Ideas to find Students?

[andhow04]

Hi everyone.  I just moved to a new neighborhood after finishing music School and want to start teaching the piano.  However in the past the only students I have had were supplied by the school.  Can someone give me some tips, or good advice on how to go about building a studio, from scratch?  Somebody suggested printing fliers and bringing them door to door, stuffing mailboxes.  Do you think that is worthwhile?
Thanks
Andrew Howzer

[possom46]

Here in the UK, it's usual for teachers to advertise in the local free advertiser newspaper that comes out once a week. A small advert in the music classifieds usually does the trick. Also, I listed myself on several piano teacher websites and was amazed at the response. Once you have a few students for a while usually word of mouth takes over from there 

[pianonut]

because it takes about two years (at least for me it did) to get a full load of students, you could teach part-time and have another job.  word of mouth referrals are usually the way it goes if you are looking for serious students whose parents can afford the expense regularly, and bring them regularly.

to actually make a full time income in music is kind of tiring anyway.  it's like real-estate where some of your work pays off and some doesn't.  if you are not too available, it's better.

being the creative sort, i got into artistic endeavors.  i like designing things.  have done sewing (designing clothing, furniture covers, costumes) and painting, and stencilling.  between piano, and this...i made MUCH better income and was happier not doing the same thing all the time. 

I made up business cards and would drop them around places (using the cards in the most appropriate places -elementary, middle, high schools= music cards,   paint store=painting

[andhow04]

Here in the UK, it's usual for teachers to advertise in the local free advertiser newspaper that comes out once a week. A small advert in the music classifieds usually does the trick. Also, I listed myself on several piano teacher websites and was amazed at the response. Once you have a few students for a while usually word of mouth takes over from there 

Thanks for the ideas! Can you refer me to any of these piano teacher websites? I would like to give it a try.
Andrew Howzer

[lostinidlewonder]

If you haven't got contacts to find you students then the next best alternative if you dont want to be going approaching music schools for prospective students is to PAY FOR  GOOD ADVERTISING.

Even if you are out of pocket lets say 400$, if you get 10 students out of it, that is far more than 400$. You have to invest money to get something back, there is no other way around it. Free advertising for services you offer is very hard to find, in the end you should pay to get your adverts put in all the local papers around your area. If you advertise that you can travel for lessons, that usually attracts more attention because people like service to come to them rather than have go through the trouble of getting out there.

[Jacey1973]

Here in the UK, it's usual for teachers to advertise in the local free advertiser newspaper that comes out once a week. A small advert in the music classifieds usually does the trick. Also, I listed myself on several piano teacher websites and was amazed at the response. Once you have a few students for a while usually word of mouth takes over from there 

Yeah i'm in the same position - looking for students to teach next year, i'm also in the UK. Could you tell us what websites you used? Thanks xx

[c18cont]

From my early days,

Advertise ...and play a lot,... (where people can hear you...)

John Cont

[rhapsody in orange]

Hmm.. make friends with your neighbours.
Maybe set up a small-scale recital at your place and invite them over.
And then you can let them know that you're interested in teaching.
Your neighbours might help in introducing you new students =)

[clariniano]

Have been lurking for some time, first-time poster...

Took me about 3 years to get a nearly full load of students. But before I was limiting myself exclusively to clarinet students, until one day one of my friends asked me to teach someone piano, which has been quite successful. (Now about 1/2 are clarinet, 1/2 piano, hence my login name, clariniano) My first private clarinet teacher actually gave me my first two students. Also try contacting other private teachers, even those of different instruments. (I refer colleagues students regularly, and they do the same for me) Paid for a few ads, one in a good classical music magazine, which pulled in 4 students during its 3-month run. Put up several ads in some of the music stores with little rip-off sections that include:

*What you are advertising
* Your first & last name
* Phone (home & cell)
* Email
* Website: (if you have one)

If you teach other instruments, offer clinics at some of the schools. I also attend my private students school concerts when possible, which has drawn a couple. Volunteer at a music camp, have brochures/business cards ready. (A 4-day camp, I gave 20-25 brochures at the camp, which resulted in three students) Offer a gift certificate of lessons at a charity auction.

Good luck!

Meri

[bachs_homegurl]

All great ideas!! I had the exact same question. Any input on what the going rate is for lessons in the U.S.? I'm afraid that my costs are too cheap. I don't know, please let me know if you think this is absolutley wrong.

30 minute session-$10
60 minute session-$20

[milkcarton08]

Well it varies across the U.S. but even here is Dallas, I think 30 per hour is more like it.

- michael

[rhapsody in orange]

Ah well the rates would depend on your qualifications/experience as well as your students. The more advanced the student, the higher you can charge.

[ChristmasCarol]

Tell your students you are expanding your lesson schedule and ask them to hand out brochures.  Sooner or later you'll get what I call a "Gatekeeper".  This person loves promoting you and telling everyone about this great resource they discovered.  One comment about newspaper advertising.  I have gotten my most problem students this way.  So don't be discouraged if some of them are not good customers.  Things like questioning how long the lesson was (I always give the exact time allotted),  asking if you could knock off the price, not even showing up for the lesson,  telling you how to teach the kids, etc.   These are all real things that have happened to me.  Now I have 37 students - nice families - good relationships.  It takes time.

[Jacey1973]

All great ideas!! I had the exact same question. Any input on what the going rate is for lessons in the U.S.? I'm afraid that my costs are too cheap. I don't know, please let me know if you think this is absolutley wrong.

30 minute session-$10
60 minute session-$20

Out of interest - how much is that in British pounds? As i'm starting out teaching i was thinking of charging about: £9 - half an hour, £18 - an hour.

What do u lot think? My teacher is a very advanced pianist/teacher and charges £40 an hour, it would be nice to earn that much one day!