Hi!

Thanks again everyone for your help with my "cancellation problem!"

Yesterday I received a call from a man that was interested in lessons for himself. I've had a few adult students thru the years (all women) except one that was a co-worker of my husband. Felt a little uncomfortable having a male adult student come to my home so.....after discussing it with my husband, I'm going to set up the lesson in the evening only when my husband is home. Also wondering what book I'm going to use. He's only had a few lessons online he said.
Anyone have any thoughts on this. (Maybe you'll find me paranoid!)

I love the Faber adult series. It starts with prereading, which you can use or not, depending on how much he knows.

I agree, teaching with your husband at home is a good idea. Later, you can always reschedule the time, when you know the student better and feel safe. Being home alone, you can't be too careful.

I have been using the Faber Adult book level one with an male adult student, and it fits him well. He is almost through book one, and he literally started from scratch. The music is interesting, and the technique and theory pages are great at the end of each unit.

You are not paranoid, it is always best to be safe!! I agree with Marcia's thoughts too.

Safety first!!! I agree with Joyful. I got a strange voice message once too. This is how it sounded:

Male student: "Hi, I'd like to sign up for lessons. Call me back at this number. By the way, when you call if my wife picks up tell her you're from music school 'cause she's real jealous. Tell her this: (And he actually went on with what's supposed to be "my speech"). He had very creepy voice. I deleted the message and prayed he'll forget my number.:(

In the past I worked for the music school and had to teach a creepy male student who made me feel very uncomfortable.

Wow, that is creepy!

Jennifer, yes this was creepy! I have another story I just remembered. Years ago, my student's dad once asked me if I wanted to come up and spend the weekend with him and his kids at the beach. I would have thought it was a nice (but weird) gesture but not after he added: "My wife's out of town for a week".
I acted like I didn't get it and just thanked him and said no.

I had a male student for about a year. He was actually a pastor. I was careful in scheduling his lessons at first, but after I got to know him better & trusted him more, I let him come at whatever time suited him. He ended up quitting b/c he didn't have time to practice like he wanted, and even though it was a little weird at first (as he was my first beginner-adult student), we developed a good rapport. I did not ever feel unsafe or creepy with him.

Sounds like you have a good plan, CJKitty. Hal Leonard adult method is kind of nice, and it comes with CDs. I don't remember if Bastien adult comes with CDs... it seems that some adults like the opportunity to play along with the CDs, to confirm that they're "doing it right".

Anya, I'm so sorry you've had to deal with so many creepy people - and mean/demanding people too!

Amanda

Amanda, thanks! Hope your summer is going well!
I would say the only great experience I had teaching adults is when I taught a friend of mine. He's an eye doctor. I had a lot of fun because he turned out to be very committed to practicing and had a lot of talent.

You are not paranoid. I am female and do not accept adult male students. I politely explained that to a prospective student and he totally accosted me with words over the phone. I'm so glad that I didn't say yes to that one!

This is the beauty of having our own businesses... we can choose who we want to teach.