What's involved in setting up a studio?

[dinosaurtales]

Anybody done this?  I keep hearing piano instructors refer to "setting up my studio".  When I took piano lessons as a kid, it was just the nice lady's living room with a piano in it.  When I got  older I went to a "conservatory" at a little college, with a bunch of practice rooms and a recital hall (tiny).  Do any of you teach and have a "studio?"  What's required to set one up?  I've never taught, but I am thinking about it.  

[RhiAnne]

DinosaurTales,

 Sorry it has taken me so long in to responding to this question.  I have been thinking it over for the last few days and also have been busy.

 I have taught before, and yes I have "set up my studio".  What does it mean?  Well, I really cannot define it, other than the fact that the teacher themselves must define it.  To illustrate let me paint a picture with words of my studio.

 To begin with, I had my studio rules.  Abscences and lack of completeing assigments, these were addressed.  I came up with a mission that presented to these students, their parents, and myself this is what I was teaching them for.  The mission was basically this, "There is much pain and sorrow in the world.  I can do my part in helping to lighten it, by learning and sharing the univeral language, which opens up the hearts of people, cities, and nations.  This language, never will I use it in such a way to hurt and bring down others, I will instead use and share it for the edification of others.  That I might share it with others, is an extreme privalge which I will not take lightly."

 After identfying this mission, I then set up the rules.  Now, I am not a stickler for rules, and they could change if there was a valid reasons.  But with the responsibility of teaching and learning music there has to be rules.  Practice time, I never enforced, I always told them it was their choice to practice or not.  Yet, if they continued to choose not to practice, and complete work, they would understand that lessons would discontinue.  Also for abscences this held.  Respect was always present.  One of my favorite rules of myself and my students was the "If you have a question and you do not know the answer then ASK".  I helped them to see there are no stupid questions.

 When you begin to get your students, have your rules typed up.  Have the first lesson with the parents present.  Or you can do what I did, I interviewed the student and the parents, to really see if this is something the student wanted to pursue, and also to see if the support of the parents were present.  At this interview, I would explain the rules to the student and also the parents.  The student would sign their name to this paper in front of me and the parents.  That way, they cannot say, I never knew of that rule.  All you have to do, is pull out the old document, and show them the rule.  I had a few who tried this stunt on me a few times, and finally they gave up and began to do what they were supposed to do becuase they got tired of my pulling out the rules sheet they had signed.

 At the interview, I would talk about possible lesson times and schedules and things.  Also find out what else the child may be involved in, this will help you gauge how busy this child is and other things.  I am sure you could think of other things to add during this time.  Set up an initial lesson time.

 This goes for all students.  Rules are required.  Also expectations.  Tell the students expectations, more than rules.  Then set up group lessons, if you have quite a few students.  You could go over theory [aural skills or do something great].  Arrange to have recitals during the year.  Look into local competitions and allow students to participate in them.  Be a part of the local Music Teachers Association in your area.

 Basically, this all boils down to, what kind of rules, expectations, environment would be conducive to YOU, so that you can teach to the utmost of your ablility.

 I will be more than happy to hear what you think, and I am always here to offer suggestions.  I do not claim to be an expert, but this is what worked for me.

 Sorry for the long post.  

 See you later and have a nice day.