Finding New Students

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Permalink Reply by Catherine Guthrie on November 25, 2009 at 9:23pm

Hello, Maybe Facebook could work? They have networks organized by city, workplace, school, and regions that people start or that you could join. Also, although craigslist wasn't much luck for you, it is the first place I looked to find a teacher. Just some ideas for you!!

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Permalink Reply by Catherine Guthrie on January 21, 2010 at 4:09pm

Copied and Pasted from Stings Daily Email ******How to Choose the Right String Teacher [Seems this would be helpful for a teacher also]

Choosing the right teacher may be the most difficult decision facing a beginning string musician. It’s a process full of questions: Where should the search start? What responsibilities does the student have in the process? And what qualities in a teacher are crucial for productive learning?

Try networking.

Many aspiring students start their search by picking up the Yellow Pages. While that may be a fine way to find a plumber, locating a music teacher should involve talking to people in the music community. If you don’t already know musicians and music students, local music stores can help: Many keep lists of local teachers (some will even e-mail names to you), and proprietors are often willing to discuss which local instructor might best suit your needs. You should also check with the music departments at your high school or college, or the local musicians’ union, which can be located on the website of the American Federation of Musicians at afm.org.

But you don’t just want a list of names. You want references, as Tom Heimberg points out. “You want to find out who seems to be happy with their teacher,” he says. “Which teacher has a recognizable track record? If someone’s been teaching a long time and you start getting lots of mixed stories—the teacher getting angry or getting too rough—you might still want to meet the teacher, but be more cautious.”
By Patrick Sullivan

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Permalink Reply by Randy Sandstrom on January 23, 2010 at 5:00am

here is what I saw last night at a ( pickin party ) here locally we have a music store that on Fri. nites after closing time he opens up for local talent to showcase there "new stuff" Well what draws me is violin/fiddle I noticed a lady kinda following me around, I liked her hook " So you like this stuff ? would you like to learn this stuff ?

So i guess what i am saying look for local jams here is a web site www.folkjam.org There is a whole gambit of music types their

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Torosian on February 8, 2010 at 11:08am

Even if local schools don't know who you are, there's no reason you shouldn't go ahead and introduce yourself. Talk to the front office, ask if it would be okay to put up a flyer or two by the office or the cafeteria. If you have the opportunity, also try talking to the music teachers in the school. Elementary schools have general music classes, so see if that music teacher will put in a good word for you to their students. Middle and high schools are a bit different; if they have an orchestra program (and I mean strings, not band, duh. completely different subject) then that's great-ask that teacher if they have any students willing to take private lessons that they can't fit into their own schedules.
The most interesting way is just to go out and perform, get involved with the community. I've had parents of kids in my youth orchestra come up and ask me if I teach. Up until recently I've had to say no, but it's always a pleasant surprise.
Whatever you do, don't spend money on advertising until you've officially exhausted all other forms of communication, like flyers or word of mouth. Tell people you're looking for new students, and sooner or later they'll mention your name to other people they know.

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Permalink Reply by Randy Sandstrom on February 8, 2010 at 12:04pm

Here is another idea, try going to a local park (weather permitting ) and just play to draw a crowd, then have someone pass fliers about your teaching times and levels and age requirements. I play there just for the enjoyment I am a adult beginner and teaching myself with DVD and essential elements book and doing O.K. and no one knows any different

hope this helps,
Randy <<<< old fart learning at 47 years old

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Permalink Reply by Ruth Brons on March 4, 2010 at 6:00pm

Having had a period in my life where I changed cities 4 times in ten years, I practically have private studio building down to a science!
You'll need business cards, some resumes, and possibly a website [check out www.musicteachershelper.com
Use the phone book or www.switchboard.com to identify all the schools within a reasonable radius and then send your card, resume and cover letter to all the orchestra teachers. Many schools and youth orchestras publish private teacher lists. Get on the list AND contact those teachers to introduce yourself and let them know you have openings. Also reach out to private school principals -- I've usually been able to find one that will allow me to offer lessons to students during the school day. Offer to visit classrooms to give violin demos [and leave your cards behind!].
Play, as Randy suggests, ANYWHERE. Play alone, play with amateurs, play professionally [don't forget to send your resume to local contractors!]...and always mention that you may have some room in your studio and hand out your card.

The good thing is that you already have a few students. A well prepared and confident student is your best advertisement. Reach out to another teacher in the area -- it doesn't necessarily have to be a teacher of the same instrument -- to see about having your students play on one of their recitals. Most teachers will remember their own start and be willing to help a colleague out. AND when you have enough students for your own recitals, be sure to schedule them regularly [I do two per year]. Just make sure the events are well organized and a positive experience for the students, and your program will grow!

Ruth Brons
Inventor of Bow Hold Buddies[tm] Instant Bow Hold bow accessory for violin/viola, and
CelloPhant[tm] Instant Bow Hold bow accessory for cello
www.things4strings.com

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