We’re starting a new series on Singing Teachers Talk called Ask Me Anything where the listener can pose your questions to BAST founder Line Hilton. Today is the first in the series where Alexa will be asking Line for advice on cancellation policy, optimal booking systems, when you might need to use a debt collection agency, pains and aches in the studio, and the movement of the larynx. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Next week we’re going to be celebrating our 100th episode of the podcast! To thank you for listening and to help you on your singing teacher journey we’re going to be running a giveaway worth more than £1000! On the 1st March one lucky winner will get a 12 month subscription to the BAST membership and the replays from every single one of our Focus On events. To win you’ll need to tune in on the 1st March so make sure you’re subscribed!
As a singing teacher you need a cancellation policy in place, it’s a legal agreement and everyone should be aware of what is expected. If a lesson is booked in then you may have turned down other work and should rightfully be paid for your time. 
You are perfectly within your rights to suspend lessons with a student who hasn’t paid for previous sessions. Let them know they can book new lessons when the outstanding balance is cleared. 
Line personally uses a 24 hour cancellation policy but it can vary depending on demand. 48 hours or even a week can be necessary. 
Make sure the lesson is booked by the person who is paying for it, in situations where younger people have their lessons paid for by parents make sure it’s the parent who books you. 
For new students Line has an upfront payment policy. She also offers a discount for people who pay longer in advance by direct debit. 
Line teaches people to put the flat of their fingers over their throat and feel the lumps there. If you swallow or talk or sing, those lumps move. This allows people to be more aware of the movement of their larynx.  

BEST MOMENTS
‘We need to overcome the awkward feelings that come up when talking about money’ 
‘Don’t let yourself get into a bad situation, stop it before it happens’ 
‘If you don’t look after your money, no one else will’
EPISODE RESOURCES 
Guest Website:

www.basttraining.com

Social Media:

@basttraining

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

Singing Teachers Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/beasingingteacher/
Xero (Accounting Software): https://www.xero.com/
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep. 93 How to Organise Your Singing Studio Business with MyMusicStaff
On Late Payment Charges: https://www.gov.uk/late-commercial-payments-interest-debt-recovery/charging-interest-commercial-debt
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep. 62 How to Choose the Best Vocal Exercises with Line Hilton
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep. 73 The Best Vocal Exercises for Laryngeal Stability with Line Hilton
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep. 83 The Best Vocal Exercises for Sick Voices with Line Hilton
Linktr.ee to the Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: https://linktr.ee/basttraining?utm_source

ABOUT THE PODCAST
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.
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