Question for Guitar Teachers

**Rebel67** · 09.17.06, 07:58 PM

I have been teaching at the same location for over 11 years. I customized my room ala EVH. I have excellent students. (40+) My problem is that for the last few years the place has been going down hill. I have had a few checks bounce from the owner and have been getting frustrated with that. Should I try to work things out with the owner, or walk and let my students know of my wherebouts? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

**fast98dodge** · 09.17.06, 11:47 PM

I would find a new place to teach and let your students know where you're headed so you don't lose clientele... In fact, I would let any prospective place you're going to know how many students you have so they are more apt to hire ya...

When checks start bouncing, it's time to bail...

BTW, I'm not a guitar instructor, but just someone who knows about bouncin' checks...

You'd think if you've been there for 11 years, the last thing the owner would do is write you bad checks... That's a slap in the face...

**Hulk5150** · 09.18.06, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Rebel67

I have been teaching at the same location for over 11 years. I customized my room ala EVH.

Hey Reb, I'd love to see some pics of that room!
Keep your chin up! Good students follow good teachers.

**Rebel67** · 09.18.06, 08:26 PM

Here's a link to pictures of my lesson room.
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrow...der_id=1721222

Also, I had a chat with current boss. He is now going to be paying me cash every week. I told him that I had a decision to make. He also offered me a raise and more students. I will be watching his activities closely over the next few weeks. I have already made business cards, flyers and have contacted another location about 2 miles down the road, in case things don't work out. Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it.

**WinterlessIceness** · 09.19.06, 02:04 AM

Hey kewl-look room! What does "LK" made of stripes stand for, 3rd pic?

**Rebel67** · 09.19.06, 09:14 AM

L.K. are my initials. I would have gone EVH, but ran out of space. Plus, being it's my domain......well you get it. It's funny because a lot of students don't even notice that until they've been there for up to 6 months. They walk in one day and say "hey you changed it around, I never saw that before..." Thanks for the comments.

**WinterlessIceness** · 09.19.06, 12:47 PM

Sure, it just looks ace! Nice RR guide there too, I wonder if it would be any helpful to me if I'd get myself a copy

**SuckaInA3Piece** · 09.19.06, 01:03 PM

Damn Reb, I really wish you were in the Philly area. I took up listens with this "teacher" earlier in the year and it was a total waste of money. It's hard to find good guitar teachers down here these days.

**Rebel67** · 09.19.06, 09:29 PM

Thanks for the kind words. As much as I am a teacher, I am still a student of the instrument myself, and try to improve on my playing every day. Plus, it helps that I am a huge fan of the Guitar. When I was a kid, I had a hard time finding all of the information on playing Rock Guitar. Then I discovered Metal Method. It took my playing to new places. Combined with my 2nd teacher's classical, scale, chord and theory understanding I was able to figure out the musical picture. The Randy Rhoads book is good, but Doug Marks will take you thru the understanding of Randy's style and thinking.
www.metalmethod.com
Look under Ozzy Guitarists.
I am in the middle of trying to get Doug to re-release the entire 80's course on cd. I also made a handbook and am working on a cd to accompany it.

AT · 09.22.06, 05:00 PM

I'm coming in on this thread late...

I've been teaching at an awesome music store in Minneapolis for a few years now. Our setup is different; we are not in fact employees of the music store, but are instead independent contractors. All of my students pay me directly and follow the policy I have laid out. This of course shifts a lot of burden to me (record keeping, taxes, etc.), but I don't have a "boss," in that sense. The store takes a per lesson fee. It might be something to look for.

**Rebel67** · 09.22.06, 10:47 PM

Hi, When I was teaching in Florida it was the same way. The store would provide students and I would pay a fee for the room per student. It worked out well because I always got payed first (for the month) and only payed the room 1 week at a time. I am an Independent Contractor now, but He handles the scheduling, payments and advertising. I just got payed in cash on thursday. I am now adding fridays to my schedule, giving me about 50 students a week. If he starts forgetting to pay me on time, I will leave. I can then invite any and all students to the new location down the street where I will handle the payments, scheduling, etc. The reason for staying is to give him the benefit of the doubt and because up until recently, I had been well cared for in my 11+ years of working there. The letter of reference he wrote for me landed me a teaching gig immediately when I moved to Florida. (not a bad guy, just needs to get organized and stay on track). Thanks for your comment.

AT · 09.23.06, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by Rebel67

Hi, When I was teaching in Florida it was the same way. The store would provide students and I would pay a fee for the room per student. It worked out well because I always got payed first (for the month) and only payed the room 1 week at a time. I am an Independent Contractor now, but He handles the scheduling, payments and advertising. I just got payed in cash on thursday. I am now adding fridays to my schedule, giving me about 50 students a week. If he starts forgetting to pay me on time, I will leave. I can then invite any and all students to the new location down the street where I will handle the payments, scheduling, etc. The reason for staying is to give him the benefit of the doubt and because up until recently, I had been well cared for in my 11+ years of working there. The letter of reference he wrote for me landed me a teaching gig immediately when I moved to Florida. (not a bad guy, just needs to get organized and stay on track). Thanks for your comment.

Alright! Best of luck with the situation, whichever way it goes.