Piano Lessons

I started advertising in June that I teach piano. NOTHING HAPPENED. Well, let me take that back. After talking to several people in the area about piano teachers, they agreed that we need more piano teachers in the area, so I felt confident I would accrue some students. NOPE. Suddenly I heard about several teachers that live very close to me. I also discovered that people don't want to pay a lot of money for a piano teacher in UT county. ($10 a lesson or about $40 a month seem typical around here. Stingy) I was discouraged and nearly gave up after not having much luck.

I'm so glad I stuck it out. The wait was worth it. I started teaching piano at the beginning of this month and am enjoying every second of it. I love feeling like I do something and having something to put my mind on. I teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I have a total of 7 students. Back in June, I thought it would be easy to teach while James was napping. He is much more mobile now and having him sleep or lay in the same place on the floor isn't really an option.

Luckily, I have family nearby and they have been so helpful. On Tuesdays, I actually drive to my parent's house in South Jordan and teach 4 students there. (All from my parent's ward.) It works out well because my Mom watches James while I teach. On Thursdays, Jessica has offered to help a couple of times a month and the other weeks I pay a babysitter. I teach 2 students who found me on Craigslist and my next door neighbor, Drake. Having a break (even if it's just for a little) from motherhood is so good for me. I also have been going to the gym more and James goes to the daycare while I workout which helps keep me sane.

It has been difficult to work with students who came from other teachers. I feel like with time things will get easier though. Not every teacher teaches the same way and I'm slowly learning what my students actually know. It has been fun for me to prepare games and type up piano policies and payment reminders. I also love bringing in a little income. Now I don't feel as bad when I spend money on "wants."

I'm adjusting to this whole staying at home thing and can even say I'm learning to love it. I think I owe a lot of this love (of staying at home) to teaching piano again. (And of course, adorable James.)