How I Offer Unlimited Make-Up Lessons (Without Losing My Mind)

If you want to get a group of piano teachers talking, just bring up the words “make-up lessons.”
We’ve all been there: juggling texts and emails, trying to squeeze a reschedule into an already-packed week, and feeling that simmering resentment when another activity takes priority over piano.

Some have chosen a “no make-up” policy. And sometimes they still get push-back from parents about it.

I decided years ago that I didn’t want that drama in my studio anymore. That’s when I created my unlimited make-up system—and it’s been one of the most stress-relieving changes I’ve ever made.

The Secret: Empty Slots on Purpose

When I taught traditional private lessons (and later, group classes), I started by creating my schedule in My Music Staff. I’d block out a handful of empty slots each week—short little 30-minute spaces labeled as “office/studio project time.”

That was my time to straighten, organize, or write a quick email… nothing too deep. Here’s the magic though: my students could see those open times and move their own lessons when needed.

They’d take themselves off their regular slot, sign up for one of the “empty” ones, and I’d just get an email notification. Done! No texts, no back-and-forth, no headaches.

👉 If you want to try this, you can use My Music Staff with a free month here.

Why Parents Don’t Take Advantage

The beauty is that I control the schedule. Parents can only move to the times I’ve already marked as available. I usually add one “extra” slot for every 10–15 students per week, which is plenty.

For group classes, sometimes I’d schedule one bonus “make-up” group class a month. Or, I’d just leave a few extra spots in existing groups so a student could hop in that week. Either way, I stayed in control of my work hours.

Parents (and Students) Love It

What surprised me most was how much families appreciated the freedom. They don’t even have to explain why they’re moving a lesson (though many do in the little notes field). Sometimes it’s a soccer game, sometimes a family trip, and once, one mom rescheduled both her kids because they just wanted a family movie day.

And you know what? That’s fine by me. They chose a different time, and I got some office work done.

Here’s the funny thing: once I offered unlimited make-ups, I actually had fewer of them than ever before. Human psychology is strange like that—when something feels scarce, we cling to it. But when it’s abundant, we don’t grab at it nearly as much.

With Asynchronous Lessons, It’s Even Easier

Now that many of my lessons are asynchronous through Marco Polo, make-ups are practically a non-issue. Students are scheduled by the day, not the minute. If they can’t send their video one day, they just send it the next. I respond during my set office time, and everyone stays on track.

The Big Takeaway

Unlimited make-up lessons sound like a nightmare on paper—but in practice, they’ve given me peace of mind, parent goodwill, and a smooth, professional studio schedule.

Want to build studio systems like this—without feeling alone in the process?

That’s exactly what we do inside the Studio Mentor Circle.

It’s part coaching, part piano teacher co-op. You’ll get guidance on practical strategies that really work, plus the chance to learn from other teachers who are building their studios too. The mix of shared wisdom and personalized support makes all the difference.

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