Advertising

[MzrtMusic]

I am almost finished with school (this May I graduate!!!!) and I am making plans to start teaching full time. I know it's possible to live soley off of teaching piano, but I'm not quite sure how to get there from my current 15 students. To all of the professional teachers out there, what kind of advertising methods have you used that have worked? What do I need to expect when starting a full studio? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Love,

Sarah

[pianoannie]

I have found that the very best advertisement is current students who are happy with you.  I've never given referral bonuses to my students who refer others to me, but that might be an option for you.  Also, being a part of a local teacher's association will help you make connections and get referrals.  Piano stores can be a good source of referrals.  Other things I've heard of teachers using for advertising are: websites, phonebooks, magnetic sign on car, flyers at local schools, doing free piano camps in the summer (get your local paper to write up a story on it at no charge) then hopefully students will sign up for a paid spot; homeschool newsletters; set up a booth at a mall or piano store with info about lessons and a drawing for 4 "free lessons" (everyone who enters "wins" and hopefully many will sign on after their 4 free lessons).  Be aware that when you're  rather desperate for students, it may be tempting to take on students even though you may see "red flags."  I encourage you to really think about what kind of students you want to work with, what policies you want your students to abide by, and set up everything in the beginning just the way you want it to be, even if it takes a little longer to fill your studio.  It's easier to start with firm policies now that add them later (ie things like dealing with late payments, makeup lessons, siblings sitting in on lessons, summer lesson requirement, recital participation, etc).  
Regarding making a living teaching piano full-time, I believe it's very difficult to do this if you're only teaching private lessons.  By the time all taxes are taken out, and you pay your own health insurance, there's not a lot left to live on.  Have you considered teaching any groups?  Personally, I prefer teaching privately, but I'm not the main income source in my family.  Many teachers love starting out students in groups of 4-6, and although there is a lot more prep work with this, it can provide a better income.
Best wishes to you as you graduate and begin your career!  Keep us posted!  pianoannie

[bernhard]

Most excellent advice from Pianoannie!

I have tried in the past many approachs, but still the one who worked the best has been word-of-mouth.

In the beginning there is a temptation to charge less. Don't. You will attract the sort of student that will give you a lot of trouble when payment day comes. There is also a deep psychological reason for that: People only value what they pay dearly for.

When I was starting (many centuries ago) I accepted a student for free in the hope that it would serve  as a form of advertising. (Once people could see thegood results they would come flocking in). In fact the student progressed very well and passed his exam beautifully. At which point the parents informed me that his progress had been so good that they would transfer him to a "real teacher". Nice he? I certainly learned my lesson!

Therefore, like pianoannie, I do not give discounts for families or discuonts for people who bring new students.

So figure out what is the local rate (you do not want to charge little, but you also do not want to charge so much that you get yourself out of the market - at least in the beginning - once you have a waiting list youcan charge whatever you think you are worth).

One thing pianoannie did not mention is doing a few informal performances in your area - my local school often has musical events and they are always looking for people who are willing to display their skills. Schools are a particularly good palce to do this, since that is where your clients will be in most likelihood.

Finally, consider having an "edge". Is there anything only you can offer? For instance Susuki teachers use the Susuki system as their edge. I myself have an intensive way of teaching. Some teachers especialise in minority groups (like dyslexics). Others especialise in very little children and do a lot of musical games. Once you decide what is your edge, try to advertise in places where your potential clients will be most likely to be found (if little children, the local nurseries, if adults, the bingo club - you get the idea).

Also look here for a lot of interesting ideas:

https://www.practicespot.com/

Good luck,
Bernhard.

[minsmusic]

Hey Sarah!  Welcome to the world of piano teacher!  What great advice you've been given.  Print it out.  Read over it many times.
I too have found word of mouth the most sucessful.
But when I first started, all I did was put an add in the local newspaper.  I think three people responded.  Got my money back I had to pay for the add.  So that was good.
Then, I advertised through local school newletters.  Got two more students from that.
Advertised once more in the paper - got a sexual  harrassment court case out of that one!  Be careful Sarah, there are some real creeps out there.  If teaching from home you MUST take precautions, and my advice is DONT offer to come to people's homes.  If they want lessons, let them come to you.  Personal safety is an issue.
First, choose your target audience.  Do you want to teach little kids - ask to put flyers up kindergartens or play groups, day care etc
Primary kids - in school letters.
High school- in school letter
Adults - through community centres, at libraries.

Design attractive flyers - use colour - it's eye catching.  Make sure they look professional.  Pin them to public notice boards.

For over all advice on how to establish a private piano studio go to:

https://pianoeducation.org/pnotstud.html

It's called the teaching studio.  It's brilliant.  Download every article, print and keep them in a folder.  

Keep posting about your experiences Sarah!