| When I was teaching private trumpet lessons at Mars Music (before they tanked), all teachers had to go through both a general background check and a sexual predator background check. We prided ourselves on being able to tell parents their children were as safe in our care as any school teacher.
However, an important element of teaching had to be stopped: No more "hands-on teaching", literally. We were told not to physically touch a student in any way. I remember in college, my prof asking if he/she could put their hand on my ab muscles while I was playing, to get an idea how my breathing was. I used to use that tedchnique on students years ago, and it was very helpful.
Not any more. I think teachers especially should abide by a Code of Conduct, even if they teach for themselves and not a school or music store.
Mike |