Give a Christmas Gift to Student / Instructor ?

[pf400]

Is a guitar instructor expected to give a Christmas gift to a student, and/or vice versa ? Any protocol on this ? Any suggestions ??

[The Growler]

Up to each, I'd think. Probably not unusual for students (especially kids) to give them to their teacher. Lots of kids do at school.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by pf400

Is a guitar instructor expected to give a Christmas gift to a student, and/or vice versa ? Any protocol on this ? Any suggestions ??

Hi pf400…

I know of no rule, or even uniform practice.

As instructor, I never give presents at Christmas simply to discourage "in-kind" responses (students thinking they had to respond in-kind).

Also, I have had students who don't observe holidays, or who are from home situations where Christmas isn't happy.

And at one time I had over 40 students - that could amount to serious dollars if I were expected to give gifts of any quality to them.

I have given gifts to friends who play of free lessons which they can redeem the next year. I've never given those to existing students.

[Von Beerhofen]

I don't see ANY obligation to exchange or hand out X-mas gifts other then when a group of friends agree to do this in a blind raffle or when I think I want to show a particular person my appreciation, in which case I do not expect anything back. Giving is just more rewarding then receiving but receiving when not expecting is also nice.

Ludwig

[D18Hoglover]

I think it is common practice to gift the service providers in your life (i.e. Barber, Mailman, Guitar instructor etc.) around the Holidays.

[dorable]

Student to Instructor, common (ish) but keep it simple (cookies for example). Other way around, not so much. I'd imagine most instructors would have too many students for it to be practical to give something to everyone (and too much potential for insult/hurt feelings otherwise).