Category Archives: Music Teacher Tips

Let’s compare the most popular online music lesson platforms

Child taking an online music lesson over ZoomWith the rise of online music lessons, several platforms are available for music teachers to use. Each platform offers unique features and benefits that cater to different needs. Here, we compare the best online music lesson platforms. We will outline the pros and cons of each one so you can make the best decision about which online meeting software to use for your music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using Zoom for Music Lessons

Zoom is a video conferencing platform that has become very popular for online music lessons. Here are some pros and cons of using Zoom for music lessons.

Pros:

  1. Easy to Use: Zoom is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. It is available for free to anyone with a Zoom account and can be accessed through a web browser or by downloading the app on mobile devices.
  2. Good Audio and Video Quality: Zoom has good audio and video quality, which is essential for music lessons. The platform also has noise-cancelling features and allows users to adjust audio and video settings.
  3. Compatibility with Different Devices: Zoom is compatible with different devices such as Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. This can help private music teachers to reach a wider audience.
  4. Collaboration Features: Zoom has collaboration features such as virtual whiteboards, breakout rooms, and screen sharing. These features can be helpful for music lessons that require group work or collaboration.
  5. Scheduling: Zoom lets you save invitations for recurring meetings, which is perfect for music lessons.
  6. Free Plan: Zoom has a free plan that allows teachers to conduct one-on-one lessons and group lessons for up to 40 minutes. This can be a great option for private music teachers who are just starting out.

Cons:

  1. Security Concerns: Zoom has faced criticism for its security and privacy practices, which may be a concern for music teachers who are dealing with sensitive information. However, Zoom has made efforts to improve security measures.
  2. Technical Issues: Zoom may experience technical issues such as connection problems or software glitches, which can disrupt music lessons.
  3. Limited Free Plan: Although Zoom has a free plan, it has limitations on the number of participants and features. This can be a disadvantage for teachers who want to have larger classes or access to advanced features.

In conclusion, Zoom can be a great platform for music lessons, especially for private music teachers who are just starting out. It is easy to use, has good audio and video quality, and is compatible with different devices. However, it may have limitations such as security concerns, technical issues, and limited free plan. Private music teachers should carefully consider the needs of themselves and their students when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using Google Meet for Music Lessons

With the rise of online music lessons, private music teachers have various video conferencing platforms to choose from, such as Google Meet. Here are some pros and cons of using Google Meet for music lessons.

Pros:

  1. Free and Easy to Use: Google Meet is a free platform that is relatively easy to use. Teachers and students can access it through a web browser or download the app on their mobile devices. There are no additional costs for using the platform.
  2. Screen Sharing: Google Meet has a screen sharing feature that allows teachers to share their screen with students. This can be useful for displaying sheet music, demonstrating techniques, and illustrating musical concepts.
  3. Integration with Other Google Services: Google Meet integrates seamlessly with other Google services, such as Google Calendar, Gmail, and Google Drive. This can help streamline lesson scheduling, sending invitations, and storing lesson materials.

Cons:

  1. Limited Recording Capabilities: Unlike other video conferencing platforms, Google Meet has limited recording capabilities. Teachers can only record meetings to Google Drive, and the recordings are only available for 30 days. This can be a drawback for students who want to review lesson material at a later time.
  2. Limited Features: Google Meet has fewer features compared to other video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom. There is no virtual whiteboard, chat, or breakout rooms, which can be helpful for music lessons.
  3. Audio Quality: Google Meet’s audio quality can be affected by various factors, such as internet connectivity and device compatibility. This can be a disadvantage for music lessons, where clear audio quality is essential.
  4. Limited Support for Multiple Devices: Google Meet does not support all devices, such as some older Android devices. This can be a disadvantage for students who do not have access to a compatible device.

In conclusion, Google Meet can be a cost-effective and straightforward video conferencing platform for music lessons. However, it may have some limitations, such as limited features and recording capabilities, that may not be suitable for all music lessons. It’s important to consider the needs of both the teacher and student when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using Skype for Music Lessons

Skype is one of the most well-known video conferencing platforms, and it is commonly used by private music teachers for online lessons. Here are some pros and cons of using Skype for music lessons.

Pros:

  1. Easy to Use: Skype is an easy-to-use platform that many people are familiar with. It is free to download and use, and teachers and students can access it through a web browser or download the app on their mobile devices.
  2. Good Audio Quality: Skype is known for having good audio quality, which is essential for music lessons. The platform has noise-cancelling features, and users can adjust the audio settings to improve sound quality.
  3. Chat and File Sharing: Skype has a chat feature that allows teachers to communicate with students during lessons. Additionally, teachers can share files such as sheet music, audio files, or videos with students through the platform.
  4. Screen Sharing: Skype has a screen sharing feature that can be useful for music lessons. Teachers can use this feature to display sheet music, demonstrate techniques, and illustrate musical concepts.

