No, my students aren’t deficient! But it’s the time of year where the majority of high school seniors drop private lessons (I only had two this past year, so that’s not too tough to take, although I always hate saying goodbye to them, even while knowing they are off on quite the adventure!) and a large number of students go out of the country (they are much more well-traveled than I … gee, is that fair?! [insert pattywhine™ here]). Some, I am guessing, will not return to my studio, but only time will tell, as they usually don’t like to break that news to me before they leave for the summer. Of the 18 I had during the majority of the year I have six on the schedule for this week. Wouldn’t you know this is also the end of symphony and opera seasons, and Dan is paid only for ten months of the year? Welcome to a musician’s life! But I’ve known about this for eons, so I’m not surprised, and not even tremendously worried; we always seem to make it work! Still, if any of you out there know of some oboe students looking for teachers, do feel free to give them my information, as I’d like to add a few more students to the studio. I especially love getting beginners. I think I have a special talent with them … and I love getting students who haven’t yet played their first note. It’s so much fun to get them started!

At the same time, I will not respond to emails that I receive that look like this (Spam’nScam™ alert!):

Hello,
I am Ann Sandra,I came across your advert that you are a Private Lesson music teacher, i will like my children to join your private class.Kindly let me know more information about you and your past teaching experience.
I have 2 children Mabel & Scott of 12 & 15 years old,just want to know if they can join your private class. I will want you to let me know if you can teach teens beginner,because as a beginner they are also just interested in learning the basics.Also i will want to know your lesson charges per hour, because i want 16 hours for them to study this course with you,consist one hour lesson a day, twice in a week for 8 weeks. Please let me hear from you so that well make an arrangement on when to begin lessons.
Regards.
ANN

Yep, the scams keep on coming! Sigh.