More Piano Teaching Tips

for New Piano Teachers

More great piano teaching tips for new piano teachers...

Have you read part one of this article?

Check it out here, then come on back!

Starting out as a private lesson teacher can be exciting...

And intimidating!

Here are more tips for new teachers as you start your piano studio.

Some simple organization and preparation will avoid many of the pitfalls new small business owners make.

You'll also help yourself avoid conflict with students and parents.

Here's to your success!

Being self-employed means you need to understand your reporting and tax responsibilities. Most communities have free small-business tax classes on an ongoing basis. It's also a good idea to meet with an accountant to learn how to track your income and expenses properly.

If you're in the US, you can get started learning at the federal government's small business portal.

There's no doubt about it: more and more people are turning to the web instead of the local yellow pages.

Having a website isn't a luxury, it's a necessity! What better way is there to give your potential students lots of great information, whenever they happen to be looking, business hours or not?

I floundered in the web world for a couple of years until I discovered the tools I used to build this website. There are lots of website packages out there, and I spent a lot of money and time doing things that didn't work.

Don't make the same mistakes! Learn what works!

Pay attention to your fellow teachers' print ads, flyers, business cards, and recruitment strategies. What can you learn? If you're on friendly terms with other teachers, ask if you can visit their studios and ask questions. Other teachers will give you their own piano teaching tips.

Teachers with long waiting lists may even refer students to you!

Seems like a no-brainer, right? But I've found that I have to be intentional about my own practice time -- there's always another thing to do, another bill to pay, more filing to get done. I've had days where I didn't even think about practicing until I was laying in bed (ooops -- too late!).

It's always great to be working not only on what you're teaching your students, but stretching yourself as a pianist as well. Plus it never hurts to have something flashy ready to play!

I'm a big fan of adding fun to your teaching time, and as "homework" for your students! I love The Big Book of Music Games. Reproducible games, from very-beginner level to note and rhythm reading and composers. I also use flash cards!

In summer, when my students (and I) go on vacation, I make up packets of music puzzles, coloring sheets, and other fun goodies. Another book I like is 101 Music Games for Children: Fun and Learning with Rhythm and Song.

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