If your students aren’t paying for their voice lessons on time, you may be wondering what to do. Each studio and teacher operates differently, so they may have different payment policies and makeup policies. If students aren’t paying, you should always clarify payment policies in the first lesson. In addition to setting clear expectations about payment, you should also encourage students to practice on their own.
Beware of self-taught voice teachers
When choosing a voice teacher, you should ask them about their teaching philosophy. Many voice lessons are done through explanations and demonstrations. A good teacher will be willing to demonstrate the technique to you so you can understand it. Alternatively, they may ask you to pay a deposit in advance, but do not do this if you cannot pay for the voice lessons within a timely manner.
Look for a teacher with years of training
When students don’t pay for voice lessons in time, look for a teacher with years of experience and a solid educational background. Even if a teacher is new to the business, it’s important to know that it may take time to build a strong reputation, and it may take a few free lessons to prove themselves before you can pay. Additionally, the teacher should be a professional in their field, as an unprofessional teacher may not have much experience or training.
While choosing a voice teacher, you should consider personal needs and preferences. You need someone with whom you feel comfortable. A teacher who knows how to tailor their teaching style to your particular needs is most effective for your vocal development. A good voice teacher will be able to give you the personalized attention you need to make progress. Ask questions to narrow down your choices.
Encourage students to pay for voice lessons on time
One of the best ways to encourage students to pay for their voice lessons on time is to provide a payment plan. While a monthly check is a great way to motivate your students to make payments, self-employed voice teachers will have a harder time convincing students to pay their lessons. Creating a payment plan with a firm deadline and clear expectations can help ease your life as a voice teacher. Here are some tips to help you get started.
First, consider how much you want to spend on voice lessons. If you’re a beginner, 30 minutes a week may be adequate. Intermediate and advanced students should aim for 45-minute lessons. Beginners and intermediate students should aim to take one lesson per week for at least six months, but if you can afford it, you should plan on spending at least one hour a week. For those students who are more advanced, consider paying for a weekly lesson that lasts for 60 minutes.
Encourage students to practice on their own
It is not uncommon to see after-school extracurriculars that are geared toward voice. While these opportunities are beneficial for beginning students, they may not be the right fit for other students. Additionally, these classes interfere with a student’s normal social life. If a student doesn’t pay for their lessons in a timely fashion, you may want to encourage them to practice on their own when they don’t pay for their lessons.