any advice? I need more students!!

[amelialw]

Hi everyone, I seriously need some advice as to how to get students. I've tried handing out ad's to everyone and people just dump them in the dustbin. I only have 1 student now and 1 more booked from sept onwards. It's just so discouraging to go on like that and it's been so hard just getting anyone interested although i've tried so hard. Sometimes I wonder if this is the job for me??? One thing though, I really really want to teach but no one has called me up for the past 3-5 months .

[pianistimo]

look around for some piano stores?  sometimes they have a few teaching rooms - so you could combine working selling sheet music, pianos, and then do lessons. 

or, maybe try some private schools.  you never know.  sometimes they might not require a doctorate or master's degree to teach some of their music subjects.  it would be a foot in the door.

also, go to a homeschooler convention.  i bet you'll be mobbed and have at least 15 students when you leave.  either over the internet or in person.

i haven't tried the internet - and not sure it's feasible, totally - but if people wanted the basics - it could be done.  you'd have to get a camera set up.  there was somebody else on this forum that did this.

ps perhaps the first thing to do is consider the tax pros and cons.  here, there is a $400. per year school tax on piano teachers.  they rate you according to the profession and what they think you'll make in a year.  frankly, i'd rather work for someone else and have the taxes automatically pulled out before the paycheck (excepting school tax).  usa social security taxes can gouge you at what? 15%.  i guess it depends where you live.  here in the usa if you work for an employer - you pay 6.2% social security taxes and your employer matches it up to $97,500.  but, you also have to pay an additional 1.45 % for medicare (which the employer matches, too).  if you are self-employed you have to pay 15.3 % (both social security and medicare) yourself.  this is really difficult until it's tax-time and then you get to deduct half of your federal self-employment taxes.  maybe this is a bonus - but i'd find it difficult to survive on the income without somekind of a huge increase in what is charged for  tuition.  like double.

you might have to worry less about the number of students - and more about the number of parents that can afford to pay what you want to make.  maybe leave some flyers in rich neighborhoods?

[amelialw]

thanks!

[m1469]

Hi everyone, I seriously need some advice as to how to get students. I've tried handing out ad's to everyone and people just dump them in the dustbin. I only have 1 student now and 1 more booked from sept onwards. It's just so discouraging to go on like that and it's been so hard just getting anyone interested although i've tried so hard. Sometimes I wonder if this is the job for me??? One thing though, I really really want to teach but no one has called me up for the past 3-5 months .

Amelia -- I think gaining students is something that is beyond us, but includes us as individuals.  Interestingly, I have found that I gain students in consequence to some kind of personal endeavor I set out on to gain more knowledge in order to better serve my students.  It's something like being in the market for a new school bag to hold your books ... if you know the one you want, you start to see it everywhere, on everybody's backs. 

Prepare yourself.  Give some internal and external structure and direction to your desires to teach, and the students who need what you have to offer them will be looking for you.  One of the best ways to do this is to get yourself more organized -- both mentally and physically.

Now, put your name in local music stores.  Make a business card that you can leave with them.  Introduce yourself to the workers there so they have a face to put with the business card (dress nicely  ).  Purchase things/music from their store and just after money has exchanged hands, *calmly* ask if your own students will get a discount when you refer them to the store and they purchase items.  If you go to a piano store where they also run a technician/tuning business, ask how much it will cost to have your students' pianos tuned by them.   

Check in with local daycares and daycare centers -- kids' programs.  Talk with the care providers and see if they have a piano there that you might be able to give a *short* concert for the kids with.  And, ask if you can bring flyers that can be placed in each of the kids' book-bags and taken home for the parents to see.

Do the same thing with schools.  Give a little concert, bring your information in a way that can be left there with the teachers -- or with individual kids if they have the wherewithal to approach you individually.

Become active as an educator, and you and your students will find each other .

[amelialw]

Thanks so much m1469.
The daycare suggestion is great, one of my friends work at a daycare and I could probably get her to help me with that!

Yes I agree that I need to prepare myself to teach more students as sometimes I feel rather lost due to the fact that I just started recently.

[m1469]

You're welcome. 

