It seems, at least around the area where I live, that the time is ripe for anyone who is considering starting his or her own private lesson studio. Parents are becoming more and more aware of the advantages music education has for their children's future. Also, with the rise in numbers of children being home-schooled, piano lessons are a viable option to provide the musical background necessary for a well-rounded education. Following are some ideas are how to get started. Some I have learned from experience, but much I've learned from from e-mail lists.

Before deciding on rates or anything else, you must decide on the following: How much experience and education do I have in my preferred instrument as compared to the other teachers in the area? What level of student to I want to teach? Am I willing to take advanced students, or do I want to only take beginning and intermediate? Will I take anyone who wants lessons, or will I be selective? Do I plan on having my students participate in competitions? Will I pay entry fees, or expect the student to pay part or all of it? Will I give recitals? What will be the expense in that, and again, how much will my students contribute? What is my overhead and personal expenses? How much of the music will I provide myself, and how much will I require the students to purchase? Once you feel comfortable with your decisions, you need to, of course, set your rate. The best way to do that, especially if you are new to an area, is to contact other teachers to find out what their rates are. If you are not comfortable doing this, you might try to contact either the local school music teachers or the head of the music department of the nearest college. They may be able to give you some insight. Chances are very good, however, that most good piano teachers will have a waiting list and would be quite willing to give you an idea of what the current rates are, plus possibly provide you with some build-in clientele! Remember, however, base your rates on your own experience and education. For example,I charge more for flute than piano because flute is more my area of expertise. I don't have much overhead, and I only give lessons after school.

OK, you know what your studio's going to be like, and you've got an idea of what your rates are. Now, you've got to let the world know you're open for business. Those school music teachers come in extremely handy! If you're doing piano, meet as many elementary music teachers as you can. Chances are, they have several parents asking them about area piano teachers. If you're into band or orchestral instrument instruction, seek out the instrumental teachers. Make a sign and ask them to put it up on their bulletin board. When you first ask, the teachers may not have anyone in mind, but that sign on the bulletin board will trigger their memory. If you are in or near a college or university town, you might contact the head of the music department, or the head of the instrument area you'll be teaching. Often, people will contact this source, especially if they are beginning adults.

The colleges are also an excellent source for competitions and possible locations to hold recitals. Find opportunities to perform in your area. I've obtained several flute students because of parents or kids seeing me play at weddings, church, etc. Volunteer your services at places of worship, nursing homes, wineries, etc.

Ads in the paper do work, but you must be careful in whom you are talking to. Be very thorough in your questions. Stick with the more localized newspapers.

Once you've obtained a list of prospective students, many private teachers advise an introductory lesson/interview session before commiting. I haven't done this, but in many cases, this is a good idea, especially if you're getting a student who has gone through several music teachers. You would want to find out as discreetly as possible why the students wants to change. Often, it's just because the other teacher retired or moved. However, there are cases in which the parent is difficult, or the child just will not work, but the parent insists the child stick with lessons. If you do hold an interview, organize your thoughts and write your base questions down, so that you will appear thorough and professional. Remember, in essence, you will be interviewed, also. Parents will often talk with 2-3 different teachers several times before settling on one.

Once a commitment is made, you should prepare a short newsletter to hand out within the first couple of lessons. Mine includes information on payment, scheduling, purchasing material, performance, and practice. I also included a informational page that the student fills out and returns. This newsletter shows the parents and students right away what your expectations are. This can come in very handy, especially when it comes to payment. I also include a question about the student's other interests, plus their birthdays! You'll be very popular if you remember that your students have a life outside your studio!

Bookkeeping and all that fun stuff:-( I'm not going to delve into the tax issue except to say that you need to get with a tax advisor right away! If there is someone else in your household that is making regular tax contributions, you may not have to estimate quarterly, but it's best to check it out. Give your advisor an estimate of how much you think you might be bringing in, as well as outgoing expenses. Bookkeeping is a lot easier when you use a program like Quicken, especially if you spring for a business-based one, which really is not much more expensive than the home versions, and will allow you to print out invoices and notate when payments are made, as well as helping you keep that checkbook in balance. Also for bookkeeping sake: I'd suggest having a separate account for your business so that it's easier to keep track of income and expenses.

The final thing: have patience. If they don't come banging on your door right away, you'll be amazed at how the new students seem to come in bunches! You've heard of feast and famine? It happens here. Must be a Murphy's law thing or something, but they WILL come, especially if you've established a reputation (good one, that is) elsewhere as a performer.

Next month, the Private Lesson PR topic is handling those sticky situations with parents and kids (the perfect child; the parent who insists on sitting in-we've all had those). Future topics include preparing for performances, professional instrument organizations, music careers, and practice motivation. Contributions on these topics, or suggestions on other topics, are greatly appreciated! In fact, they are a necessary part of this website. If you have anything to contribute on the topic of private lessons, please submit it.