How is the economy affecting the number of students?

[go12_3]

Another topic comes to my mind:  how the economy is affecting the number of students....
Last Fall I had 21 students, some new and some continuing.  Anyhow, by January I lost
9 students that month.  It was unbelieveable.  But a few more signed up for lessons too.
But, I only 13 students at present.   I have lowered my fees so that it was more affordable.  But, now I have had one new student a month ago.  But somehow, I feel that my profession is hanging on a string and luckily the students that I do have are interested and will continue(hopefully!).  So right now, I want to increase my fee for new students, because I have to pay the bills and make a living somehow.   

Right now, I feel nothing is in motion in my profession.  I need new students, I need to keep it going and feel revived.  I love teaching and that will never stop.  But, it's hard to let students go due to economical reasons.  Children need to learn to play an instrument and I feel that the parents that pulled their children out from lessons is not beneficial.  I thought this Summer will be great, getting new students.....was I wrong!  I thought June would be the big time to acquire new students.  Oh, wishful thinking, indeed!       

best wishes,

go12_3

[pianowolfi]

If I and my students were economically independent I would give three full (one hour) lessons each afternoon, starting at 1:30 p.m with the first two, then another one after a break of two hours. Class lesson for all every week, with theory, music listening, comparing interpretations, discussing general music questions and such. One for the little ones and one for the older ones. Practice 2-3 hours in the morning. In my book this is fully enough because teaching as well as practicing are very intense activities and quality is decreasing if you do too much. I would hire a solfege teacher who works once a week with all my students. As it is now I need to take every student and often I'm completely exhausted long before the last lesson of the day.

[go12_3]

Gosh!  This has been a very slow summer.....indeed!  Just one new student to add to my list so far .   And I hope by August and September that more students will sign up for lessons.....
The economy here just sucks,  and I am really hoping that things will begin to look up for most piano teachers....however, some in my hometown have several students though.  However, all I can do is hope and be patient; advertise and let people know I teach and hand them out my business cards.  And of course, I have to keep in mind , that sports and after school recreation is another important aspect of the lives of many school children. 

best wishes,

go12_3

[Bob]

Maybe some discounted prices, but group lessons?  Cheaper for the parents, less time for you (and less quality for the kid, but it's better than nothing).

Or branch off into theory and eart training too.

[go12_3]

Bob,
If you know me, group lessons would drive me up the wall.....I can't handle
being around groups of any kind.  I plan to do the 3 lesson a  month deal so
that might appeal to parents of lesser income.  And those that can afford to pay for the 4
lessons , then that will be fine too.  I have been getting more creative.  I do teach
ear training with my students.  Yes,  all I can hope for is that the economy will get better in
time.  That's all.  And after the Summer vacations, etc, things will get back to a more normal
routine. 

best wishes,

go12_3

[dan101]

Thankfully, the economic downturn has not diminished my student count. Some of my colleagues have not been as fortunate.

Usually, the clients that have been with you for a while wull stick it out.

[Bob]

Another idea I heard of, along the lines of classes, was to do periodic (twice a month maybe) 'masterclasses' or session that focus on certain things, like twice a month meetings focuing on technique.  Then you can go indepth and you don't have to cover it so much during the regular lessons.