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Extra-curricular activities

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Friend‘s children taking music lesson time

59 replies

Whatamess582 · 17/06/2021 16:57

Could someone let me know if I’m overthinking this or if I am justified in being a little annoyed.

I have wanted my DSs (7 and 5) to start music lessons for a while now and finally found a teacher in the next village who teaches drums guitar and piano and offered his last two 2x45 minute sessions to my children to have a bit of a music-introduction course before they settle into learning one instrument formally. I love the teacher’s approach and my kids were loving it.
I mentioned the teacher to a friend of mine who has 2 kids of the same age and she said she might speak to him to start her two in September.
A few weeks later she is sitting outside the cafe round the corner from his house when we turn up for our lesson and says ‘oh DS and DD are there having a joint lesson. I rang him and this was his last slot because someone else dropped out.’ Obviously no problem and I’m delighted for them.
Then music teacher says after my youngest’s lesson… ‘it would be great if friend’s DS could have the session to himself and DD went in with your DS2 and then your DS2 could have his session alone’. I didn’t mind so much as I thought it might help my youngest concentrate a bit as he gets distracted and can be a handful so I agreed. We put it to friend and she said ok.
Next week it’s all fine.
Following week my son is struggling with tiredness and the fact his father is leaving for work abroad for 2 months the next day and is a handful and distracts little girl and teacher mentioned it at end. Didn’t think much of it but spend week rooming him to be better behaved for next lesson.
Next week I turn up and friend is sitting at cafe again and says ‘oh DD is in with him. We’ve decided my DS should have 30 mins, then DD, then your DS2 and then your DS1 should have his 45 min session’. I was flustered and on my period and a bit spaced out so I just said ‘oh ok’ but then afterwards I’m going into the lesson to drop off my youngest and am about to mention it and teacher says ‘yes a much better situation for friends DD…. She was getting distracted by your son’. I was a bit gobsmacked that no one had asked me about the session or asked my opinion. I left DS2 there, switched in DS1 after his session and then went off to think about it. Today I get text from friend saying ‘I prefer DD to have 30 mins alone as she didn’t like it with your son, so we’ll leave it as it was this week from now on, ok?’
I’m a bit miffed to be honest. I found the guy, committed to 45 mins each. Primed my children to go. Then primed my DS to share his session and now have to prime him to go alone… And some how I’ve ended up losing 15 mins of one lesson to a friends child who I introduced to the teacher… he charges me less obviously for less time. It’s not the money really. Should I say something or just leave it. On the one hand my son gets a lesson to himself which I think I prefer. and perhaps 30mins is better for a child of 5? On the other I feel someone should have asked me. I feel a bit bulldozed. Confused

OP posts:
ladygindiva · 17/06/2021 18:16

I can see why youre frustrated but as a music teacher yes, your 5 year old is better off doing only 30 minutes. I don't recommend longer for any child below 10 tbh and I've never met a 5 year old who could concentrate in a music lesson for any longer than about 20 minutes.

gamerchick · 17/06/2021 18:17

Be assertive with the pair of them man! Tell your 'friend' you don't appreciate her interfering and to butt out and tell the music teacher he's to deal with you only from now on and not this person. She's likely pitched it like it's already been run past you.

Or find another music teacher.

starfishmummy · 17/06/2021 18:19

Yanbu. The teacher sounds very unprofessional if he is changing your lessons without discussing it first.
I'd be looking for someone else: when that is secured I would tell the first teacher exactly why I was leaving. I would also not tell the friend where I was going in case she follows. (I wouldnt tell the old teacher either in case he lets it slip)

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 17/06/2021 18:25

[quote Whatamess582]@BeingATwatItsABingThing.
No he is charging us the proportional price for 30 mins[/quote]
No, I meant when your DS and her child shared a lesson.

Whatamess582 · 17/06/2021 18:25

@Veterinari…… yeah maybe. I just feel like we’re friends but I feel manhandled by her and him if I’m honest and that’s pissed me off. If she had just asked I probably would have seen the merits and maybe gone with it…. But she didn’t and now I feel a bit like I have lost out for just sharing info.