You know, we are always needing to prepare ourselves and pave the way for whatever's next -- no matter whether you are "just beginning" or "further along" .

[elspeth]

If you're in the UK, gumtree.com is a good site to advertise - it's linked to ebay so gets a decent amount of traffic, and it's free. Don't know if there's an equivalent elsewhere depending on your location.

Parish magazines are a good one to advertise in. Ads will usually be fairly cheap. Also, even if you're not religious, volunteering to play for the choir sometimes in return for leaving your flyers in the church hall may work. Or doing concerts there. There's a church in the city centre where I live that invites musicians at any level or experience to come and play a short concert - 30-45 minutes - at lunchtime so the city workers can come to a concert in their lunchtime. Same goes, you'll be able to give out flyers.

Amateur dramatics groups can be worth trying. Play for their shows or rehearsals in return for marketing opportunities both within the company and to the audience.

[teresa_b]

If you live in the same city your teacher lives in, how about asking him/her to refer you students?  Get to know as many well-established piano teachers as you can and let them know you are interested in gaining students.  I'm sure many older teachers get a lot of calls, and can't take more students.

And when you get some students, be as inspiring a teacher as you can, and word of mouth will travel.  Good luck!

Teresa

[amelialw]

My teacher has cut down on her teaching, she only has 7 students including me now. But the thing is that she's an excellent teacher and her students all excel and if I ask her to refer me alot is going to be expected from me.

Right now although I'm only dealing with my 2nd student sometimes I get so confused or fustrated as to how to handle him. How do I inspire my students?

I'm sorry if I'm asking so many questions but I'm at the stage that I'm trying to be independent and sometimes my piano practise and theory alone is stressful enough.

[teresa_b]

It is hard to inspire students, isn't it!  I think the key is to be enthusiastic and inspired yourself.  Bring a lot of energy into your lessons.  Use humor.  If you genuinely enjoy what you are doing and you like your students (with some of them it can be difficult  ) you will get a loyal following. 

And I assume your frustration is due to handling a child student?  Try not to worry about handling kids who are unruly.  Just DON'T do it.  You have the prerogative to tell the kid's parent you will not teach him unless his behavior is cooperative (Be honest with them  it does no good  for them to be paying for no progress.) 

All the best,
Teresa

[amelialw]

oh about that kid i'm teaching, his mom is extremely supportive of me right now and will punish the kid and tell her kid that there are consequences when he does'nt behave. Does anyone know of any fun piano books?

[ilikepie]

Amelia, sometimes results are advertisement enough. If you can somehow make the students you teach proficient enough(which I hope shouldn't be a challenge for you), parents will do the reference to you easily. The question that follows "Your son/daughter plays the piano well" is usually "where does she/he go to school/learn the piano?"

About the inspiration problem, I teach 3 kids right now, although I'm not exactly in the position to tell you how to get them inspired, since they did not voluntarily sign up for this(their parents are my acquaintances, therefore yeah....). But sometimes, I find that instead of inspiring your students, it helps if you get yourself inspired; the students may notice this and may somehow pick up on the inspiration you so graciously showed them and may find inspiration for themselves. If not, then at least you have gained the needed inspiration to put up with them hahaha. The most important thing as a pianist is to remind yourself why you are playing; if you ever lose sight of this, it may be time to  look again for the inspiration you found the first time, or look for other inspiration that may strengthen your love for the music.

It takes years of experience to get used to this, remember that this isn't only a livelihood, it's a lifestyle. Whenever you feel like giving up, remember to ask yourself: "Why am I doing this? Is this what I really want?"

[amelialw]

thanks alot for all the encouragement! Yes, I really do want this alot. My teacher inspires me alot, every week she gives me something or shows or plays a piece and that is what I need to do for my own students.

[nyonyo]

The best way, for people like you who do not have degree, is to become a Yamaha teacher.
You just need to take Yamaha Grade 5 examination (both performance and fundamental), then you can teach. You will have tons of students and then you can choose the ones whom you see any potential as your private students.

