Starting Teaching Business

[fuel925]

I plan to start my own business teaching piano and music theory from my home (or at the pupils home if they prefer) in the future. What preparations do you recommend that I make, and are there any authorities that need to be informed?

[lagin]

Whatever you do, however nice you think people are, whatever bother it might seem, please GET A STUDIO POLICY!!  And make them sign it.  Things like pay on time to avoid late charges, and if you don't show, especially with no notice, yes, you still do pay, ect.  Google pianoteaching, and look at the website forum of Nancy and Randall Faber.  They have a whole topic on policies alone.  I didn't notify anyone in order to start teaching, but I don't make enough a year to get taxed since I'm still a student myself, so my case might be different.

[m1469]

Here's some links you may find helpful.  Compliments of Bernhard, of course.


m1469




https://www.pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2032.msg19339.html#msg19339
(Pitfalls and requirements)

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2906.msg25591.html#msg25591
(Advice on a lesson syllabus)

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2970.msg25991.html#msg25991
(Other areas to study to become a good teacher)

https://www.pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,8050.msg81500.html#msg81500
(List of links)

https://www.pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5714.msg55753.html#msg55753
(List of links)

[oksanapianist]

The first thing you should do is find an excellent accountant that can help you set up your business and train you to use an accounting software to help with daily bookeeping. He/She can take care of your year end tax preparation and study your space to help out with all of your deductions regarding the space itself, and everything else that is related to your business (computer, phone, internet, music, instruments, mileage, etc.).

The second thing you should do is get involved with local music organzations and network as others who know you- will send you business.

The third thing you should do is place an ad in the phone book under music education for those who do not know you but look you up.

Lastly- once you have a hand full of students- start concertizing at local book stores, coffee shops, ect. to get your name out.

All of this takes time- but once you are established- the business will come on its own.

Good Luck!!

[Bob]

I think you're supposed to have some kind of business license and check the zoning laws to see if they permit running a business out of your home like that.

[ptmidwest]

In the United States, please don't forget liability insurance to cover your (small) business in the home.

[Bob]

Fuel, did you mean teaching independently fulltime professionally?

[penguinlover]

Thing to consider:  For several years I went to my student's homes due to the amount of children in my own.  It was incredibly hard, and with  gas prices being what  they are in America, you just need to count the cost.

[gruffalo]

lol dont complain about gas prices in America. they are hideously cheap compared to UK.

[penguinlover]

You're right.  Americans are terribly spoiled aren't we?   sorry