One of the best times to recruit new private students is at the start of the school year (especially for beginners!). If you’re looking to grow your studio, here are some of the best ways I’ve found to recruit new students.
Create a Website
This is where almost all of my new students have found me! Make sure to include where you teach on your website in multiple places (i.e., the home page, your lessons page, the contact page) as that will help your website show up when people search for things like “flute lessons near me” or “flute teachers near me,” etc. online.
Referrals/Word of Mouth
I’ve also gotten students through other students and/or parents recommending me to their friends. Note this method does take time – someone likely won’t recommend you until they’ve spent enough time with you. You might also consider some sort of incentive to those who recommend you – i.e., maybe the recommender and the new student both get one free lesson.
Local Music Stores
When I moved to Chattanooga, I visited a local music store, introduced myself, dropped off some business cards, and asked to be listed on their website (this particular store has a webpage for private teachers in the area). However, this method works best in a “you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours” way – if you can give the store business, they’ll often be more willing to recommend you when parents ask if they know any flute teachers. I provided this store with a list of method books I frequently use, and I often send my students there to purchase books and supplies, rent instruments, and do minor repairs.
Though I have not tried this myself, you could also offer to help with instrument demonstrations or petting zoos for new students – I’m sure they’d be happy to have a volunteer who specializes in an instrument, and it would be a great time to introduce yourself to parents who may be looking for lessons in the future.
Reach Out to Local Schools
I have gotten a few students by reaching out to local schools, but in my opinion, this is actually one of the least effective methods for two main reasons:
- Band teachers are really busy, and they don’t often have time to answer emails from every private teacher that reaches out.
- If there are other private teachers in your area, they’ve also probably reached out to band teachers.
When I email schools, I offer my help for sectionals or any other flute-related needs rather than asking if they have any students interested in lessons. Also consider what makes you stand out – perhaps your schedule is super flexible so you could come whenever they needed extra help. Or, maybe you have extra training or a special certification that might be of interest to them (i.e., you also have a degree in music education, you’ve spent a lot of time with a specific age group, you are Suzuki certified etc.).
I’ve found that the key to recruiting students this way is actually to focus on building a relationship with the teacher rather than trying to recruit students. If you can build rapport with the teacher, you’ll become their “go-to” person for flute. They’ll ask you first for help with sectionals, band camps, etc., and the students will see you often and get to know you. You can leave your information or materials (i.e., flyers, posters, business cards) with the teacher, who can help you distribute them when a student is interested in lessons. Band teachers are also often involved in the local music community, and when you’ve focused on building a relationship with them first, they might recommend you to their friends when the situation arises.
Community Events and Groups
Does your area have a flute choir, youth orchestra, or a community band or orchestra? If so, are there ways you can get involved in those groups? Reach out to the directors, perhaps join the ensembles yourself, attend their concerts and introduce yourself to the directors and/or players (though it’s important in those situations not to “sell yourself” but rather focus the conversation on them –congratulate them for their performance or offer praise for something you particularly liked), volunteer to help sell tickets or be an usher etc.
Social Media
There is a lot of competition on social media, but there are still a few ways that you can market yourself on social media platforms. First and foremost, make sure that the profile that you use (I have separate personal and “flute” accounts) includes your general location, as otherwise there is no way for those who find you to know where you teach. I also recommend tagging your location each time you post and trying to post often as the algorithm will help your account to be more discoverable, boost your engagement, and build your account credibility. Posting a variety of content can also help – consider posting not only about your services or accomplishments, but also post clips of you playing or teaching, provide tips and tutorials, create polls or ask your followers questions, and celebrate your current student’s achievements (of course with their and/or their parent/guardian’s permission).
Another way to recruit via social media is to join and post in Facebook groups – especially local ones like community, homeschooling, or parenting groups, and of course, any music groups if there are any. You can certainly advertise your services, but also be helpful in these groups – if others are asking questions, answer them. Start fruitful conversations. Seek to build meaningful relationships.
Join Your Local Band/Orchestra Organization
A lot of geographic regions have a band and/or orchestra organization that hosts festivals, clinics, and/or professional development opportunities for middle and high school musicians. These organizations are often responsible for hosting all-county/all-district/all-state and solo, ensemble, and marching band competitions. Your involvement or association with these organizations can help you network with other local music teachers, provide opportunities to enhance your own teaching, increase your credibility, and perhaps even open up doors for you to adjudicate competitions. Some may even be able to list you on a webpage of private teachers.
Other Ways to Recruit
Here are some other ideas for recruiting and networking in your community:
- Bulletin boards – are there any places in your community that you could pin a flyer to (i.e., libraries, community centers, coffee shops, local gyms, etc.)?
- Perform at a local event – perhaps you can play at your local farmers market or a concert series to help get your name out there.
- Partner with other arts teachers for cross-disciplinary events – i.e., a “paint what you hear” class with a local art teacher, or offer to play live music for a local dance recital.
Recruiting new students to your private studio is more than just advertising – it’s about building relationships with those in your community. Whether you make connections through social media, local events, local schools, or just word of mouth, be authentic in showing people who you are and what it would be like to study with you. Be personable, willing to help others when they need it, and ensure your passion for teaching stands out – people will notice! Good luck!
Are there any other methods of recruiting private students that have worked for you? I’d love to hear them in the comments!