By having experience in teaching little kids, you will learn how to deal with all kinds of kids.
You will learn that NORMAL kids do not learn fast like those who are talented or crazy about playing piano. Your 2nd student is most likely just an average kid who is not into piano. To be honest, if he or she is not into piano, you cannot really encourage them to practice hard. You can imagine if you are not into, say, Biology, you will not study Biology until you really understand the subject. As long as you do not flunk, you will be satisfied.

[amelialw]

Hi all, thank you so much for the wonderful advice.

I just started teaching another 2 students today. I'm holding a group class for two 6 year old girls from my church, one is my cousin which i stopped earlier on and another little girl who wants it very much. Had a wonderful lessons today, both of them were very well-behaved, showed a lot of interest. I'm using the celebrate piano books for them. Another mom has also agreed to teach me her little girl, and I will be doing it for free since her dad has been teaching me violin for free.

[thalberg]

If I were to start a studio, here's what I would do (some of it repeats what's been said.)

1.  Piano sales people--you refer people to them if they refer people to you.  Exchange cards.
2.  Other teachers in the area--ask them for their waiting list students.
3.  Music teachers in schools--have them give your name to parents who inquire about lessons
4.  If you do the flyer thing, include an article about how music makes kids smarter. 
5.  Churches--bulletins etc.
6.  Preschools
7.  Perhaps host a little party for parents and give a lecture about how music benefits kids.

[matterintospirit]

Hi everyone, I seriously need some advice as to how to get students. I've tried handing out ad's to everyone and people just dump them in the dustbin. I only have 1 student now and 1 more booked from sept onwards. It's just so discouraging to go on like that and it's been so hard just getting anyone interested although i've tried so hard. Sometimes I wonder if this is the job for me??? One thing though, I really really want to teach but no one has called me up for the past 3-5 months .

I put out flyers in strategic locations. they have tear off tabs with my phone no. and website address. i get calss and e-mails here and there. get a loy of questions----mostly how much$, some make appts. and get cold feet and never appear. some show  and don't last long. some stay---got three new ones past 6 mos. that stuck. even occasionally get ones that practice. it's hard getting studenys who are willing to invest any time. but they are out there.

[joyfulmusic]

I don't know if this is logistically possible for you, but I go to the students homes.  I have 40 students and a waiting list.  Parents are eager to save time, especially with more than one child.  Have you made up a flyer or brochure for youself?  Give a couple to your current students and encourage them to promote you.  Give yourself time to be a good teacher.  the best teachers of all are your students.  You will be a better pianist and teacher in the process.  Good luck. 

[andric_s]

In addition to hanging flyers with pull tabs where parents are likely to see, I put a classified ad in the weekly paper from time to time.  Now is the time of year to advertise-- maybe the peak is past, but people are settling into their school-year schedules and thinking about activities.

Put ads on the internet, too.  Use Craigslist.  Keep all your ads up, and replace your flyers as they disappear.  After you have a few students, you will get more by word of mouth.

[amelialw]

the reason why I want to teach at home is because I have all my teacher's resources and materials at home and if you think about it, you don't earn much when you drive to students' homes

[andric_s]

I agree, its much better to teach at home.  However, when I was starting my practice I would take whatever i could get (within reason).
I still have two families whom I visit.  One is within walking distance, and the mother has three little kids who are too much for her to handle when bringing them to my house.  At first I just taught the oldest.  Now I teach the two oldest.  Eventually I'll teach the youngest, and they'll be old enough to come to my house more easily.

The other family is 5 miles away, or so.  They were some of my first students, and they have been incredibly helpful in terms of word-of-mouth.  Alot of neighborhood kids hang out at their house, and the mother lines up 5 students for me in an afternoon at her house.  She would line up more on that day, but I don't have any more time.  Probably 75% of my students came from referrals from the parents of these students, and I have a full schedule (for the first time!).

[keyofc]

Amelia,
I'm not very aggressive (for lack of better word)
I am just not a born sales person - perhaps you're not either?   But I  love playing the piano
and I love teaching it.  I think I love playing it a lot more than teaching - but teaching is very rewarding too.

Some things that I've noticed that have helped me get more students is:
1.  Always having a card on me - and giving it out to someone I need to put my number or any information on a piece of paper by writing it on back of card.
(In other words - our discussion is not about music - but I need to write something down for them.)  A lot of times they are surprised I teach piano - and I have had people express interest in taking lessons from something like that!

