Simpedia

Robin T.

I quit my full time job in July of this year to give a go at SM full time. With the economy the way it is, needless to say my husband has been a bit worried. But, things are working out well. I would say that one of the most valuable things I have learned is to be flexible, but still professional. In saying that, I think that sometimes we, as teachers, are so excited to get a student that we just schedule them when ever they want. But, as your studio grows, you start running into scheduling problems (such as just one lesson here or one lesson there instead of back to back which is more beneficial for you and your time). In terms of being flexible, I emphasize to my adult students that we can do LUNCH LESSONS. I’ve got people from the same office taking lessons together, women who are so busy but wanted to spend time with their friends and took lessons together, and the possibilities are endless. Additionally, there are lots of lunch lesson timing alternatives. Some people go to lunch as early as 11am, others as late as 1pm. I do pay close attention to ensure that they are only there for 30 minutes and I never keep them longer as to be respectful of their time and schedules. But, you can have them back to back and really fill up your teaching schedule. I got a lot of these students from networking (chamber, business women associations, etc.).

In terms of finding a location, again, with the economy the way it is, you might find a good deal on leasing a space. However, I have created a wonderful relationship with a music store in my community. I can’t tell you what an invaluable resource they have been. First, and I meant to post this with the digital piano thread, they have introduced me to a wonderful program through Roland Piano. Roland has a program where they supply teachers with FREE digital pianos to create piano labs. After six months, they replace them with newer models and will offer the keyboards to your students at a discounted rate. At one point, I had four pianos! I’m sure that many other brands offer the same thing to teachers because it allows the students (buyers) to sample their products in a much more in depth way than in a piano store with a sales person. Additionally, I currently teach a couple days a week from their store as well, free of charge. I did offer to pay them rent or a referral fee for them recommending me, but they just want people in their store. If they are in there learning, they will come in there to buy. I’m sure that other stores feel the same way and you just have to create that relationship.

Another option could also be a local church. Many times if you agree to offer their members a discount on lessons, they will even put you in their bulletin, etc. Most churches have the same view as the piano store, they just want people there so that when they search for a church home, their church will be one of the first one’s they consider if they are taking lessons there. Sorry to be so long winded, but I’m TOTALLY in your place right now. Things will work out for you!

Annette S. California

I built my studio in one year. And here is what worked for me…
1. I agree with Robin. Networking works. I joined BNI (www.bni.com) and found it a great way to get students.
2. Advertise free on craigslist.
3. Create a gift certificate and donate one month of free lessons plus require FIS to each of the school auctions within appropriate distance. You can just call the schools and offer. This happens in Springtime.
4. Contact the charter schools for homeschooling and get listed as a vendor.
5. Make a strong web presence in addition to craigslist. GetLessonsNow.com worked for me.
6. Get a network of other SM teachers. Visit them while they are teaching. Call them for support. Call or email them to offer support. This has helped me so much!!!