Taking on new students when the schedule is already full

I'm at a point right now where my teaching schedule for the coming year is full, but there are a few time slots that might possibly be given to new students. Time slots I didn't really want to open. Like early morning time slots. In my world, 9:00 on a Saturday morning is just too early to teach. I know I might be alone on this, but I consider weekend mornings somewhat special. Somewhat lazy. Somewhat let-me-drink-my-coffee-and-don't-bother-me-until-latery.

So this morning, when I interviewed a potential new family of students over the telephone, I hesitated - really hesitated - before suggesting that 9:00 and 9:30 on Saturday might possibly be available time slots. What prompted me to do this was the distinct feeling I got over the phone that this was a family who meant business. All of the right questions were asked. The father wanted tips from me on how to purchase a good used piano. The children are already taking violin lessons from a highly respected member of the local symphony orchestra. The work ethic in the family, at first glance anyway, seems strong.

So, we've set up an face-to-face interview. The meeting is scheduled at the dreaded 9:00 hour on Saturday morning. (I want to test my weekend morning readiness before making a commitment, you see. Smart?) I can already foresee difficulties, though. Too many family members vying for the shower at exactly the same moment. Cars leaving the driveway for work at the same time that cars are entering for lessons. This might turn into a big mess.

But I'm going to give it a try . . .