Things You'll Need:
- Fliers, business cards
- Website
- Network of musicians
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Step 1
KNOW YOUR VALUE. Make sure you are aware of the going rate for music instruction in your area. Ask around to see what other music teachers are charging. Charge a comparable amount, depending on how much experience and music education you have had. For example, if you have had college-level music training, you can charge more than if you haven't. If you teach mostly advanced students, you can charge a little more. If you are new to the area, you may want to consider charging a little lower until you have established yourself in the area. Be sure to charge a fair amount - it is better to have a lower rate but plenty of students than a higher rate and only a couple of students.
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Step 2
ADVERTISE. Advertise in local newspapers and local school newsletters. Create professional-looking fliers. Post fliers in busy places where there are community bulletin boards, like libraries, music shops, and grocery stores. When creating your flier, keep it brief and concise, but provide all the necessary information. Describe your education and your experience. Mention student opportunities, like recitals, festivals, etc. Give your music studio a name (using your last name) and advertise yourself as having "openings available," Don't put your tuition on your flier; let them contact you. Many parents nowadays prefer communicating by email; so include both your phone number and email address.
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Step 3
CREATE A WEBSITE. Create a professional but attractive website. Include a brief bibliography of yourself, your teaching philosophy, a calendar of events (like recitals, group lessons, holiday breaks, etc.). Be sure to include pictures. Update your website regularly. Check out other musicians' sites using google to get more ideas. I am trying out musicteacherhelper.com, which offers a free music studio website which is very professional looking. Disadvantage: the free version only allows 3 active students to login. Still, you can advertise and safely be contacted about lessons.
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Step 4
NETWORK. Have extra business cards with you wherever you go, so you can whip them out at a moment's notice. Let people in your church/local community know that you have openings for students. Sometimes the best way to gain students is simply by word of mouth. If you are a good teacher, it won't take long for the word to get out. If you are a member of a local chapter of the Music Teachers National Association, check to see if they have a referral service for helping parents find music teachers.
