Here at TeachPianoToday.com we have a challenge for you this coming weekend: set aside two hours of your time… open your window and… PRACTICE! Yes, you heard us. It’s time to steal some moments for yourself on the piano. Sound like a luxury? You’ll be happy to know that you are actually multi-tasking. This is the easiest form of advertising you’ll ever do… but it works!
Open Houses Work for Realtors… and Piano Teachers!
Word of mouth is your biggest ally as a piano teacher. You want people to be talking about you as much as possible. When someone says “piano”, you want the conversation to inevitably turn to you! There are many ways to advertise your piano teaching studio, but there is nothing like hearing impressive music drifting from your windows to inspire those passing by. People are naturally drawn to music. There’s no better way to capture their attention!
Make it Count
Make sure you have studio signage outside your door. It’s even more effective to have a definite “call to action” (think “Piano Studio Open House… Come On In!”). If you live in a very rural area with no neighbours then you may want to consider doing your practising in a more public area like a community centre, local coffee shop… anywhere where they’d like some free background music or where you can find a piano that’s not being used. Make sure you have your business cards on hand and give it a whirl. Be willing to stop and chat with anyone and everyone who stops to listen.
Keeners… Keep Reading
If you’re really keen on this free form of advertising, take a page from your local real estate agent and increase your signage (place directional signs at several different locations pointing to your studio), add helium balloons to the end of your driveway or front step and have some yummy baked goods on hand to welcome your lookey-loos. Be ready with information on your program, teaching methods and materials, and a “take-home” (brochure, card etc.)
For those of you teaching from your homes, you need to up the anty when it comes to your visibility in your community. This is one way to get noticed and makes a great and lasting impression.
Wanting to really impress those who walk through your doors? Set up a display showing the unique and cutting-edge materials you use. Not sure what will grab their attention? Well, you’ve just got to check out The Adventures of Fearless Fortissimo! This series hooks young boys and their parents immediately with its exciting visual appeal and shows that you are a piano teacher who is in-tune with what your students find motivating.
Ryan Record says
August 2, 2012 at 5:50 amI’ve never had the priveledge to teach out of my house. One thing that was vey attractive to my clients is that I used to go to students houses. I just can’t do that now because of gas but was a really personal environment when I did it!
Is teaching out of your house the same way I wonder?
Jan says
August 3, 2012 at 5:44 amRyan, I love teaching out of my home. I have one room set up just for lessons with my piano and keyboard, a computer and all my books and resources easy to find. It makes things easier for me to plan, organize and refresh between students. I have a friend who does house calls and she feels too harried going from home to home. Plus, the travel time and gas hardly make it profitable. Good luck!
Beth says
August 2, 2012 at 10:18 amI sometimes like to open my patio door (same room as the piano) & I have had folks call up who said they heard the music & wanted to call. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to throw open the windows for a while now — way too hot & humid here in Southern Ontario.
Other than a brief 2-year stint, I’ve always taught out of my home (or my parents’ home when I was in high school). I’ve had parents of students (even one just yesterday) comment on how much they like the personal aspect of it. It’s a little riskier on the student’s part – what do they do if they really don’t like me & want to quit? It’s easier to be more anonymous in a large storefront studio.
Andrea says
August 2, 2012 at 8:53 pmHi Beth,
This is very true – people think of you as being more of a business when you have a storefront. This has both good and bad points! 🙂
Tami says
August 2, 2012 at 7:11 pmSo how do you advertise when there are piano teachers on every block? Seriously there are so many here that it’s hard to get noticed. :o/
Andrea says
August 2, 2012 at 8:52 pmHi Tami! Thanks for commenting. When you feel like you’re getting lost in the mix is when you need to find a niche. If there are a ton of “generalists” you will get lost in the crowd if you too just offer generic “Piano Lessons”. However, if you are the one people go to for a specific kind of lesson program, then your advertising will stand out. It’s always best to advertise to a niche group. This blog post from awhile back may help too https://www.teachpianotoday.com/2011/11/21/your-piano-teaching-success-begins-with-one-simple-word/ If you keep reading our blog we often talk about ways to stand out and get your studio noticed 🙂
Beth Barone says
June 3, 2013 at 7:12 pmHi Folks: I teach out of my home & LOVE that !! We have 2 cats. I have a family of students who have been with me on & off for years. I taught the 2 teenagers & mom….now I’m teaching the 2 youngest kids (gr. 2 & 5). I DREAD it !! I must go to their home, because the youngest is allergic to the cats. However….the house is a disaster area (really), even though mom & dad have excellent jobs. I have to move papers & socks & toys to even put a chair next to the piano (as well as in the front door. There is no light on the piano. The older ones keep it quiet, but…..I get paid well from them. Any suggestion ??? Help !!