I'm a professional musician (not the famous kind, just the average work-a-day musician-for-hire type)I also teach private lessons. I have a bachelor's degree in music from a great school which cost a lot of money and time and sweat.
I have been fortunate to have gigged, recorded, and toured with notable artists from across Canada and around the world. I taught music at every level, from middle and high school band, to college theory courses, and for years I taught upwards of 40 lessons per week at the country's largest music store.
Last month at the beginning of March I took on a new student. A teenager who is quite pleasant to work with and also shows a great passion and aptitude for the guitar. I enjoy working with her immensely since not all students take such an active role in their learning.
The problem is her father. A Doctor of Psychology at the local university.
Out of all of the students, parents, and employers I have worked with, I have never encountered someone so entitled, mean spirited, and degrading. Actually I have, but this time it just hit different.
I have attached images of our correspondance leading to my termination of our lesson arrangement. As you will see I offer flexibilty and rate reductions to students with low-income or other financial limitations, but Dr. Stephen clearly indicated that he would have no issue paying me in full on the first of each month, rather, he just didn't feel like it.
I also sent an email to the student to apologize and explain why I couldn't continue accepting lesson bookings from her step-dad. I offered to keep her as a student if she paid for the lessons herself. She works 4-5 days a week on top of high-school. I offer low-income students a 50% reduction in lesson fees and flexible payment schedules because I don't think that money should be a barrier to education. I would be happy to keep her on at half-price if it meant I never had to deal with her crappy step-dad again.
I guess I'm just frustrated and looking for some kind of support or validation. I thought that most people were aware that you always pay the little guy first. Am I wrong here? I need the money but I also have my dignity and can't live every month not knowing when my payments will arrive. Is this asking too much?
Thanks ya'll. Sorry this post is such a mess. I'm a bit frazzled.
