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1. Teach Piano to Homeschool Families
Most piano teacher
salaries are limited by available teaching hours after school. Take
advantage of the flexibility of homeschool families and make more money
by teaching piano during the day.
2. Teach Group
Lessons to Adults
Because of
their need for individual attention, I have never been a huge fan of
group lessons for children. Adults,
however, flourish in a group setting. If you can
overcome the hurdle of available pianos per adult you could be on your
way to serious success.
3. Profit on
Piano Books
If you supply
piano books for your students, you should definitely be putting a mark-up
on the materials… if only to cover your time driving to and from the
music store.
4. Monthly
Piano Master Classes
At least once a
month your piano students should have the opportunity to perform in front
of other piano students. Master classes provide a venue for performance
practice, listening practice, and community bonding.
5. Composing
Classes
Like piano
playing, composing
is an art in itself that requires time beyond a
standard piano lesson. Why not consider offering composing classes as an
add-on to your regular piano teaching?
6. Charge a
registration fee
Most piano
teachers already do this, but if you don’t, seriously reconsider. A
registration fee simply protects your piano teacher salary. If you don’t
cover costs for stickers, office supplies, photocopying etc., you are
actually losing money.
7. Keep up with
Inflation
Every year the
cost of living increases. If your rates have remained stagnant for some
time, consider giving yourself a raise. If not, once again, you are
simply losing money. If the thought of yearly increases is too scary,
consider a slightly higher increase once every two years.
8. Dynamic
Duets
For some
reason, piano teachers haven’t embraced the “rock band” concept as well
as guitar teachers. The organization and ability to play multiple
instruments may be a hurdle. Instead, try offering “Dynamic Duets” as an
add-on program. Kids will love the opportunity to play piano with a
friend every other week.
9. Teach Piano
to Preschoolers
This is along
the same vein as teaching piano to homeschoolers; that is, preschoolers
have more flexibility in their schedule, which will allow you to teach
piano at times when you normally could not have.
10. Hire an
Accountant
Hiring an
accountant will pay for itself and then some. Protect the money you earn
with professional help that can recognize ALL of the expenses necessary
to run a piano studio.
11. Go mobile
It certainly
isn’t for everyone, but teaching piano lessons in a student’s home
affords the opportunity to charge a higher lesson rate due to
convenience. If you are comfortable with this piano teaching format, give
it a try!
12. Sing and
Play
For those piano
teachers who are vocally gifted, consider offering an add-on program to teach
your students to accompany themselves as they sing. Glee has inspired a
new generation of voice students, so go ahead and capitalize on this.
13. Private
School Piano
This
opportunity may vary from region to region, but in Canada, private
schools often seek out private piano teachers to offer piano lessons to
their students. This is a great opportunity to acquire a lot of students
FAST!
14. Utilize
Technology
We had a great
presentation at a meeting a couple of years ago about how using an MP3
player can really benefit your teaching studio. I know some teachers who
email and text their students. Having a professional website is almost
essential these days. There is a mind-boggling resource of materials
online available if you are willing to invest some time looking.
15. Charge a Tuition. Don’t Charge for Individual Lessons
This gets a
greater level of commitment from students and families. It is also gives
you a greater feeling of income stability. Consider elimination of
“make-ups” for missed lessons. As one of our presenters put it “clients
are paying to reserve a spot on my calendar”. He also stated that when he
became more strict about his studio policies his
reputation actually increased.
16. Invest in
Continuing Education, Especially Business Classes
We are lucky that
there are so many educational opportunities through MTNA. Take advantage
of them! If you have experiences to share, then teach! Teaching other
teachers is another great way to enhance your own knowledge. Don’t get
stuck in your own little world. Find a mentor who is charging top dollar
with a thriving music studio and more students than they can handle. Meet
with them regularly. There are also lots of great resources through the
local Small Business Administration.
17. Make Sure you
Are Charging for Administrative Time
It’s easy to
think you are making $30 or $40 an hour when you are teaching. However
this just represents a fraction of the time it takes to run a successful
studio. Be fair to yourself! Get paid for your time - you deserve it.
Feel free to email YOUR ideas and I will gladly add them to
the list!
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