How to handle students' most commonly asked questions
When your student asks for a (free or paid) trial lesson
We currently require that all new students purchase a package of 5 lessons to start in subjects under the Music, Performing Arts and Languages category. (See: How many lessons must a student purchase when signing up?)
We've done this because this weeds out the less serious students who only wish to take one lesson and who are hesitant to commit. We know your time is valuable and we want to send you students who are committed to mastering their craft and who wish to take lessons over a longer period of time.
We know that some students may be hesitant to sign up for a package of lessons to start, so we offer a Satisfaction Guarantee that allows the Student to contact us if they are unhappy with their instructor. They can either transfer any unused lesson credits to another instructor or get a refund for the remaining lessons. In addition, a student can choose to use that package of lessons at whatever pace you two decide.
Suggested Response:
"I do not offer trials but there's no risk because TakeLessons offers all students a Satisfaction Guarantee. If for some reason you aren't happy or I'm not a good fit for you, you can contact them and transfer any unused lesson credits to another instructor or get a refund for the remaining unused lesson credits."
If the student continues to insist on a trial lesson after you have politely declined report their message as spam to close the communication thread. (See: How do I report messages that are offensive, or seem like spam?)
Why can’t I offer to meet my student in person before they buy lessons?
We feel your time is valuable and that you should be paid accordingly and therefore our platform is not built to accommodate free trials.
Our service is designed to deliver to you paid students who have signed up for lessons and therefore our policy is that all meetings with students should be paid for prior to meeting.
Suggested Response:
"I cannot meet up with you prior to lessons being booked, but there's no risk because TakeLessons offers all students a Satisfaction Guarantee. If for some reason you aren't happy or I'm not a good fit for you, you can contact them and transfer any unused lesson credits to another instructor or get a refund for the remaining unused lesson credits."
Why can’t I share my address with my student before they buy lessons?
For your safety, we recommend not giving out your full address to a student until they have signed up and purchased lessons with you. This ensures you don't have a weird stranger showing up at your door.
Instead, give the student nearby cross streets or reference a well-known landmark that can give the inquiring student an idea of where you are located.
Why can’t my student contact me before they purchase their first package of lessons?
When using the Ask-a-Question tool, contact information (phone #, email address, physical address) should not be shared until the student has signed up for lessons with you through our website. Once they sign up you will be given the student's contact information.
Unfortunately, in the past, we had a few not-so-honest teachers try to steal students and not pay us for our work. I know, it’s a terrible thing. So, we put systems in place to create a safe, fair environment for everyone.
As a reminder, the only way that TakeLessons works is through a true win/win partnership with our Teachers. Just as you have many expenses to run your business, so do we. And the way we pay for it is through a revenue share with you. If a Partner attempts to bypass the system and book directly with a student, it cuts out our ability to earn an income and to market for all teachers.
Suggested Response:
"We are unable to exchange contact information prior to signing up for lessons. But once you sign up, you will get my contact information and we can set up an introductory call before the first lesson. Of course, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about my teaching or scheduling in order to help you make a decision. What can I answer for you?"
Reminder: Instructors who attempt to bypass the system and book students directly by sharing contact information or websites may permanently be removed from the site.
Why can’t I send attachments or links to other websites?
At TakeLessons it is our policy that non-TakeLessons website links are not shared until the student has signed up for lessons with you through TakeLessons. Please answer all questions as best you can but refrain from including links to outside websites in your reply.
We understand that some students may just be trying to get a better feel for your experience or see examples of your work. For this reason, we recommend adding examples of your work and videos to your TakeLessons profile.
Ask-A-Question makes it easier than ever for your students to book with you. Whenever your potential student views your reply, they’ll see a “Get Started” message. If a student asks how to sign up for lessons simply tell them to click on this message to go directly to your profile.
Learn More
How do I report messages that are offensive, or seem like spam?
What are some tips and templates to encourage students to book lessons?