Teaching

[sherbert789]

Does anyone have any advice for how to find students? Now that school is out, I can't really go to the schools in my area to find people, but I'd really like to secure a couple of students this summer. Any advice?

[fluttiegurl]

When I first moved back to my home town, I took fliers to the local music store. On them, I typed out a short resume (how long I had played, my degree, where I had played, etc) and in big letters I typed my name and phone number. Be sure to make plenty of copies to be handed out. I also made some business cards to place at the store (for those who wanted something more simple). That summer, I made a huge effort to play whenever and wherever I could (churches, community events, etc). It took a while, but I began to get a few students here and there. When people hear you play, they are more likely to want their child to take lessons from you. It is also a good idea to check with other studios in your community. The local piano teacher often sends me referrals and I always return the favor. Many times, a sibling of a student may be interested in another instrument. It's a great trade. I have also placed ads in the paper, but foudn that word of mouth is the best advertisement.

You can still contact the local band directors, many of whom are beginning marching band now. They will often accomodate your trying to find summer students because they know that many students will not even touch their instruments during these months.

[sherbert789]

Thanks a ton for the advice! I never even thought of putting them in a music store haha.

That's sad but true that so many student musicians don't even touch their instruments during the summer.