OP posts:
Wigglegiggle0520 · 17/06/2021 18:31

It sounds like it works for the music teacher as they are fitting in a half hour slot when previously they would have had a space for 15 mins pre your dc. So they are paid for an extra 15 mins.
30 mins may be too long now but in future if you want to increase to 45 mins you won’t be able to as your friends DC have filled the before spot.
Personally, even if the 45 mins is too long for your 5yo, I’d be asking to revert.
If the teacher had issues with the length of the lesson that should have been a separate conversation.
I wonder if the teacher had no space left and your friend has manipulated the situation to fit her children in.
Stand your ground OP!

Bimblybomeyelash · 17/06/2021 18:33

Tbh it sounds like in the end, it has worked out for the best for all concerned. 30 mins solo lesson is the right choice for your son.

Bibidy · 17/06/2021 18:33

Wow, my music lessons used to be 20 mins :| 45 is a lot!

I think your teacher and friend were out of order but also that it's probably worked out for the best for your kids in the end, as I can't imagine a session with 2 kids and multiple instruments would be very efficient tbh.

Definitely nab your slots back in September though.

Whatamess582 · 17/06/2021 18:41

@BeingATwatItsABingThing we were splitting the cost for the 45m lesson between us.

OP posts:
Veterinari · 17/06/2021 18:43

[quote Whatamess582]@Veterinari…… yeah maybe. I just feel like we’re friends but I feel manhandled by her and him if I’m honest and that’s pissed me off. If she had just asked I probably would have seen the merits and maybe gone with it…. But she didn’t and now I feel a bit like I have lost out for just sharing info.[/quote]
Totally understand that and agree she should have spoken to you - she seems a bit underhand
Just thinking it actually may have worked out ok regardless

SimonedeBeauvoirscat · 17/06/2021 19:00

Whatever you decide about the length of the lessons which you want, ‘friend’ is a pushy mare with plenty of cheek.

Eviebeans · 17/06/2021 19:11

Is your son that keen on the lessons? Would he prefer to do a different activity? 45 minutes is a long time for a 5 year old.

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 17/06/2021 19:19

[quote Whatamess582]@BeingATwatItsABingThing we were splitting the cost for the 45m lesson between us.[/quote]
That’s ok then. Didn’t want to hear you’d been conned out of money too.

Whatamess582 · 17/06/2021 19:25

He likes them very much. He gets a real kick out of music and the teacher approaches it really nicely. The kids pretty much direct the lesson so that they can do what they are interested in. So eg if my son feels like drumming that day they will do rhythm and beats and learn about sound production in the drums and try all the different drums etc…. If he then gets bored and wants to try some guitar they learn about sound box, string tension, octaves etc…. He wouldn’t be able to do 45 or even 30 mins of straight piano…. It’s more a ‘introduction to music’ lesson.
He does other activités… I just felt that it was time they both explored music a bit more. We started in Jan because a lot of other activités were prohibited but 121 music lessons were allowed to continue and I wanted them to do something other than school.

OP posts:
NCwhatsmynameagain · 17/06/2021 19:35

Really confused about how your children’s shedule is being decided by your ‘friend’ (she isn’t) and yet he music teacher with you being told afterwards- that’s not ok! Think both need a reminder that you need to be involved in these decisions too!

Sunnyfreezesushi · 17/06/2021 19:38

My children all do at least 2 instruments and started around age 5/6 on 20 minutes initially, then moved to 30 minutes when ready around Grade 2/3 and then 45 minutes around grade 6. Sometimes less time is better and they learn to focus more. Key thing is regular practice even if it is only 10 minutes a day. I think the friend was out of order but maybe the music teacher just could not keep your 5 year old occupied and focussed for that long so thought that would be better for both your DS and friend’s DD. One to one is usually much better anyway.

Whatamess582 · 17/06/2021 19:59

@ladygindiva thanks it’s good to have a music teacher’s perspective. I don’t remember my music lesson lengths when I was that age and my mother can’t either.