2.  In the winter I wear piano gloves - I had someone want to take lessons from me - just by that - In summer I wear music tops   It works!  I didn't start doing that so I'd get students - I just like to wear stuff like that, but I've noticed they are unintended advertisement.


3. I like to study my lesson plans and get them ready in a coffee shop - I have had a lot of people ask me about music and piano lessons there.

4.  Show a genuine interest in people - ask them if they play a musical instrument - Many times you find they have always wanted to play the piano.

Now - granted - doing this alone - will not fill your studio, but you will be surprised at how many people will just want to tell you about themselves - and start taking lessons from you.

Don't forget to play the piano whenever possible - not to show off - not for any ulterior motive - just out of pure joy.  And people will be drawn to you.

I once was in church - and just wanted to get away from everyone and played the piano that was in a room that was being used far away from the main rooms. The room was dark, and because I didn't want anyone to know where the music was coming from -I just did not turn the lights out.
I had a friend come in - and tell me they were wanting their daughter to take piano lessons!  I was shocked - I said - what kind of advertisement is this -playing in the dark? with a laugh - and she said - I think it's good advertisement that you don't even need the lights.  (Not exactly a marketing technique!)
My point is - incorporate your playing in your life as much as you can out of the sheer joy of playing - and people will follow you.  But don't do it so they will follow you - let it be a by-product.....

 

[mcgillcomposer]

Have you tried putting out?

[amelialw]

putting out??

[leonidas]

Along those lines, sex appeal does help.

[keyofc]

mcgill - you are a smart alec -
I'm just saying be what you do

[mcgillcomposer]

mcgill - you are a smart alec -
I'm just saying be what you do

Excellent advice - and to you I say, be all that you can be.

[n_n]

sounds rather like a social problem...

I do not feel ready to teach, but I already have future students in line.

I know a lot of ppl at my level do teach kids (I do not have a degree in music, but i have studied with a conservatory teacher since age 4 and for about 10 years. Then I decided not to "go pro".  After that I had teachers on and off but never stopped playing. Now I'm studying w/ a conservatory teacher again. I am not satisfied with my own playing now, so I refused to teach.

My friends (former co-workers) keep asking me when I'll be ready. Their kids and even they themselves want to study with me.

So I'd say start from your close social circle. If you get 5 students to start with. the word of mouth will start to take effect - if you're good. 

[amelialw]

thanks for all your help and advice so far!

yes n_n, you guesssed correctly, I'm a rather shy and introverted girl, so that makes it even harder.

anyway, I have decided not to get anymore students due to the fact that I will be moving back to singapore next June as long as I get into any of my choice music academy's. My teacher has decided with me that i'll fit in better there and be able to communicate better with people like me or more like me. She said that I should get a job at Yamaha once a week and set up my own music studio at the same time which I would love to do.

[nyonyo]

If there is a Yamaha music school in your area, you may want to be a Yamaha teacher.
It is an excellent way to get into teaching field. However, you need to take Grade 5 exam for piano, organ and theory. This grade 5 is, of course, a Yamaha Grade. The performance section of the exam is not difficult, except the improvisation part. Many people who have never learned improvisation have problem with this section. In addition, the practical skill of the theory section can be difficult too. Because you need to sing and play at the same time. Long time ago, I was often hired to guard the applicants to ensure they do not cheat during the exam. Many of piano performance major have problem in the harmonization part...

Once you pass these exams, you basically can have tons of students. From here, people will know you.

Especially, if you are going to go back to Singapore, this certification is very useful. Or you can take lessons in Singapore to pass these exams. There are tons of excellent teachers in Singapore who can help you pass these exams.

Yamaha in Asia is very controlling. Once they accept you as a Yamaha teacher, you will not be allowed to teach privately. If they find out that you have your own studio, they will kick you out.

Good luck...

[amelialw]

thanks!

I won't have any problems with the exam as I myself used to be a yamaha student. improvisation, I have learnt and I started singing when I was 1 and was in my church's choir for years in singapore so I can sing and play the piano well.

Alright, thanks for the info. I will talk to my teacher and decide what's the best!