i want to start teaching piano lessons, what do i need to do?
im just about to finish my 8th grade ABRSM piano exams and im in need of extra cash, so i thought id give piano lessons..please tell me what i need to do and how much i should charge.. im a college student and i have classes till 5 every day, but im free on the weekends..i dont want alot of kids either, that would be too much work, i was thinking maybe 10 kids max. thanx in advance xx
Have you thought of working at a local music store that offers private lessons to their kids? I don’t know how readily available they are in your country, but many of my peers, while I attended college, taught at local music stores.
#1) Create a syllabus of expectations and have both the parent and child sign it. Make it clear that if a child does not practice, you have the right to send them home and still will be paid for your time. Secondly, also include that if a child does not show up to a lesson and doesn’t notify you in advance, you will still be paid.
#2) Decide *where* you’re going to give lessons. Your place? Theirs? On your college campus? In any case, make sure it’s an open and public area. If possible, ask for the parent to accompany the lesson (if it’s not at their place), or, ask for permission to videotape the lesson. This is to protect you from legal problems (accusations of harassment and related) – make sure to include on your syllabus that, if you videotape the lesson, it will solely be used for educational purposes and legal purposes.
I’d suggest you give the parent the videotape/DVD when the child no longer takes lessons with you – that way the parent feels a little more comfortable.
If they don’t agree to a videotape, ask if you can just record the lesson on cassette tape or any other recording device you prefer. This prevents any legal problems from arising, as you have proof of what goes on the lesson.
#3) Decide a flat rate. Personally, as a music teacher *now* and a college graduate, I charge $25 per 30 minutes, but I will go as low as $15 for some students. I keep rates to myself and only discuss them with the people who pay, or on a need-to-know basis. I keep flexibility depending upon the student – some families won’t have that much money, so I adjust depending upon the situation. I don’t want to deprive a child of lessons. BUT, I do this because I teach in a low-income area.
While I was in college, I charged $10 per half an hour. Relate your charges to your experience – if you’re fairly new, start with a medium rate of maybe $10-18 per 30 minutes.
#4) Make the needed materials CLEAR in the syllabus and make sure the students know they are responsible for their materials, NOT you. Obviously they will need a piano, but you decide what kind of piano they need. Make sure to include recommendations for brands and *where* to purchase them.
#5) Keep a lesson plan log for EVERY child. Decide what pieces you want them to achieve after a certain amount of time and document what you do to get there.
#6) Don’t expect to get 10 kids right away. That’s actually quite a lot of lessons right there – try 2 or 3 at first. That way you can test the waters and see how it goes.
Good luck!
Comments
Times, they are a-changing! When I was 12 years old, I taught piano lessons to younger kids at $2.00 per hour. (haha) Not so today. If I were you, I’d make a flyer with your name and credentials of qualification. Pass them out to parents, etc., schools, post them, etc. You can make a list of those who are interested, and prepare a set of questions you feel will help weed out those who are not serious. Meet with the kids. (Too young, they won’t be interested or continue; too old, they might not commit if they can’t play within two weeks….)
Kids should have their own piano or keyboard – they must be able to practice – and not on your time! You should charge at least $15.00 per hour. Some schools start at $15 (low) and go as high as $15 for one half hour).
You can determine when you meet the students and talk with them and their parents how interested they are and how willing they are to commit to the time and effort to become a good musician.
I had the same teacher for 8 years- but some personalities don’t always click.
Decide which book you want them to use. And insist they practice for at least one hour a day. I was so involved, my mom would ask me to STOP! One hour was not enough for me.
Good luck.
References :
Have you thought of working at a local music store that offers private lessons to their kids? I don’t know how readily available they are in your country, but many of my peers, while I attended college, taught at local music stores.
#1) Create a syllabus of expectations and have both the parent and child sign it. Make it clear that if a child does not practice, you have the right to send them home and still will be paid for your time. Secondly, also include that if a child does not show up to a lesson and doesn’t notify you in advance, you will still be paid.
#2) Decide *where* you’re going to give lessons. Your place? Theirs? On your college campus? In any case, make sure it’s an open and public area. If possible, ask for the parent to accompany the lesson (if it’s not at their place), or, ask for permission to videotape the lesson. This is to protect you from legal problems (accusations of harassment and related) – make sure to include on your syllabus that, if you videotape the lesson, it will solely be used for educational purposes and legal purposes.
I’d suggest you give the parent the videotape/DVD when the child no longer takes lessons with you – that way the parent feels a little more comfortable.
If they don’t agree to a videotape, ask if you can just record the lesson on cassette tape or any other recording device you prefer. This prevents any legal problems from arising, as you have proof of what goes on the lesson.
#3) Decide a flat rate. Personally, as a music teacher *now* and a college graduate, I charge $25 per 30 minutes, but I will go as low as $15 for some students. I keep rates to myself and only discuss them with the people who pay, or on a need-to-know basis. I keep flexibility depending upon the student – some families won’t have that much money, so I adjust depending upon the situation. I don’t want to deprive a child of lessons. BUT, I do this because I teach in a low-income area.
While I was in college, I charged $10 per half an hour. Relate your charges to your experience – if you’re fairly new, start with a medium rate of maybe $10-18 per 30 minutes.
#4) Make the needed materials CLEAR in the syllabus and make sure the students know they are responsible for their materials, NOT you. Obviously they will need a piano, but you decide what kind of piano they need. Make sure to include recommendations for brands and *where* to purchase them.
#5) Keep a lesson plan log for EVERY child. Decide what pieces you want them to achieve after a certain amount of time and document what you do to get there.
#6) Don’t expect to get 10 kids right away. That’s actually quite a lot of lessons right there – try 2 or 3 at first. That way you can test the waters and see how it goes.
Good luck!
References :
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