FAQ: How Do We Let a Long-Time Teacher Know We’re Looking for a New Class?

We’ve been taking piano with a perfectly nice but not amazing teacher for three years now. My son’s interested in taking lessons with one of his friend’s teachers — he’s a young, enthusiastic guy whom the kids adore. I know it’s okay to switch teachers, but do I need to let our long-time teacher know why we’re leaving? We don’t have any problems with her, but my son is really excited about the opportunity to study with another teacher.

Since you’ve been working with this teacher a while, I think it’s probably good manners to give her a little notice that you won’t be continuing lessons. You don’t have to do this, but it’s nice to let her know that there’s a change coming to her regular income stream in case she wants to advertise for new students or contact people on her waiting list. In some cases, you may actually be required to give her a certain amount of notice that you’ll be dropping the class or pay her for a full term of classes — if you signed a contract or payment agreement when you started your lessons, make sure you understand your obligations. You don’t have to go into details — shoot her an email to let her know that your son has enjoyed studying with her, but you won’t be continuing lessons after a specific date. I think a month’s notice is nice to give, but of course you have to do what works best for your family.

When you talk to her, it’s fine to disclose whatever you are comfortable with. (And it’s fine to email her or call her rather than telling her in person.) If you want to keep it simple, you can just say “We really appreciate everything you’ve done for Joe-Bob, but we’re making some changes to our schedule and will be ending our lessons with you after the 5th.” If you want to give more details, go ahead: “Joe-Bob has really enjoyed studying piano with you, but he’s decided he wants to try working with a different teacher. Our last class with you will be the one we have scheduled for the 5th.” If she asks why you’re switching, it’s fine to be vague —“It just seems like a better fit for us right now.” If you had a specific problem — lots of cancellations or a too-gruff teaching manner — it would be fine to let her know, but it sounds like you weren’t unhappy, just ready to move on. Usually in these situations, the best approach to take is the one you’d like someone to take in your position.

---