Individual Instruction

[Paul_Guraedy]

In another thread, I mentioned teaching a beginner. This got me to thinking about indvidual instruction. One on one sessions generally lead to friendship. I know I will need to establish some ground rules and agreements for the classes right from the beginning. Otherwise I may end up doing everything for free.

Any of you doing this? If so, any recommendations?

[Mitchell]

I "teach" at my home - for free. Basically it's just as you have outlined - it's more a friendship type get-together and I don't really teach so much as help them along. Heck, I even provide a meal!

Everything is informal - not structured and it actually helps make me carve instead of watching TV or playing computer games. If I am busy, it's easily canceled.

I don't charge because I enjoy doing it and I get to carve what I want during that time. Taking the time with them does keep me from working on "larger" (more involved) pieces, so I spend most of that time "doodling" instead of working on real projects.

So, you are correct - you need to establish the ground rules early. IF you don't want to do it for free, you need to make that perfectly clear - for yourself and your "student". The student should also benefit from this because it's their time and they shoul d also have a clear goal in mind for their time (and money). In other words, think of it from their point of view.

[Paul_Guraedy]

I, too, have been doing individual teaching on an ad hoc, free basis. Nothing structured. Just trying to help carvers with the things I know and they are not familiar with. In turn, they have been helping me along during these sessions. But, they were all already beyond the beginning stages of woodcarving.

This will be my first effort with a true beginner. Someone who has not used carving tools before. She is interested in moving along rapidly and, therefore, is looking for something more structured than casual help. I am actually doing something similar to lesson plans with objectives and envision about 4-6 hours of carving instruction for her.

I have agreed to take her up through the first carving for free. Then, if she just wants to have carving sessions with a little help as needed, we can continue with the current “no charge” arrangement…basically, both of us working on our own thing.

If she wants my attention to continue on a one-on-one basis with me actually teaching pretty well full-time for an hour or two, we will have to have a more formal agreement. I do not envision a contract; but, do think some formal understanding (cost per hour, supplies, help with preparing a roughout or blank) would be a good idea.

I was really hesitant about going further with her as I am not sure I want to get into the planning for teaching that I think I would be obligatory on my part should I start charging. But, this lady has “flat art” oil painting experience and really wants a “jump start” into woodcarving. I like the idea of a serious student more than someone with a casual interest that wants to stay more-or-less at the simple Christmas ornament stage.

[Mitchell]

Just ask her what she'd be willing to pay to learn whatever it is she wants to carve.

If it's acceptable to you, do it....if not, tell her why.

Or charge what you feel your time is worth - including your planning time....then she can either accept or decline.

Either way, you have established the groundwork for negotiation. You can then use that information to set up a structure for future classes - should you choose to continue teaching.

[Bob_in_TN]

Hey Mitch, I'll be traveling through your area tomorrow. Question, I'm not looking for carving lessons, but maybe just the free meal part. Just kidding, but I will be traveling through.

[falconer]

Paul, If I have someone who wants some one on one carving time I normally charge $20 per hour and that includes the cutout and tools if they have none. That way the student can plan how much time they want to spend learning what I have to offer. I also give them the option of scheduling the time ahead of time every week if they desire. Some carvers who are more advanced may only want to learn a certain tecnique or help working out something on something they are currently working on. I find this arrangement works well for me.

[Kenny_S]

Paul, I can't help much as My dealing have been with youngsters in the Scouting org. Basic started out with safety first, How to handle a knife, sharpening, storing,maybe that could be for free to your student but I think worth while start. Then a simple carving, a boot, simple Santa or even a simple animal. Then if they want added instruction, go form there on price ,whatever. But knowing how to carve without the safety part or even the sharoening part, isn't carving at all. I know that stuff but still find myself doing unsafe things like taking my glove off and cutting myself with the Just one last cut .

[Tom-H]

Paul, Not to woory! I'v never taught woodcarving, only still a student, (probably always will be too). But I would give some thought to using the pricing structure that music teachers use.

Tom H

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Like Mitch...Anyone who wants to stop by can have all the lessons they want for the simple price of good conversation. I always joke when a new guy joins our little carving group that as a retirement gift I give the first ten lessons free. I realize that others charge for seminars and classes. Me? I just enjoy having someone to talk to. While I do make some money selling my work I don't really do it as a business. By the time someone purchases a piece from me they've become a friend with the relationship being worth just as much as the price of the carving. Now don't get any ideas. You still have to pay, at least for that part.

[squbrigg]

Good for you Paul. Getting someone started on the road to becoming a carver is a rewarding experience. I have done both free teaching and by the hour. I agree with your idea of the first session free to see if she has the serious interest.

Some folks just don't have the ability to become good carvers. They can learn the mechanics of it, but just don't have the ability to see things in three dimensions. Not everyone can draw or sing, not everyone can carve.

Others will out pace the teacher! Some people have a natural ability and it is a joy to watch them develop rapidly, and surpass the instructors skill. I had one of those this winter, he was a gifted artist with a pencil and he took to carving like a duck to water. I can see great things in the future for him if he continues to apply himself.

As for prices, variable, but $25 per 1 - 2 hour session is fair. Good luck with it.

Bob