The golden rule. (Local Association News).

While reading through local association reports from the state chairs, a particular subject popped up several times: teachers, students, students of other teachers, ethical behavior and the need to preserve a good relationship with our colleagues.

An article appeared in the Clarion, the Washington State Music Teachers newsletter, which states the situation very well.

Every year when those phone calls start coming in--the "I'm looking for a piano teacher for my child" calls--I start thinking about the subject of ethics. It also comes to mind when I receive a phone call from a parent of one of my own students: "I'm afraid we have decided to change piano teachers."

The subject of ethics in private music teaching is a complex issue. The way we deal with our students and their parents is part of that issue, but this article addresses how we treat each other as fellow professionals.

What do you do when a parent tells you that she is unhappy with her present teacher and hopes that you will enroll her child in your program? What determines whether or not you will accept that student? What will you say to her former teacher at your next [Local Association] meeting? These are some of the questions (I'm sure you can think of many more) that we need to consider. Another question might be: "when it is my student who is seeking another teacher, how would I as the former teacher like to be treated?"

Perhaps you are a college faculty member, used to many students coming to you each year for more advanced instruction. Or perhaps you are certified and find students coming to you to receive high school credit. The number of referrals you receive from other teachers will depend directly on how you treat those teachers.

There is a teacher I know who avoids taking the students of other teachers. She feels better about her relationships with the other local teachers because of this policy. But let's fact facts here--students are free to choose the teacher they think suits them best, and will change teachers if they become unhappy. Here are some both good and not-so-good reasons: ("my present teacher doesn't teach theory" or "she teaches too much theory," "maybe I'll win that contest next year with a different teacher," or "I want to play popular music but my teacher only teaches classical") ... the list goes on.

There are even times when I find a change of teachers desirable for one of my students. Perhaps we have a personality conflict, or the student has advanced beyond my ability to teach him well, or I'm just not motivating her the way I would like, and feel that someone else would do a better job. The way that I have been treated by those other teachers who have taken my students as transfer students in the past will certainly influence my selection of teacher to call with referrals, either from my own studio, or from my waiting list as it grows too long.

Here are some ideas about how to manage the transfer student situation:

* Find out why the student wants to leave their present teacher. You will learn much about the parent's attitudes and expectations with this question, and will want to use this information in your decision to accept the student. Ask whether the parent has discussed their concerns with the former teacher--often they have not. The former teacher is not a mind reader, and cannot possibly know that a parent is dissatisfied if not told.

* Ask if they have made a firm decision to leave the teacher. If they have not discussed the situation with the teacher encourage them to communicate their thoughts to that teacher.

* If they have discussed their concerns with the teacher, consider whether you will be likely to meet their expectations and if you'll want to. Do their expectations fit into your idea of what your personal strengths are?

* Ask if they have paid all bills in full, and if they have returned all borrowed music.

* All these details can be handled on the phone. You may find that based on answers you receive that you do not care to go further with the student. If you are comfortable with what you have learned, you could schedule an interview with the student to meet them and evaluate their skill level.

* Call the former teacher. I tell the parent that I will be doing so, after they have talked with the teacher first. Things you might discuss are whether fees are paid and music returned, the teacher's opinion of the strengths and weaknesses of the student, and anything else that they consider important.

* Finally, speak no evil of the former teacher in your lessons. The problems that the transfer student possesses are likely as much of their own making as the fault of the former teacher.

It isn't easy to call a teacher with the news you are about to accept one of their students into your program. Remember to think about how you like to be treated when one of your students changes teachers, and try to follow the Golden Rule. Everyone benefits from this kind of attitude--especially the students.

--Patti Robertson
Kennewick, Washington
Reprinted with permission.

Ethical behavior could be a discussion topic for one of your local association meetings. You might include interviews and policy statements. Be sure new teachers from other cultures are included in your discussions.

--Carolyn Malnes, NCTM
National Local Associations Chair
Lynnwood, Washington
She is an independent music teacher.