Every first lesson should come with these three things.
- A clear description of what the instructor’s weekly expectations are. Students can’t meet expectations if they don’t fully understand what they are.
- A majority of time spent discussing the student goals for the lessons. Private lessons are incredibly intimate and personal; if we are not adapting to meet the needs and desires of the students, then we are failing to both serve our students and bring out the best in them.
- An acknowledgement that no lesson relationship is forever. I always say, “At some point, either you or I or both of us will say, it’s time for a new teacher.” As an instructor, I must recognize when I’m no longer the right teacher for my student’s needs. Opening up this line of communication from the very beginning is essential.