New Teacher on the Block

[Keynote_Players]

I've recently moved to a new city and I'm having trouble getting piano students.  I left behind 40 students and a waiting list of 15.  I've placed ads in 2 newspapers,  advertised online, and passed out flyers in my neighborhood.  After 3 months, I only have 7 students.  I would like to have around 20 students for the school year.  Any suggestions?

Keynote

[lc3606]

Try to get ahold of an elementary student listing for your area and mail out postcards.  That way you get a select and viable group of candidates and are more likely to get some "hits".  Other options might be a listing of nearby dance school students, YMCA members, local church listing that shows age of children, etc.  These lists are not easy to come by, but if you use your innovation you should come up with something.

Actually, now that I re-read your post I see you have 7 students after 3 months.  That is not bad.

[Johnnylightning]

Yeah, my girlfriend's family attends a church that has a private school, and I found my teacher's ad on the back of the church programme/pamphlet/flyer thingy.  She says that most of her students are from that church's private school

[kateb]

I've recently built up a studio from scratch. What you've done so far is great. Here are some other ideas.

In your ads, be sure that you provide more info than just contact info. Why are you a good piano teacher?

As someone else mentioned, write letters to music teachers in area elementary schools saying that you're new to the area and accepting piano students. Also tell them a little about your teaching philosophy so that your name sticks in their heads. Provide a supply of business cards that they can easily give to students who ask about piano teachers.

If there is a county community education flyer, advertise in that.

Register on all of the free online piano teacher web sites you can find.

Join the local music teacher association and network with other members. Many teachers with waiting lists will refer students who call them to you.

It does take time. Good luck!