|
Each MFSC Professional
Coach approaches the teaching of figure skating in their own way.
Since personalities and styles vary, we recommend that you come
to the rink during Moves, Free Skating and Dance sessions and observe
each coach’s style of teaching. It is helpful to talk to
one or more of our coaches to learn more about how they teach. Let
the coach know you are looking to take private lessons and that
once you decide you will let them know your final choice, even if
you choose not to hire that particular person.
It is okay
to take lessons from more than one professional coach. For example,
a coach who is skilled in Ice Dancing may give you dance lessons,
while a second coach teaches Moves and Free Skating. You may decide
to take all of your lessons from the same person. The choice is
yours.
The skater
(or skater's parents) must be the initiator of any discussion with
a professional coach about private lessons. Professional
coaches
are listed in the MFSC Newsletter, along with their qualifications,
phone numbers, and email addresses. They can also be contacted through
the MFSC Hot Line at (989)835-5616. The need to choose a coach may
come up at any time, and our professional coaches are happy to make
every effort to accommodate a new student.
Once you
have made your choice, you and your coach will work together to
establish a skating and lesson program. You will need to share
your skating goals with your coach. Then he/she will help you plan
a skating program designed to reach these goals. Together you will
need to decide how often you will skate, on what session, and how
many lessons you will need. Later you will be deciding whether to
skate in competitions, to be in a show or exhibition, or to skate
on a precision team. There are many exciting opportunities in skating.
Finally,
you need to know that our professional coaches set their own fee
schedules for lessons and other professional services. These
other services include fitting skates, cutting music, choreographing
a program for USFS testing or competition, coaching at test sessions
or competitions, etc. Your coach will provide you this fee schedule
upon request. You and your coach will agree privately on how you
will be billed for lessons and services.
Changing
Professional Coaches
There
is a sequence of events that should be followed whenever you want
to change skating coaches. Courtesy and common sense are key.
- Talk privately
with the new coach you have chosen to determine if that person
has time and will accept you as a student. If you are accepted
…
- Privately
tell your present coach of your decision, in an honest exchange
of information, before you meet with the new coach for the first
time.
- Complete
payment on any outstanding bills due to the former coach before
your first lesson with the new coach.
Remember, changing
professional coaches will usually require relearning some skills
due to differences in teaching styles. As a result, you may experience
a brief set-back in your training. A positive attitude will help
you to quickly improve your skills.
|
