HELF?

[ewt]

I have a letter to write to my students. I don't like letters like this. I am giving myself a raise, because a) nobody else charges as little as I do in this city for going and teaching in someone else's home, and b) I can't really afford not to.



Dear Blah,

As you may already know, on 13th September I will be commencing a course of study at Trinity College of Music, Greenwich. As a result of this I will be moving into student halls of residence in Greenwich. I will continue to travel to Hendon to teach; however, I will necessarily have to make certain changes to my fee structure and teaching schedule.

From September 13th I will be charging £25 per hour of teaching time. I will require payment by cheque every four lessons in advance. Because of my studies I may have to reschedule more lessons than I have in the past. I will always try to give as much notice as possible of any changes necessary, and ideally students will still receive one lesson each week.

I wish to minimise the amount of time I spend commuting between Greenwich and Hendon. I plan to limit teaching days to two days per week - Sundays, and another weekday. I will not receive my schedule of classes until Monday, 13th September, so I can offer no guarantee of which weekday I will be free, if any, or at what times. I will do my best to accommodate your needs and will contact you as soon as I can to confirm your lesson time. In the event that a mutually workable time cannot be found I will endeavour to suggest a suitable piano teacher in the Hendon area who is taking on new students.

For those of you wishing to take piano exams in (blah dates), the deadline for entry this term is x. Please notify me as soon as possible if you wish to do an exam. I strongly recommend that students undertaking exams take extra lessons in the weeks leading up to the exam.


Umm. Suggestions? Comments?

In other news, 50 days to my birthday so I have updated my wishlist. No, I did not put the Conn 8D on it.

Have to go busk now.

Comments

[ex-purplekaz150.livejournal.com]

I think you should put your pay rise in the first paragraph - preferably the first sentence. Make the point first, then explain why. The rest is fine.

[yady.livejournal.com]

What were you asking per hour before?

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

If it's true that no one charges as little as you currently do, I think you should make it a point, by either pointing out how long it's been since you've raised your rates, or how much less you've been charging than others. Otherwise, it sounds like "I made this choice to go out of town to school, and I'm passing on my expenses to you."

It's also a good idea to toot your horn a bit. What will they have now that they didn't have before? Will you be able to bring new experiences or opportunities to their children? You are telling them that they are going to pay more for the service, and the scheduling will be less flexible, and possibly less consistent. There's a lot of "I don't know when I'll be there" in the message. It would be good if it was offset with a reminder of why you are the best person to teach their child. And/or, maybe something like telling them that their child's advancement is a continued priority for you, and you're hoping to continue that relationship, even though it's going to mean you have to travel to do so.

When you're self employed, it's ok (necessary) to sell yourself a bit. I hope this helps.

[spiralflames.livejournal.com]

love ya darlin..but disagree. it's important to sell yourself to PROSPECTIVE clients- the ones you already have know what they have. i remember the last rent raise i received- "as of may 1, 2004, the rent for the unit at xxxx will be $sss per month." no 'selling' me on how great the house is or how much they need the money. lessons aren't just a service, they're a relationship- and frankly, if a teacher has to write paragraphs to 'convince' someone they're 'worth' a couple bucks more a month? frankly..perhaps there's a space better reserved for someone else. yes, i have a bit of a chip on my shoulder about my teaching, because i am also 'selling' the best of what i am-- but if i ever lost a student when i raised my rates a few bucks a month, i'd smile and tell them not to let the door hit them in the arse on their way out the door. politely, of course. ::smiles::

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

I gave a different perspective. I may be full of crapola. It wouldn't be the first time.

[ksta.livejournal.com]

meep? kathrynrose? I'm confused.

[spiralflames.livejournal.com]

letter sounds good. i was afraid you were going to sound apologetic-you didn't. it was to the point and businesslike. good for you. keep in touch now and good luck starting uni!

[spiralflames.livejournal.com]

another response, having read the others. ewt, DON'T change your letter. i've been teaching for 20 years and i know what works and what doesn't. fact? the people who want to study will do it not matter what- and making a letter full of reasons and trying to convince people you're 'worth' a raise-- not important and not businesslike. i remember the last rent raise i got- "as of may 1, 2004, the rent for the house at XXXXXXX will be $xxx a month." no explanations, no paragraphs on how costs had increased and how great the house was. the fact is- you're still going to their house, and you're a good teacher, and you know your rates are still comparable to others. leave your letter alone, inspite of kathrynrose's sincere post.

[pplfichi.livejournal.com]

I can't really find fault with the letter, except to maybe switch paragraphs 1 and 2 (and so possibly rewirite the first sentence to something along the lines of "I would like to inform you that from September 13th I..."). It is short and to the point, and generally works :)