That title got your attention, didn’t it!? I personally live in an area where hourly lesson rates are eons away from being anywhere near $100 per hour; but I will be enjoying this wage increase next Wednesday and Thursday. Want to know how?
Strength in Numbers… And The Numbers Are Nice!
The key to increasing your hourly earnings is to increase your hourly students! Group classes are one of the most efficient ways of boosting your piano teacher income. They are also one of the best ways to a) increase word-of mouth, b) strengthen connections within your clientele and c) boost motivation and interest in piano lessons among your students.
I have included group classes (not group lessons… there is a difference!) in my piano teaching schedule for all of these reasons, as well as for the simple fact that kids thrive in a learning environment that includes their peers!
Using Group Piano Classes To Accomplish Teaching Goals
The difference I mention between group classes vs group lessons is that group classes give you the opportunity to focus on aspects of piano teaching that you may not regularly include in your individual lessons. You’re not spending the time teaching a regular piano class to a group of students; rather you’re teaching a group of piano students something new and exciting… like we do with Happy Birthday Bach (click to learn more or wait to read about it at the end of the post).
Tips for Great Group Piano Classes
The key in making group classes work for you is in obtaining enough interested students. If you aren’t into making these mandatory for your piano kids, here are 3 tips for good group piano classes:
1) Don’t advertise… invite! Your approach makes all the difference. Clients who are “advertised to” may opt out. Clients who are invited feel special and are excited to accept your invitation.
2) Choose your times wisely. Don’t set yourself up for having just a smattering of students who can attend… choose your times wisely. Consider when parents would be most willing and able to have their child participate in yet another activity and plan accordingly. (My classes next week will happen during our Spring Break).
3) Make it attractive. Package your group lessons in a format that clearly shows what their child will be gaining from the experience. Set your price in a reasonable realm, and appeal to your piano kids’ interest. If your students are pumped and begging to attend, their parents will be more than happy to oblige.
Group piano classes have the potential to take your studio from good to great. They also have the potential to add a good bit of income to your monthly earnings…. just 10 students paying $10 for an hour of fun is an easy $100! It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement for you and your students. Give it a try!
Want to make Group piano classes even easier? We’ve done all the work for you! Simply print, prepare… and presto! Our Piano Party Pack “Happy Birthday Bach” contains everything you need to host a fantastically fun 1 hour Group Class with lots of opportunities for learning all about this important composer. And with Bach’s Birthday happening this month it’s the perfect timing… we’ve even supplied the Birthday Party invitations! Check out more info and samples here.
