A Free Lesson To A Prospective Student

Dear XXXX,

I feel compelled to write you about what I see as troublesome behavior on your part. Maybe you do not see it the same way, but I take playing the horn seriously, and I expect the same from my students. In order to secure a place in my studio, you must be aware of a few things I will not tolerate.

For example:

Two weeks in a row you have not contacted me in a timely manner regarding your lesson. The first time I didn't hear back from you was after I set forth my lesson rates. You asked me to consider reducing my normal fee. I politely declined that reuest, asked you to please confirm if you were planning on going forward with the lessons, and I heard nothing. I do not operate on a "maybe the student will show up" basis. This is why I specifically asked you to respond last week, confirming your lesson for September 28th, and then to contact me the night before. I do this with all new students.

All I got from you this week was a partial sentence in an email earlier this evening saying "What is your #". (I don't know you. I'm not one of your "friends." Learn to write a respectful email and include COMPLETE SENTENCES. Spellcheck is your friend. Use it. And respect your teachers. Speak that way, and write that way. Got it?)

I replied with an email immediately after I received yours this evening, giving you my "#", and a couple of minutes later with another short email asking you if you planned on making your lesson tomorrow. Then, after my show tonight, I sent you yet another email asking you to call me tonight no later than 10 PM. That time has come and gone, and you did not call. Common courtesy dictates that you should have contacted me, one way or another. I thought my instructions were pretty clear.

This is all unacceptable.

I don't know where you got my name, but let me tell you something. The horn is not my "hobby." I have been a professional horn player for 30 years. I am extremely busy, and CHOOSE to teach only those who are completely dedicated to learning not only how to play the horn, but who are also dedicated to being responsible human beings. That last sentence describes why you are receiving this particular email.

I have rescheduled my day job for you two Wednesdays in a row. Last week I was able to turn the schedule back around. I was not so fortunate this time. Can you begin to understand what effects your actions have on others?

I will not tolerate disregard for my time, disrespect for the instrument, or unwillingness or inability to communicate. You have demonstrated all three of those things. No teacher or professional on any level will take you seriously if you behave with them in the way you have with me. Please take this message to heart, as a LESSON, free of charge.

If and when you acquire these qualities I have mentioned and can prove to me that you want to focus on learning this craft, let me know. For now, I think it's best if you look elsewhere for a teacher. But please, when you do find someone else, please treat him or her with much more respect than you have shown me.

Beth Lano