Subbing & Makeups

Dos & Don’ts

Sometimes you will be subbing and other times you are teaching a makeup lesson for a fellow teacher.  It is important to work as a team, build each other up, and edify each other. We sub as a team, cover each other’s shortcomings, and try to continue what the regular teacher is doing while he/she is out sick/on vacay. Try to keep it consistent and teach in a similar manner to the regular teacher.  None of us want to come back from being out and see half of our Students with other teachers. Let’s play on each other’s strengths and be a team  player!  Here are some dos and don’ts:

1.   Say something positive about the regular instructor – “Your regular teacher is Johnny? He’s awesome! I’m excited to be teaching one of his students. Let’s see what you’re working on - ” Then get right into the lesson – the number one complaint we get is that some teachers are chatty, which cuts down on lesson time.  We love our friendly staff but need lessons to start and end on time for everyone’s benefit.

2.   Do not give out your personal number/social media/email to any Roos Student - If they need something please direct them to the main number (949)328-1131.  If you need to send them something – send it through the Opus portal.  Subs have access to the student’s account a few days before and after the lesson.

3.   Do not point out the regular teacher’s faults, or try to correct everything all at once -  Some students learn music in stages.  For example, the teacher may have been focusing on correct notes first – before perfecting tempo and dynamics. Other students may do well learning and perfecting measure by measure.  Try to follow the regular teacher’s style and stay consistent with the current teaching method of the regular teacher.

4.   Do not be overly critical about an assignment or say that the regular or past teacher did any disservice to the student - i.e. gave too many difficult songs above the student’s level, didn’t include enough theory etc.  In a few instances, the student’s parent will demand a refund for “past ineffective lessons” and there is no way to determine this without researching months or more of lessons. The best practice is not to discuss or critique past/regular teachers and just focus on teaching the student in front of you.

5.   When subbing or teaching a student that is not your regular – do not discuss the recitals or recital song choice - unless otherwise instructed by management during recital season.  Please leave that opportunity to create that special moment to the regular teacher.  It is a great way for the regular teacher and student to bond. 

6.   Please do not switch the current song that the student is working on -  Kids always like to try new things, and it is harder to have a student get better at song and finish it than to start a new thing.  If you think the student should start a new song or switch to an easier/harder piece – please write it in Opus notes and message the teacher. Obviously, if the student is done with a piece or really hates something – use your discretion and switch it out for them.

7.   If parents have complaints or have negative feedback about the regular teacher or lessons in general, please direct them to one of the staff and update Opus notes -   You may also want to text the front to have someone give them a call.  It is not good practice discussing problems in the hallways in earshot of other students and customers.  Plus, there are always two sides to every story.

8.   Please keep the intention of the student to stay with the current teacher and do not solicit students to move to you -  Students naturally switch teachers from time to time, and maybe even move to another music school. Any teacher returning from being out sick would be relieved knowing that our team held it together for him/her and took the best care of students!

Thank you for being part of our team!