Cautionary tale

Browsing through recent issues of the Strad I noticed questions had been raised as to the propriety of payments made to instrument teachers by way of commission when they frequent their particular maker/dealer. I have to agree whole heartedly with the opinion of the editor that this practice is entirely reprehensible and is both a violation of trust between the shop and the pupil but also the pupil and teacher. it is in nobodies interest and cannot be condoned. I have heard rumours from my neck of the woods of such arrangements between teachers and dealers and find it quite distasteful. I am surprised that after the excellent article in the Strad on this issue that not more comment was elicited. Perhaps the BVMA should follow the example offered by a fellow maker from Denmark whose Guild share a common agreement not to pay commissions to teachers or professors and encourage members to accept this as part of the condition of membership. I for one would never ever countenance the payment of commission, I expect my work to be its own recommendation and value an honest relationship with all my customers.