Need your support
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free skin care · Thu Apr 13, 2006 12:57 pm

Hello everyone,
I'm very sad, that is probably why I'm writing this... I need your support. I have a vocal teacher at my university. I take private classes with her. I pay her for each hour a big amount of money.
On tne beginning, she was teaching me in a professional way (atleast the whole hour that I'm paying for), but now (I have no idea what exactly happened) she is coming late to our classes, don't even apologises, her husband every time entering the room where we study
10-15 minutes before our class is fihished and demand that the class is finished. All those times she doesn't even compensate my time by prolonging the class time. So, instead of sudying 1 hour, she teaches me for 30-45 minutes. Another thing is that she talks about things that have nothing to do with singing. For example, she complains about her life, husband, kids. And all that at my expense!

By nature I'm very polite person and I don't say anything, because I believe that she suppose to know that she should do her job. She is also told me that she is one of the people that will be deciding which student they will admit to the musical department at the university. I'm presently at the same university in Finance, and I want to add minor in music to my program.
I don't know what to do. I don't want to pay for the class time that I don't even have with her. I found another teacher, but when she asked me who was my previous teacher, she said that she can't take me, because my current teacher complained at the department once that she stole her student. This is ridiculous! I know that I have to do something, but I don't know what I can do in this situation.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

free skin care · Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:12 pm

can you say that you have a time conflict with the teacher that you want to avoid?

free skin care · Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:15 pm

I would politely ask her if she would like to reschedule your sessions to a time that is more convenient for her because she seems to be having problems getting there on time and having to leave early. She'll get the hint....As per the off-topic conversation, don't encourage it...just ask a music related question and direct conversation back to your studies.

free skin care · Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:38 pm

Maybe your appointment is at a bad time for her. Very politely, like lianne said, ask if she would like to move your lessons to a better time for her. She may appreciate your offer!

free skin care · Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:12 pm

Yes, I tried to ask her for another convinient for her time, and she said that this time is perfect for her. She said that she has classes only 4 hours per week, and the rest of time during the week she is at her office for private classes. She is not coming to University only for my class, she is already there at the University from 8a.m. to 8p.m., but she manages to be late for my time.

Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:25 pm

Maybe you need to speak with the department chairperson about this. She is being unprofessional and she shouldn't be allowed to get by with it.

free skin care · Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:34 pm

This morning before I wrote this post, I had a class with her. I came at my time, and found that she has another student at my time. She asked me to wait, I agreed. I waited for 45 minutes, then she started our class. We studied for less that half an hour and she stoppped the class, because she wanted to go somewhere. I asked her to call me in advance if she will reschedule my time and I said that considering we study for half the time, I'll pay her for half an hour. She demanded the whole amount of money and she said again how difficult it is to get into this program.
I have never see anything like that, she is black mailing me.
I said that I don't ask her to influence the decision on admiting me into the program. If I will get into the program, I want it to be because I have potential to sing. I paid to her $60 that I usually pay for an hour and I left. She called me a few minutes and left a message on my answering machine about our next class. So, now you all know the whole story.

Thu Apr 13, 2006 4:52 pm

Lara - it seems that you have tried to talk to her about this and didn't get the right response. I'd go make myself an appointment with an academic advisor or the head of her department and discuss this. That's just not on!

free skin care · Thu Apr 13, 2006 4:59 pm

You have done well to bring up your concerns with her- it is always a bit scary to tell someone in that position that you have a problem with what they are doing. Since her response to your concerns was inapprpriate, I would definitely go and see the head of the school about it. You are obviously not the only one who has a problem with this woman- I think you mentioned that another staff member was worried about taking on her students? Similar situations must have occurred previously.

Good luck and I hope that you can sort this out soon.

free skin care · Thu Apr 13, 2006 6:31 pm

I agree with maddy that you have to see someone about this. However, you also have to remember that you need proper vocal training and lesson to get into the program (I assume there is an audition?). Hence, if you dont feel like you are getting the proper training and lesson to get you ready for the audition, you def should find other teachers.
cheers

free skin care · Fri Apr 14, 2006 7:50 pm

Thank you for all your responses. Your support is very important to me.
I decided to go see the head of the school about this teacher. I spoke with other students and the teacher that I wanted to study with instead of my current teacher. Most of them wanted to complain on her for a long time, and now, they all want to go together and make something about it. I din't expect that so many people are not happy with her. The only thing is that she is member of the union, and I'm not sure my school can do something about her.
Thanks
Lara

free skin care · Thu Jun 29, 2006 5:41 am

I think u better talk to her, otherwise it is waste your time, and u learn othing from her... Rolling Eyes

free skin care · Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:07 am

As a professional, she has to act like a... professional, and she doesn't. Try to get the other students to complain with you. And I have been a union representative for many years, and, believe me, even though she is unionized, she still has to answer to complaints. Do not hesitate. She is using you (your money) and abusing her position of power.

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