Good stuff there sben. But I don't agree with the last statement.
"I recommend not having your students pay after every class, or in advance. Do some classes, then mention money. The idea being to not stress out your students, you want them to keep coming back, and teaching guitar is not the road to riches, So you should be pretty laid back about money anyway. "
No matter WHY one chooses to teach, I would think that having people stiff you for your time would have the reverse effect of not taking the focus off of the money aspect and making you focus on it more. Of course everyone should do what 'works for them' regarding policy, but advising new teachers to get paid after a few lessons is a recipe for frustration , imo.
Simply put, if you want to focus on the music, teaching, and personal aspects of the whole experience, the smart thing is to set up some common sense policies and be a professional. That doesn't mean to not be personable, but just to have a clear policy that respects both the teacher & student.
If you let students decide if they're gonna pay or not for a service you've already given, well a percentage will take advantage of that and not pay. And that's a quick way to suck the enjoyment out of it for a motivated teacher by allowing some students to make you feel as if your time-effort-skills were wasted. And thinking you might scare away potential students by asking for money up front? I doubt it, unless you're asking for the whole year or term, or your pricing is far above the industry average in your area. Sure offer an introductory lesson if you want, or a single lesson price so they can 'try you out', but make sure that is understood as well.
Sure it's about the money, otherwise ALL the lessons would be free. But take the FOCUS off of that by setting up your business side for success rather than disappointment. And that means getting paid in advance, and having clear policies. That's the industry standard, the majority of students 'get' that and won't be offended.
Those that are, you don't want as students anyway.
G
