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Re: Good article (Reply to this comment)
by Saxguy,  in Musical Instruments
Thanks for the comment.
I don't have a problem with the business end, as my day job is as an accountant.
I also don't have any problems getting students to take me seriously.
Do you have any affiliation with that web site? It seems to me that it's expensive but it might be useful for musicians who do not have any business background.
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Jun 13 '08
3:51 am PDT
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Good article (Reply to this comment)
by brandags
I think you'll always find more younger students to take lessons than older students because of hopeful parents and youthful excitement. How many people do you know who have started taking music lessons, but quit shortly thereafter?
I enjoyed your ideas for promoting your teaching business. One other thing that's important to take into consideration is defining how you're going to run the businesses side, how you'll handle your teaching policy, cancellations, pricing, etc. It might take some research to find out how other teachers in your area are operating and how you can stand out from the competition.
Also, I recommend taking a look at Music Teacher's Helper (www.MusicTeachersHelper.com). It's a great site I've been using to help organize my studio, including billing and scheduling, etc. You also get a free studio website from them that you can update by yourself.
If you have a professional image in your teaching business, helped by an effective policy, pricing structure, and good-looking website, students are more likely to take you seriously.
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Jun 12 '08
8:58 am PDT
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HI there (Reply to this comment)
by 2buzy
My son started playing guitar when he was 13 - he was writing his own work by 14 and that year the teacher said he had taught him everything he could. He would practice and add on his own and this year at 16 the college instructor heard him (you have to try out to see where to be placed) and asked him to be a teacher's aid instead of taking a class. I find it odd I can't seem to get him lessons - maybe camp or something?
Anyway a few months ago, he was asked to teach a 6 year old girl. Within 2 months, he had too many students and has to turn them away! It appears there is a large market for young kids needing/wanting private lessons.
My concern is he is easily making more than if he took a regular 16 year old's job (which with his hair length might have been an issue) and that he will think this is the way to go. He WILL finish college but we were pushing a non musical major and yet he loves to play. Any suggestions?
Kristy
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Mar 31 '07
8:33 am PDT
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Re: most excellent.... (Reply to this comment)
by Saxguy, in Musical Instruments
Thanks.
There are lots of reasons for drying up gigs:
1. The deejays really killed a lot of the party business. Since they have only one performer, they can price fairly low, get volume and pay for their equipment that way.
2. Live jazz in clubs is an acquired taste. The crowds are thinning out. There are fewer clubs and restaurants running jazz. This is also reflected in lower CD sales for jazz and fewer radio stations running mainstream jazz. With the money going down, clubs that ran quartets and quintets are now running duos and trios
3. The not-for-profit crowd (libraries and park districts) are getting pushback from the populace that is funding them through property taxes. I've targeted my band marketing to these for years, trying to follow the money. The reductions are pronounced.
4. I never did jingles, but I'm told that the synths have really impacted the use of live musicians for music on commercials, etc.
5. I have no experience with the pit musicians, but I wouldn't be surprised if the synths have impacted them, too.
The best players in Chicago, with a few exceptions, perform with bands , have up to 3 adjunct faculty assignments, and do jingles besides.
It's tough.
I'm grateful for the day job and the students because, in addition to the students being lucrative and fulfilling, I'm able to play what I want, if I want, with who I want. That's priceless!
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Aug 06 '05
4:36 am PDT
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most excellent.... (Reply to this comment)
by deaser26
Hey Amigo, I really enjoyed this. It is well written, and the ideas are excellent. I appreciate your perspective.
I wonder why the paying gigs are kind of drying up these days. It is as true in Seattle as it is anywhere. It is a strange thing...neh?
cheers
deas
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Aug 05 '05
6:52 pm PDT
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