2. How Will I Find Students?

2.1  Advertisements

If you think advertising sounds like a business expense, you are correct.  Your piano studio is your business and to increase your business, you will need to advertise.  There are several types of advertising.  Word-of-mouth doesn't cost anything and will accelerate as your studio progresses, but in the beginning, relying on word-of-mouth alone will get you off to a slow start at best.

The most cost-effective method of advertising for students is through the classified ad section of your local paper.  If you live in a large metropolitan area, where the newspaper serves readers who are more than fifteen miles away from you, consider advertising in a smaller community paper or even a neighborhood newsletter.  Since most people will not travel for more than fifteen miles for a piano teacher when there are suitable teachers near them, why pay more for an ad that reaches people who are too far away?  If you are advertising in a small community newspaper, check the rates for display ads.  These ads are more visible and should be considered if they are not too expensive.

Ads may be placed in the newspaper at any time, but you will get more results per advertising dollar if you time your ads strategically.  More people are looking for a new piano teacher at the beginning of the school year than at any other time of year.  Other busy times for new students are after Christmas (a piano makes a good Christmas gift) and at the beginning of summer vacation.

Use an ad that will attract attention.  Examples:

IMPROVE YOUR CHILD'S IQ WITH PIANO LESSONS!

Research shows that children who learn to play the piano score higher in math than those who don’t. Give your child the extra advantage. Call 919-4774 today.  MTNA Certified.

PIANO LESSONS – 4TH MONTH IS FREE!

Take piano lessons for three months from a qualified teacher and the fourth month will be free. Melody Allegro, BM Piano Performance, 919-4774.

You may use either ad or make up your own.  The first ad is true!  See Appendix for more information.  The second ad can be altered to include any special promotion. 

2.2  Business Cards

Business cards are inexpensive and a great way to promote yourself.  Your business card should include your name, phone number, and degree/certification.  Location and other information are optional, but can be helpful.  Give your business card to anyone who needs your phone number (prospective student or not) as a way of getting the word out that you are a piano teacher.

Business cards can be printed at any copy store or office supply store or you can make them yourself, using Microsoft Word, a printer, and blank, perforated business card pages, available at office supply stores.  You can access busines card templates online.  From Microsoft Word, click on Tools/Tools On the Web.  This will take you to the Microsoft Office Web Site.  Type in business cards in the search box to access business card templates.  To add clip-art, click on Insert/Picture/Clip-Art.  To create a logo, click on Insert/Picture/WordArt.  Any picture that is stored on your computer can be printed on your business card if you have a color printer.  Use Paint (found under Accessories on your computer programs) to reduce the image size if neccessary.

2.3  Word of Mouth

Introduce yourself to the school music teachers in your area.  Consider volunteering your time to provide piano accompaniment for their school programs.  The music teacher most likely will appreciate your services and be glad to recommend you to parents who ask about piano lessons.  You might also pass out flyers to all of the children in the nearest elementary school, or post flyers on bulletin boards in the local grocery stores.

As previously discussed, joining music teachers' organizations can be very beneficial.  Some teachers' organizations provide lists of teachers for anyone interested.  Some teachers with full studios will refer prospective students to other teachers.