What's the best way to build up a music studio?

Question:I'm going to start teaching voice and piano privately and I'm wondering what is the best way to build a good student base? I already have a studio space, a curriculum and plenty of materials. How should I go about letting the community know I am teaching?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm going to start teaching voice and piano privately and I'm wondering what is the best way to build a good student base? I already have a studio space, a curriculum and plenty of materials. How should I go about letting the community know I am teaching?

Join the local organization of certified or school music teachers. They will admit adult qualified teachers - you do not have to be a school teacher yourself. They will be a good resource for student referrals. You must demonstrate to them that you can improve their programs by them sending students to you. If there are specific competition or festivals for which they would like students prepared, beyond what they have the time and expertise to do themselves, then you can assure them that your education and own professional credentials would be suitable to do the job.

You might contact schools and see if they need accompanists for their choral programs. This would give you a chance to see and hear what is going on in their program. You CANNOT solicit in their school, but a word with the teacher might pay you back in THEIR giving your name out.

Advertising seldom works as well as direct contact with other professionals. Perhaps another voice teacher has a waiting list or overflow, and you can take on those students. In many communities, private teaching is VERY competitive, so I hope that you can demonstrate that YOU are the best qualified to teach! Good luck with your studio - I have had a private studio for 37 years, and have found it very rewarding.

Firstly dont expect students to be waiting out the door straight away! It takes years to build up a studio no matter how good a teacher that you are! It takes a few years for any business to get started! As stated above teaching is VERY competitive! So be prepared for the long hall!

Secondly approach schools , this will be the majority of your student base! If you are lucky there will be a vaccancy for a band teacher. It may be voluntary but any experience that you can get teaching as well as getting your name out there is a good thing! As suggested above you may want to offer to accompany students as well. You may also want to approach your local music stores. Students often ask if they can recomnd any teachers!Think about where you would look if you were looking for a teacher and advertise there!
There are also free sites that you can advertise as well. Google voice lessions etc and see what you get!

Teaching is great! but it also can be frustrating! Be prepared for a hard slog! But its worth it!