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By Dr. Denise Gainey
Growing a private studio for electric guitar instruction is a big goal for some musicians, especially college students. They often hope to start a studio, build a reputation and make ends meet teaching and running the business. However, building a music studio isn’t easy.
Here are some tips for getting started, increasing studio size and quality, and for getting the word out about your new studio.
1: Have Professional Business Cards
made with your contact information and always carry them with you. You never know when you will run into a prospective student or someone who could lead you to prospective students. There are several free or low-cost resources online that will enable you to create your own cards.
2: Create A Website
and a professional presence on social media dedicated to your studio.
3: Make an eye-catching flyer
to place in band rooms and places of business that clearly states what you do and what your qualifications are.
4: Sell Yourself!
Put together professional-quality folders to distribute to local band directors, music stores, or other applied teachers. Have them contain a letter of introduction, your business card, your resume (make sure to highlight any teaching experience that you may have), and letters of support from others in the field who have observed your work. If possible, include an example of your playing which showcases your very best work.
5: Contact Area Programs
and request a brief meeting. Offer to give a free masterclass to students or assist with summer music camps so that the band director or other music teachers can see your work firsthand. Dress professionally — consider this an interview.
6: Band Directors and other teachers are very busy,
so don’t hesitate to contact them more than once about your willingness to teach lessons to their students.
7: Schedule a Recital
and promote it at the schools where you hope to attract students.
8: Consider Joining Organizations
to network with other music teachers in your area.
9: Schedule Regular Studio Recitals
that are open to the public. Share news on your website and social media pages, especially when your students make All-State or win competitions or scholarships. Their success is your most important advertising!
And Finally...
10: Be Positive and Proactive
Depending upon where you live and work, there is a lot of competition for students out there. Students will gravitate toward a teacher who is energetic, enthusiastic, a successful and active performer, and someone who gets results. Once you have demonstrated success, you will find that quality attracts quality, and numbers attract numbers — and your studio will flourish!
