Teaching a New Student (Part 1/4): Before the Lesson

The Intake Interview

Talk with the student and/or their family via phone, email, in person, or a questionnaire form.

​Remember to comply with state and federal confidentiality laws as well as your studio or organization's policies regarding the transmission and storage of any personal information.

Gather Information

• What instrument(s) is the student interested in learning?
• Has the student taken lessons before? If so, for how long?
• Do they have access to an instrument for lessons and practice?
• How old is the student?
• Are there any safety concerns, such as allergies, medical conditions, aggression, flight risk, inappropriate behaviors, etc.? (For example, some teachers like to use magnets on a whiteboard of the staff, but you should avoid magnets when working with students who have a pacemaker or VNS.)​
• What is the student's availability?

Establish Policies

• Date, time, location, and cost of the lessons
• Payment - when it's due and what types of payment are accepted (cash, check, credit card, paypal, venmo etc.)
• Policies regarding cancellations, tardies, no-shows, and makeups for both student and teacher
• Any other miscellaneous policies (For example, is a parent required to stay in the house or the studio during the lesson?)

If appropriate, exchange contact information. You will also need the student's address if you will be driving to them.