When Parents Make a Sudden Change: The Importance of Communication in Music Education

Every so often, we encounter a familiar pattern. A student—perhaps a pianist or violinist—has been with us for years. They’re thriving. They can sight-read fluently, perform with confidence, and, most importantly, they genuinely love music. Parents are happy with their child’s progress, and everything is going well. Then, out of nowhere, we receive the 30-day notice that they’re switching to private one-on-one lessons elsewhere.

Of course, parents have every right to make decisions they believe are best for their child, and we respect that. But here’s where things get a little puzzling—these students are already succeeding in our program. Why the sudden switch?

The Real Reasons Behind the Change

We often hear a variety of explanations:
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“We just feel it’s time for private lessons.”
“A friend’s child is loving their one-on-one teacher.”
“We think this will be better for our child’s progress.”

But experience tells us that the stated reason is rarely the full story.

Understanding Our Lesson Model

At our studio, we primarily offer a small group lesson model that has consistently proven to be highly successful in helping students of all ages and levels become musically fluent and strong sight readers. Students learn to work independently, gain confidence in their abilities, and develop skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. It’s a structured, research-backed approach that produces excellent musicianship—so when a thriving student suddenly leaves, we naturally wonder why.

That said, we also offer private one-on-one lessons on a limited basis for advanced students and when teacher-suggested/approved. These lessons are designed for students who have reached a level where individualized instruction is necessary for continued growth. Parents who are interested in this option should always feel comfortable discussing it with us before making a decision.

Financial Concerns

More often than not, the real reason is financial—someone has offered a cheaper option, and traditional private lessons still carry the perception of being the “gold standard", even at a lower price. While one-on-one instruction certainly has its place, we also know from decades of experience that it’s not necessarily the most effective way to create independent, confident musicians.

The Role of Outside Influence

Sometimes, parents feel pressure from peers or social circles. It’s a bit like the “social media effect”—where everyone else seems to have found something amazing, making you question your own choices. A friend raves about their private teacher, and suddenly, a parent wonders, “Are we missing out?” But what’s often overlooked is that different teaching models suit different students, and just because something works for one child doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for another.

The Importance of Expertise & Communication

One of the most interesting aspects of this phenomenon is that parents initially seek out lessons because they recognize they are not the experts in music education. They trust a teacher or a studio to guide their child’s progress. But at some point, without consulting that very expert, they suddenly feel confident making a major change. Why abandon expertise without a conversation?

What’s most surprising is that, in many cases, parents assume they don’t have options. They don’t ask the opinion of the teacher or studio they've so greatly trusted if there are options available. Or, if there are financial solutions for committed students (we do!). Instead of reaching out, they quietly make a decision and move on.

We understand that life gets busy and money is always a factor—our teachers are parents, too. But we also know that making changes based on assumptions rather than conversations can lead to missed opportunities. If a student is thriving, happy, and making great progress, we encourage parents to talk with their teacher(s) before making a switch. Great teachers are always open to discussing scheduling challenges, financial concerns, and alternative lesson structures. The goal is to keep great students engaged in music, not just to fill a time slot.

A Thought for Music Parents, Wherever You Take Lessons

If you’re ever considering a change in your child’s lessons, ask yourself: What results am I really looking for? If your child is progressing, enjoying music, and gaining skills that will last a lifetime, then the value of a program goes beyond just the monthly fee. And if you’re unsure about your options—just ask! A good teacher and a strong program will always be willing to work with you.

As for the student who prompted this reflection? We’re reaching out to their family to discuss possibilities, and we’ll see what happens. Whether they stay or go, we of course wish them well—because, at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: for every student to find lifelong joy in making music.