Cons:

  1. Limited Features: Skype has fewer features compared to other video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom. There is no virtual whiteboard, breakout rooms, or other advanced features that can be helpful for music lessons.
  2. No Recording Feature: Skype does not have a built-in recording feature, which can be a disadvantage for students who want to review lesson material at a later time.
  3. Security Concerns: Skype has faced criticism for its security and privacy practices. Although Microsoft has made efforts to improve security measures, some users may be hesitant to use the platform for sensitive or confidential information.
  4. Device Compatibility: Skype may not be compatible with all devices, such as older mobile devices or operating systems. This can be a disadvantage for students who do not have access to a compatible device.

In conclusion, Skype can be a reliable video conferencing platform for music lessons, especially for teachers and students who are familiar with the platform. However, it may have limitations such as limited features, no recording feature, and security concerns. Private music teachers should consider the needs of both themselves and their students when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using FaceTime for Music Lessons

FaceTime is a video conferencing platform that is exclusive to Apple devices. Here are some pros and cons of using FaceTime for music lessons.

Pros:

  1. Good Audio and Video Quality: FaceTime is known for its high-quality video and audio, which is essential for music lessons. The platform also adjusts to the network conditions, which helps maintain a stable connection.
  2. Easy to Use: FaceTime is simple to use, especially for people who are familiar with Apple devices. Teachers and students can use the platform without the need to download additional software.
  3. Integration with Apple Services: FaceTime integrates seamlessly with other Apple services, such as iMessage and iCloud. This can is a pro if the other user has an Apple device because the connection is easy.

Cons:

  1. Limited Device Compatibility: FaceTime is exclusive to Apple devices, which means that students who do not have an Apple device may not be able to use the platform. This can limit the reach of private music teachers.
  2. Limited Features: FaceTime has limited features compared to other video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom. There is no screen sharing, virtual whiteboard, or breakout rooms, which can be helpful for music lessons.
  3. Limited Recording Capabilities: FaceTime does not have a built-in recording feature, which can be a disadvantage for students who want to review lesson material at a later time.
  4. Limited Availability: FaceTime is not available in all countries, which can limit the reach of private music teachers who have students in other parts of the world.

In conclusion, FaceTime can be a useful platform for music lessons, especially for those who have Apple devices. However, it may have limitations such as limited device compatibility, limited features, limited recording capabilities, and limited availability in certain countries. It’s important to consider the needs of both the teacher and student when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Teams for Music Lessons

Microsoft Teams is a video conferencing platform that is commonly used for business and education purposes. Here are some pros and cons of using Microsoft Teams for music lessons.

Pros:

  1. Easy to Use: Microsoft Teams is easy to use and is available for free to anyone with a Microsoft account. Teachers and students can access the platform through a web browser or download the app on their mobile devices.
  2. Good Audio and Video Quality: Microsoft Teams has good audio and video quality, which is essential for music lessons. The platform also has noise-cancelling features and allows users to adjust audio and video settings.
  3. Integration with Microsoft Office: Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office, which includes features such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This can be useful for sharing and storing lesson materials.
  4. Collaboration Features: Microsoft Teams has collaboration features such as virtual whiteboards, breakout rooms, and the ability to work on documents together in real-time. These features can be helpful for music lessons that require group work or collaboration.

Cons:

  1. Limited Device Compatibility: Microsoft Teams may not be compatible with all devices, which can limit its reach for private music teachers who have students with different devices.
  2. Limited Free Plan: Although Microsoft Teams has a free plan, it has limitations on the number of participants and features. This can be a disadvantage for teachers who want to have larger classes or access to advanced features.
  3. Security Concerns: Microsoft Teams has faced criticism for its security and privacy practices. Although Microsoft has made efforts to improve security measures, some users may be hesitant to use the platform for sensitive or confidential information.
  4. Technical Issues: Microsoft Teams may experience technical issues such as connection problems or software glitches, which can disrupt music lessons.

In conclusion, Microsoft Teams can be a useful platform for music lessons, especially for those who already use Microsoft Office for other purposes. However, it may have limitations such as limited device compatibility, limited free plan, security concerns, and technical issues. Private music teachers should consider the needs of both themselves and their students when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using Cisco Webex for Music Lessons

Cisco Webex is a video conferencing platform that is commonly used for business and education purposes. Here are some pros and cons of using Cisco Webex for music lessons.

Pros:

  1. Good Audio and Video Quality: Cisco Webex has high-quality video and audio, which is essential for music lessons. The platform also has noise-cancelling features and allows users to adjust audio and video settings.
  2. Collaboration Features: Cisco Webex has collaboration features such as virtual whiteboards, breakout rooms, and screen sharing. These features can be helpful for music lessons that require group work or collaboration.
  3. Security and Privacy: Cisco Webex has strong security and privacy features, which can be important for music teachers who are dealing with sensitive information.
  4. Compatibility with Different Devices: Cisco Webex is compatible with different devices such as Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. This can help private music teachers to reach a wider audience.

Cons:

  1. Limited Free Plan: Although Cisco Webex has a free plan, it has limitations on the number of participants and features. This can be a disadvantage for teachers who want to have larger classes or access to advanced features.
  2. Technical Issues: Cisco Webex may experience technical issues such as connection problems or software glitches, which can disrupt music lessons.
  3. Complexity: Cisco Webex can be complex for some users, especially those who are not familiar with video conferencing software. This may require some additional training or support for some students.
  4. Price: The paid plans for Cisco Webex can be more expensive than some other video conferencing platforms, which may be a disadvantage for private music teachers who are on a tight budget.