@Sunnyfreezesushi
Thanks for that. I don’t really remember. I know I was having 1hr lessons at age 12 for my instruments but the teachers would fill the time with music theory and scales and all sorts. Not just playing. But yes… I’m pretty sure now that 5 is too young to do 45 mins. We live and learn don’t we!!

OP posts:
NellWilsonsWhiteHair · 17/06/2021 20:16

Yeah, I'd feel pissed off as a point of principle as it's poor behaviour from both, but on balance it sounds like the new arrangement could actually be better for you in which case I wouldn't cut off my nose to spite my face.

I'd drop the friend (no drama, just mentally check out and no more info sharing!), but tbh I wouldn't walk away from a music teacher it sounds like you and both DC are happy with - they're not necessarily ten a penny. I would say something like "i expect arrangements to be made between you and me, not other people" to try to ward off this shit happening again, though.

SE13Mummy · 17/06/2021 21:21

I think you're completely justified in feeling walked-over by the other parent and let down by the music teacher. It's possible he's also been walked over by the other parent and/or that he's inexperienced (especially given he was attempting 45 minutes with a 5 year old).

For the sake of clarity going forward, I'd email/however you first made contact with the music teacher, state as there's been some confusion around timings etc. since other parent's DCs started lessons, that you'd like to confirm timings; youngest is doing 30 minutes from Xpm to Ypm, eldest is doing 45 minutes between Ypm and Zpm. Mention that you would like the sessions to remain as individual lessons for your DC only and request they be kept confidential from other parents, perhaps with an acknowledgement that you find it hard to resist the other parent's enquiries at times but would appreciate it if your DCs' lessons (timing, progress, content etc.) were not discussed with her in the future. Say how much you like his approach with your DCs and are keen for them to continue.

LuluKentGirl · 18/06/2021 03:29

@SE13Mummy

I think you're completely justified in feeling walked-over by the other parent and let down by the music teacher. It's possible he's also been walked over by the other parent and/or that he's inexperienced (especially given he was attempting 45 minutes with a 5 year old).

For the sake of clarity going forward, I'd email/however you first made contact with the music teacher, state as there's been some confusion around timings etc. since other parent's DCs started lessons, that you'd like to confirm timings; youngest is doing 30 minutes from Xpm to Ypm, eldest is doing 45 minutes between Ypm and Zpm. Mention that you would like the sessions to remain as individual lessons for your DC only and request they be kept confidential from other parents, perhaps with an acknowledgement that you find it hard to resist the other parent's enquiries at times but would appreciate it if your DCs' lessons (timing, progress, content etc.) were not discussed with her in the future. Say how much you like his approach with your DCs and are keen for them to continue.

i totally agree. this is what i would type if i could think properly but i haven't had a coffee yet.
timeisnotaline · 18/06/2021 04:37

Confirm timing and add this has been a bit confusing, I know x & I are friends but for the sake of clarity, I have not authorised her to make changes to my children’s music lessons and please ask me directly about any future suggestions for changes.

NotMaryWhitehouse · 18/06/2021 04:41

@VettiyaIruken

I'd find a different teacher. This one seems to have no idea how to behave professionally.
Agree!
youshallnotpass9 · 18/06/2021 05:11

I would double check with the music teacher what your friend has told him tbh. While I agree they have been unprofessional, it might have been lead by your friend telling them, this is what has been agreed between the two of you. They should have checked with you regardless, before changing anything

AngelDelightUk · 18/06/2021 05:38

I’d find a new teacher. This is seriously unacceptable that he thought it ok to introduce other children into your children’s times. I’ve had my fair share of music teachers over the years, some amazing and some awful, and I can’t even get my head around how he thought this was ok without discussing it with you. You’d signed up for 45 minutes each, and he’s allowed your friend to muscle in

I’d be tempted to message him thanking him for this year but in light of the constant changes and disruptions to timings you are moving to another teacher. Then say similar to your friend

Cattitudes · 18/06/2021 06:15

Your friend is manipulative and the music teacher is unprofessional but 45 mins is too long at that age for a music lesson. I would almost be tempted to split the 30 mins or if you can get 40 mins into two halves so ds2 does 20 min then ds1 has his lesson and then back to ds2. He will probably get more from it that way.