If anyone has good ideas on how to manage the payment for lessons, I'd love to hear them. There seems to be a problem with missed lessons, and gaps in the teaching schedule. Example contracts?

I don't like to give private lessons, but I have a lot of friends that do. The way that seems to work best is this:

Students should pay you in advance. Usually this is one month at a time.
This creates a desire to make the lesson because it is already payed for. The rule is if they do not give you ample notification of a cancellation (usually 24-48 hours before), then the money is yours to keep. If they do call in time, you simply need to reschedule. Either way, you have the money and do not have to chase after it. It would be a good idea to write your rules up and at least give it to the parents/students. That way you don't scare any away by having an official contract to sign. But the contract does let people know that it is a business for you and you take it seriously.

John DeVivo