Simpedia

Suzanne S.

I started teaching Simply Music piano lessons October 1st and know what you are experiencing. Since I had moved to this area a year and a half before starting SM I did not know a lot of people. The greatest help to grow my studio was to start meeting with other Simply Music teachers in this area every six weeks to share ideas, information, & promotion. One teacher Joy, who lived closer to me, and I set up a music booth together at area events. We had a couple keyboards, flyers, & the video testimonial going in our booth. This was the most important thing I have done to grow my studio. We were able to talk to the people coming by the booth about the wonderful piano / keyboard method Simply Music, and word started to get out. We picked up students from these events. The teachers group is also going to be having a booth at the Christian Homeschool Convention in August.

Sue C. AU

Getting your first students can be difficult if you are a brand new piano teacher. However,everyone had to get started at some time or other. I encourage you to not give up.

My first group lesson was for three family members who we befriended when they moved from Indonesia to Australia. I asked them if they would help me by becoming my students and in return doing letter boxing for me. They paid a small fee for tuition as they did not have income. They were so enthusiastic and great students to “learn how to teach” with. Maybe you can get family or friends to become your students to learn on. When they get excited about it, let’s hope they tell others.

Expect something to open up for you. Keep trying all avenues and something unexpected could turn up like my situation. Keep an open mind, the opportunity could come in a “different kind of way”. I find if I continue to make even small steps to advertise my business, I will get an enquiry even if it is from a completely different area than the one in which I am advertising. When you move, movement will occur. Maybe you just have to wait a bit longer or try another way. Also just because the places you have approached have given a negative response, it can change. After hearing about SM in a number of different ways, they can become more interested and in time to come you will reap from your ground work.

Claire C. Pennsylvania

Have you tried some free venues? I have actually gotten student inquiries via Craigslist and some have signed up for lessons. Almost every time I put an ad on Craigslist I get a couple of requests and I’ve only done it a few times. Craigslist is free. You have to be cautious because often there will be a request from someone who’s child will be visiting the area and wants piano lessons. Usually they have bad grammar. These are phishing sort of messages to see if you will buy into their scam. I can spot them and delete them immediately. (The first time I got one I was pretty upset though). On the other hand, I was amazed at the good leads that came. Also, I put my business card on local bulletin boards in grocery stores and the like and got calls. I also think that word of mouth is the best advertisement. Perhaps offering an incentive for referrals that sign up for lessons–such as a discount on lessons or Student Home Materials (SHM) or offering free registration fee would work.

Melina P.

I have one possible thought on getting new students. Contact any and all local Kindermusik or other music, such as Music Together – or whatever happens to be in your town for children’s music. Offer to have their fliers at your studio, if they will also do the same at their studios. Tell them about Simply Music and what an excellent program it is, and how it would be the natural next step after a program like Kindermusik. These are the families who already see the value in early music education – and are paying for it every week. Most of my students were at one time my own Kindermusik students – not all – because once those Kindermusik kids-now Simply Music kids started playing for friends and family and at school talent shows, the calls start coming in. I hope this helps you find a few new students, which will turn into more!

Cate R. AU

I have several things going that are inexpensive.
1. I set up a sign on my fence. I can do this according to shire rules.
2. I have a little triangle sign on my path leading into the gate on my footpath.
3. I have made up a tear-off flyer and placed it at several shopping centers on a monthly basis.
4. My local school(the one my daughter went to) allows me to put up a flyer in their breezeway.
5. I offer a discount to the families who bring in a friend or referral.
6. I have put ads in all free online services I could.
7. I carry cards and talk about what I do and the program as much as I can.
8. I meet up with other teachers every couple of weeks for support.
I have grown my studio slowly which is my wish, eventually I’ll do ‘other stuff’ but for now I’m happy with the results.
Be positive that your studio will grow.

Vee S.

I had one student for quite a while then I got a suggestion from my teacher to make up signs and put them up in the area. The sign is simple and says (see below). The sign is 18 inches high by 24 inches wide. The Piano Lessons and phone number are very large with the FIS being smaller. The sign is white with Piano Lessons in Red. Then red with phone number in white and the FIS on white with red letters. It shows up real well. I enrolled four more students within a month with this sign. And more the following months. These signs are disposable and will be taken or lost. So I get 100 at a time. I only put out about 10 or so at a time. I am getting ready to do some this week. Some off my students are taking a summer break so it is a great time to try to get more students. I will offer a summer special of some kind. Contact your local sign shop. Mine cost less then $300. I also have car signs.