Grow Your Piano Studio Without Breaking the Bank
If you are starting as a piano teacher and dream of having a large, vibrant studio, or if you already have a studio but would like it to grow, here are some ideas on how to get more piano students.
Piano Teaching is a Great Job!
If you’re looking for a job that makes a difference in people’s lives, it’s hard to beat teaching. Especially private piano teaching. We have our students for a long time, and we teach them something that they can enjoy for a lifetime, or even pursue as a career. But what does it take to have a great studio? Is it even possible in today’s tight economy? Can’t students just learn to play online? Does anyone really want to play at all anymore?
Sure, times might be tough, but fear not! – piano players have been around for centuries, and that’s not going to change. People love music, and the piano is the most popular instrument. Research shows that music study is excellent for the minds of young and old alike. There is less music being offered in schools, yet parents want their children to be exposed to music. People of all ages are discovering that they can experience the joy of playing the piano, and the best, most tried and true way of doing it is with a teacher, like you! So you can absolutely get more piano students.
I have been teaching the piano since I graduated from college. I also worked as a classroom teacher. I have lived all over the United States and have started several studios from scratch. 8 years ago I moved from South Florida to Cleveland, Ohio.
Here is how I grew my studio from 0 to 4 students.
I decided what kind of studio I wanted to have. I decided to focus on teaching children and teenagers, from beginners to advanced, classical music as well as pop, blues, jazz, and church music.
I wanted a formal-style studio with bi-yearly recitals. I wanted to teach at my home and online. I decided on teaching 40-50 students. I drew up a schedule with time slots waiting to be filled in with the names of my new students. I created a mission statement for my business. I built a website (not nearly as nice as this one** ) and I posted my contact numbers, qualifications, fees, and pricing for the lessons. (I priced the classes competitively; I did not want to be the cheapest or the most expensive.)
I made sure my website was listed on Google so that people in my area would find me when they searched for piano lessons. I also posted my piano business on Yelp, but only the free version.I made business cards and handed them out to everyone that I could. I kept them with me.
I sent a note to local music teachers, making them aware of my studio and offering my services as an accompanist.
I developed a relationship with my local Kawai dealer, my personal favorite piano brand. When I needed a new instrument, I traded in my old one and purchased a piano from them directly. I use the store-recommended tech, and I recommend him to my students. I now get referrals from these sources.
I put ads in local newspapers. (I would also recommend church bulletins, school publications, and other local events.)I offered a free introductory lesson, and I gave a free lesson to students for referrals.
I opted for a flexible studio policy, which is attractive to potential students.
Now that my studio is up and running, here is what I do to attract new students.
I email my current students and let them know I am actively seeking new students.
I revisit the things I have done to get my studio started and keep these things going.
I join clubs and groups in my community and make new friends.
I keep an online presence going and current.
I do as much playing as possible so that people can see that I have skills.
I make sure my students play well. Good students are the biggest attractor of new students.
I have fun and do my best to make sure piano lessons are the best time of the week for all of us.
Some other things to consider.
Get a car magnet or other promotional material with your studio information.
Leaving your doors and windows open while you practice/teach when the weather permits.
Write guest posts for piano blogs or publications.
Join some organizations, get out there, meet people, and let them know about your studio.
Online Teaching
Although most of my studio is online. I have found that finding new online students is more difficult than finding local students. Here are some things that have worked.
I offer 2 free introductory online lessons.
My in-person students are sometimes required to have online lessons.
Posting consistently on social media.
Keeping students who move away and recruiting their friends.
Getting students through people I know who live in other places.
Having a website that’s updated and looking good.
I would love to hear how all of you teachers got started with your studios. Why not leave a comment?
Bottom Line
Keep a positive attitude.
Do what you can to become a great teacher.
Love your job, and it will take care of you, too.
If you would like to find out about becoming a member of Paloma Piano, we have a number of very attractive membership option,s including a free membership that offers a large number of piano scores, teaching resources, and games. The free membership is forever free, and no credit card is needed. Check it out!
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