Ask DrJ:

Dear Dr. J: Why are you such a jerk about makeup lessons- I think it’s only fair that you reschedule our session this week, since Jimmy has a ballet recital.

DrJ:

Great Question! It’s quite hard making a career in music- I LOVE music, and I LOVE teaching.

My students are literally family to me, and as such, it is very hard to maintain boundaries and remember that while they are my family–I love them, would walk through fire to help them, but I also have to make sure that I take care of MY real family.

• If I don’t be a good businessman my kid doesn’t get new shoes.
• If I am not a good businessman my dog doesn’t eat.
• If I am not a good businessman my family doesn’t have a place to live.

I found this article quite striking — it very clearly summarizes why makeup lessons are impractical from both an economic standpoint, and from a scheduling standpoint.

I’ve struggled with how to say this elegantly, and respectfully, for years– I think that Ms. Barnham has hit the nail on the head with the following:

Speaking now as an economist, I would claim that the reason is that items like clothing are “durable goods’ – meaning, they can be returned and then resold at the original price – whereas music lessons are non-durable goods – meaning, once my Monday slot at 3:30 is gone, my son’s teacher can’t turn around and sell it again. The only way she would be able to give him a lesson later in the week would be if she were to give up time that she had scheduled for her own private life; and that seems pretty unreasonable – I can’t think of many employees who would be thrilled if their bosses were to announce that they couldn’t work from 3:30 to 4:30 this afternoon, but would they please stay until 6:30 on Thursday, because there will be work for them then!

Interesting food for thought. Please take a moment and read the original article -

Make-up Lessons From An Economist’s Point of View

Episode 6: The “Where have you been episode“, or Interview with Trombonist, copyist, and producer Mr. Richard Walsh of San Francisco, CA. www.rickwalshmusic.com

“I suck, I’m sure I’m not your favorite student. . .” muttered my young dejected friend recently. I was taken aback for a moment, but then had to laugh. Not at him–but at the concept. I suppose I can understand his perception that my “favorite student” is going to be the person who: plays the [...]

A great lesson for students of all ages.

Q: How do you eat an elephant? A: One bite at a time.   OMG. HELP. I want to curl up in a ball and CRY. WTF? NO WAY MAN. It’s Impossible. I’m out. I quit. I can’t. I’m want to say that I’m embarrassed/ashamed to admit that I too, have had all of these [...]

As I am up FAR too late tonight- I had the opportunity (read here: obligation) to write down my current “Educational Philosophy”. A couple of things come to mind: First: This is what I believe now. Today. Check in month, decade, eon, and things surely will have evolved. Second: Rather than write a narrative about [...]

Trombonanza 2010 WHAT: Trombonanza 2010! (Holiday Trombone fun!) WHEN:  Friday, 12/17/08 1-3PM WHERE: Papillon Coffee, 67 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, CA 94549 WHY: Festive Merriment Silly!, To feature the talents of top Bay Area Trombonists, to give young musicians an opportunity to hear some great players! Trombonanza Flyer 2010 – Please share this flyer with anyone who enjoys [...]

On Tuesday, July 6th, three outstanding trombonists came and played for the students at Summer Music to promote their upcoming recital at the Lafayette Public Library, July 18th, 7PM. Mr. Timothy Higgins (newly appointed principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), Mr. Paul Welcomer (second trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), and Mr. David Ridge [...]

Where did I go? Has the podcast died? ‘What Hoppened? Never fear true believers- we’re coming back strong later thus week. In a crazy period entitled “I wish I had another six hours a day and a tail” (heretofore referenced as- aJust became a new stay at home Dad, moved, and still maintained my studio, [...]

Interview with international opera star Rod Gilfry. Incredible Operatic baritone, professor of Music at the University of Southern California, and good human. Currently the lead role of Emile de Becque in the national tour of South Pacific. Direct download linkSubscribe in iTunes