s Play Music teachers are encouraged to seek feedback (usually via surveys) each year to find out what you're thinking.
Our teachers may feel nervous to solicit feedback. They put their heart into teaching, love their students and give 100%. Receiveing feedback takes energy and understanding. We train our teachers to value the honest opinions of parents and use them to improve their studios.
One survey response from a parent included a suggestion to start a blog or send out weekly emails so parents could have a better understanding of the activities. Excellent idea!! Thanks for letting us know what you needed to get the most from class.
Now it's up to you to take the time to give thoughtful feedback when your teacher asks. Don't hold back on telling her something, kindly, that she can really put to use and make her program better. In the long run, you don't help by being silent.
The Good Times and Bad
Some day you may have a tough topic to discuss with your teacher. It might make you nervous to approach her, and it might make her nervous, too! Whatever your topic, your teacher has been trained to address your concern openly, honestly, and professionally. Please tell us honestly what you are concerned about and give us a chance to meet your needs.
The good news is, your teacher has a huge supportive network of mentors and other teachers across the nation. Whatever question, issue, or problem you may need to bring up, someone has probably dealt with something similar before! This is not to minimize your concern, this is so you'll know that you won't break your dear teacher's heart or business if you talk to her about what's going on. She will get support and find ways to work through it.
Don't Let This Be You
Over the years, students can simply vanish from class. They stopped coming with no communication about what was going on. And, parents don't answer texts or phone calls. A few years later this parent saw her teacher in a store and, although it was awkward, did want to talk to her. The teacher told the parent, "I was worried about you…whatever happened back then?" The parent said that making the payments was a struggle so they'd stopped coming to class. This parent was embarrassed and awkward feelings were overwhelming. It just got worse over time. Don't let this be you. Don't let something spoil your child's music experience when it might be resolved.
Sure, myriad things happen that affect a family's finances. When those parents came to chat with the teacher, some creative solutions are discovered. Most of the time we were able to figure something out so the student could stay in class. Occasionally we couldn't, but we separate with an amicable and compassionate feeling between us. This is how we prefer to operate, let's communicate openly and honestly.
Convos With My Teacher
Here's a sample conversation to help you get started if you have a tricky subject to bring up. Perhaps there's something in class that's happening (or not happening) that could be better.
You: Hi Ms. Teacher. I have been wanting to chat with you about something. Do you have a few minutes now?
Teacher: Why, yes. I'm so happy you called. What's on your mind today?
You: Well, one thing I really value is _____. I really care about making sure that ______. So, one thing that I have been thinking about is __________.
Teacher: Okay. I'm glad to hear that ____ is so important to you. I really want to make this class a success for your child, and knowing exactly what you care about helps me. Now that you point it out, I can understand your perspective about ________________. I really care about making this work for both of us; is it okay with you if I take a couple days to think about this and consider what you've shared with me. I'm also going to do a little research and see if I can come up with some strategies to share with you. Can I call you back on Friday?
You: Sure. I'm glad you're willing to talk to me about this. I really feel like we are a team.
Teacher: Of course! I'm happy to address this. I'm sure this isn't the last time I will have to confront _______ , so I'm glad you're friendly about helping all of us figure it out.
Your Let's Play Music teacher strives to have great customer service. She's also someone you're going to get to know pretty well after 3 years, more if you have more children. Our teachers hope to become your BTF: Best Teacher Forever. You know, the kind of teacher you can really talk to about your child's progress. The kind of teacher that listens and seeks to understand. A teacher who is thinking of your child's best interests and striving to bring out the best in your child.
One last thing, when your teacher does something you like, tell her that, too! "I loved it that you made those treats for the kids. It meant a lot to me that you stayed after class to talk to my child. I value that you took time to show me again how to do that skill."
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