Teaching music is a calling, but becoming a music teacher also involves building a practice. Whether you choose to earn a living from teaching music, or work part-time as a teacher, building your practice will take some time and effort. Being prepared for the business side of running a music studio will help you enjoy the many rewards of teaching.
Working for yourself can bring many benefits, including freedom, flexibility, and control. You get to decide who and what you want to teach, and also set your own schedule. But it can also bring some financial uncertainty that may not be suitable for everyone. Sound planning – including creating a Studio Policy – can help you meet these challenges. Ask yourself these questions to see if you have what it takes.
If your passion to build your practice is burning even brighter, then read on!
As an independent music teacher, all the administrative responsibilities will fall on your shoulders. You need to decide where to hold your lessons, and to coordinate lesson times with students. You’ll need to track all your income and expenses and save receipts for tax purposes. You’ll also have to set up an invoicing system so you can get paid on time.
There are numerous apps and programs that can streamline these tasks, and a small business accountant can help ensure you are taking advantage of the numerous tax deductions available to you. Keeping your administrative affairs in order will give your business a professional edge.
Training and continuing education are very important for music teachers. Ongoing development will help keep you current with the latest teaching techniques and provide opportunities to connect with fellow professionals. For instance, professional development and certification can open doors in your practice, and allow you to teach higher-level students. The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) supports your commitment to lifelong learning.
Word of mouth is a great way to start marketing yourself. Tell everyone you know – family, friends, co-workers, people you meet at gigs and performances – about your lessons and what kind of students you are interested in teaching. Be sure to create professional looking business cards and always have them with you.
Social media is another effective way to market your services. Think about creating social media profiles focused solely on your practice. If you already have a following based on your music, you might even want to post some music lessons online. A website that lists your background, credentials, and services, along with any testimonials, is another key marketing tool to consider.
Knocking on doors the old-fashioned way is another way to find students. Talk to elementary and secondary school music teachers in your area. Offer to do a class in your chosen instrument, or perhaps give free introductory lessons to any student who’s interested. The same goes for any after-school or community arts programs in your neighborhood. Over time, efforts like these can pay off in referrals.
If you are not keen on the administrative side of being an independent teacher, you might want to consider working for a studio or music store. Studios will often take care of tasks like acquiring students, coordinating lesson times, and marketing, to name a few. However, you may have to forgo some control, and the freedom to set your own rates, schedule, and curriculum. Working for a studio can be a good fit if you want to earn a part-time income teaching.
The RCM supports music teachers in their calling and in their practice. We offer a number of programs and resources to hone your teaching skills and network with other professionals.
Whatever path your teaching journey takes you on, we support your passion and commitment to learning.
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