Getting students

[viking]

Hey all,
I have barely posted in the Teaching board, but here's my question (sorry if it's redundant).

I am currently a conservatory student at the Glenn Gould School in Toronto.  I have recently taught some of my old teacher's students, and they really liked me, responded to what I had to say very well, and most important, I really liked teaching as well.  Being a student, I am totally broke, and I am thinking that 5 or more students would be really great, both for my pockets, and for my level of experience, since I am pretty much commiting my life to music.  But how am I supposed to get students?  I am pretty much alone in this huge city, and this time of year is probably not a time where many people are looking for students.  Any suggestions?
Again, sorry if this topic has been discussed many times before. 
And thanks for any help that comes this way.


PS.  Anyone here live in toronto and want me to teach them?  Haha.

[nyonyo]

A small music school is a good starting point. The students may not that serious, but once in awhile you will find a good one. 

Yamaha Music School is also a good place to start, but you need to take their teacher exam first.

They have an opening for senior citizen class.

5075 Yonge St., 10th Floor, Toronto, Ontario  M2N 6C6
 
Tel. 416-224-5590
 
Fax. 416-224-0290
 

[mattgreenecomposer]

I don't live in Toronto - I live in the States but I will give you my 2 cents b/c I get asked this often and I am pretty good business wise...
 
Advertise everywhere you can.  There has got to be a local music store that has piano teachers somewhere in your area.  Usually they have a high turnover rate with teachers and are always looking for more.  They will take a perc.% of whatever you make but thats usually under 30%.  Get hired there if you can.

Kudzu.com-Do you guys have that up there?
Try Craigslist on a daily basis.
Get a website-This is NOT Myspace, get a real website!
Get business cards made, and leave them with everyone you ever meet.  (I leave mine at the cleaners, realesteate agents etc.)  These types of people meet alot of people every day.

Finally -Churches.  Even if your not religious, Churches are a gold mine for students.  People want their kids to learn piano so put up flyers in as many churches as you can.  
If you do all these things you should have so many students you have to fight them off with a stick.  I turned down 9 students last week.  Yes, you read that right NINE in one week.  Not because Im a great teacher or anything but, because I am always advertising, even though my schedule is full.  This way I can dump kids who don't practice and pick up only good ones.  

If you do this, and still can't get students I say leave Toronto.
Good luck!

[nyonyo]

I am always advertising, even though my schedule is full.  This way I can dump kids who don't practice and pick up only good ones.  

HAHAHAHA......love this...

[quantum]

This way I can dump kids who don't practice and pick up only good ones. 

 

If you do this, and still can't get students I say leave Toronto.
Good luck!

Take it from Dr. Peterson.  He loved Mississauga, and wasn't afraid to admit it.

[viking]

Oh woops I wrote a response last night, but I guess something screwed up and it didn't get posted.  Anyway, thank you all so much for your intelligent responses.  I really didn't know what help to expect, if any, since it was probably a very common question (much like the ever so redundant "what's the toughest piece" threads found in other sections of this forum).  Anyway, I am very confident about my abilities as a performer, and teacher, so hopefully I will be back here asking for your help with ways to reject students, or even "fire" them for new better ones (or I could be not so lazy and use the search button). 
Thanks again,


Sam

[thalberg]

Also viking, you can give your business card to elementary school teachers in the area, as well as to piano salesmen.  They do a lot of referrals for lessons.

[clariniano]

Hey I'm in Toronto too, what area? I just fired three students, and may fire four more in the next few months (depends on if they shape up), but I could tell you some good places to advertise here. Also get involved in doing concerts regularly, or a church position, my boyfriend who is an ARCT level pianist just left one in Willowdale for a better one, though the job he left plays pretty well.

Are you on Facebook by any chance?

Meri D

[viking]

Hey.  Right now I live downtown on St. Patrick St.  I think I might try to get a church job, as it would be a good place to make a little cash plus some exposure for getting students.  I am on facebook under the name "Sam Deason".  However, I am still in the network of my hometown of Saskatoon, SK since I only recently moved to Toronto to study.  Feel free to add me.  I'd be grateful for any information I can learn. 
Thanks once again,

Sam

[quantum]

but I could tell you some good places to advertise here.

Please do tell as I am interested as well