How To Thank Your Piano Teacher Around The Holidays
The gift of music is something that can last a lifetime, and if you've received piano lessons throughout the year, it's ideal to express your thanks to your teacher with a tip or gift around the holidays. Plan to give your tip or gift at the end of your last scheduled lesson before the holiday break -- and include a thoughtfully worded, handwritten note of thanks in which you express your gratitude for the teacher's patient instruction throughout the previous months. Here are some things to know in advance of your piano lesson.
The Suggested Amount
Regardless of whether you choose to express your thanks with a cash tip or with a gift, its value should be approximately equivalent to what you pay for one piano lesson. If you pay the teacher at the end of each lesson, you'll obviously know this amount. However, if you've paid a lump sum for a year's worth of lessons or you pay by the season, you'll need to do a quick calculation to obtain the amount per lesson.
Gift Ideas To Consider
If you've developed an amicable relationship with your piano teacher throughout the year, you might opt to give a gift instead of a tip; some people feel that a gift shows more effort and thus does a better job of conveying thanks. A CD or a gift card for MP3 music downloads is ideal, given that you know your teacher is passionate about listening to music. If there's a local and suitable music event taking place over the holidays and tickets are within your price range, this is also a thoughtful gift. You should always feel free to pair your gift with homemade baked goods. Some cookies or squares is a thoughtful gesture and might help the piano teacher if he or she is entertaining guests at home around the holidays.
Going Above And Beyond
There's absolutely no harm in giving a little extra around the holidays if you feel that your piano teacher repeatedly goes above and beyond his or her job description. Think about recognizing things such as giving you a few minutes of extra teaching each lesson -- for example, ending the lesson in about 65 minutes, rather than strictly stopping at the one-hour mark. If you're struggling with your lessons but you're pleased with how the teacher is being especially encouraging with you, this might also prompt you to tip extra.