In conclusion, Cisco Webex can be a useful platform for music lessons, especially for those who require strong security and privacy features. However, it may have limitations such as limited free plan, technical issues, complexity, and price. Private music teachers should carefully consider the needs of themselves and their students when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

16 Music School Marketing Strategies to Get More Students!

Music Lessons

Finding new students as a private music teacher is crucial to growing your business. There are a variety of marketing strategies that you can use to reach potential students and showcase your skills and services. From utilizing traditional methods, such as direct mail, to leveraging the power of technology, such as search engine optimization, there are many ways to promote your music studio and attract new students effectively. Whether you focus on one strategy or a combination of several, creating a plan that works best for you and your business is essential. By implementing a well-thought-out marketing plan, you can increase your visibility and reach more students, helping you grow your business and succeed as a music teacher. Here are 16 killer strategies that can launch your music lesson business and take it to a new level!

Direct Mail

Direct mail is a powerful marketing tool for private music teachers looking to reach more students. According to the Direct Marketing Association, direct mail has a response rate of 4.4%, which is much higher than other marketing channels, such as email (0.12%) and social media (0.62%). This is because direct mail allows you to target a specific audience and offers a more personal and tangible way to reach potential students. By sending a well-designed and engaging direct mail piece to a targetted mailing list, you can introduce yourself, showcase your skills and services, and create a sense of trust and credibility with potential students. Two great places to start with a direct mail campaign are Vistaprint and PostcardMania. Direct mail is an effective way to stand out in a crowded market and attract more students to your music studio.

Door hanging flyers

Door-hanging flyers can be an effective way for private music teachers to reach more students and expand their client base. Door-hanging flyers are tangible and offer a personal touch, which can help establish trust and credibility with potential students. The legality of hanging door-hangers can vary by location. In general, distributing flyers is considered a form of speech protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. However, some municipalities have regulations regarding the distribution of flyers, such as restrictions on when and where they can be hung or requirements for obtaining permits. It’s best to check your area’s specific laws and regulations to determine if door-hanging flyers are legal and what restrictions apply. Assuming it’s okay in your area, hanging flyers on doors in targeted neighborhoods can effectively help you reach many potential students while simultaneously getting some great exercise!

Top Left Image

Do you want to get more students and grow your music teaching business?

MusicTeacherNotes is music teacher software that helps music teachers get more students and manage all aspects of their music teaching business! Every teacher who registers for a free account gets a Music Teacher Directory listing, even if they never upgrade. There is no risk in joining.

Register a Free Teacher Account!
Free Music Teacher Directory listing when you register.

Google Ads

Google Ads (formerly Google AdWords) can be a powerful tool for private music teachers looking to reach more students and expand their client base. Google Ads allows you to place targeted ads in front of a large audience and generate leads. According to Google, businesses make an average of $2 in revenue for every $1 they spend on AdWords. Take that with a grain of salt. Google profits from ads, and learning as much as possible about Google Ads before diving in is essential. You need a well-crafted strategy to get the best results. It’s vital that you narrow the search area and focus on a specific demographic to maximize your Google Ad campaign’s effectiveness. Also, by using negative keywords, you can eliminate irrelevant clicks and ensure that your ads are only shown to individuals who are likely to be interested in your services. Entire books have been written about Google Ads, and many music teachers have poor luck with it because they jumped in without fully understanding it. With the right approach, Google Ads can be an incredible tool. The wrong approach can cost significant money with no new students to show for it.

Search Engine Optimization

SEO optimization can be a valuable tool for private music teachers looking to reach more students and expand their online presence. Optimizing your website and online content for search engines can increase your visibility, attract more visitors, and generate leads. According to Search Engine Land, the top result on Google’s first page gets 33% of search traffic, making SEO optimization a crucial part of any digital marketing strategy. However, it’s important to note that SEO optimization takes time and effort, and it’s a long-term strategy that requires ongoing attention. Nevertheless, the rewards can be substantial for private music teachers who understand and focus on SEO. One great strategy music teachers can use is creating a dedicated web page for every type of lesson they offer. For example, if you teach piano, guitar, and saxophone, have a page dedicated to your piano lessons, a second page to your guitar lessons, and a third page to your saxophone lessons. If you think about it, a potential student interested in saxophone lessons will type something like “saxophone lessons near me” in their search query, which is why you don’t want them to land on a page that seems to be a mix of several instruments. You want the page to target what they are likely searching for specifically. Each page should also list your location and answers to students’ common questions about those lessons. MusicTeacherNotes offers a free SEO audit for every new music teacher who joins the platform as a premium member, providing them with valuable insights and recommendations to help them optimize their online presence and reach more students.

Music Teacher Directory Listings

Music teacher directory listings can be a valuable tool for private music teachers looking to reach more students and increase their online visibility. Each directory listing provides an opportunity for your services to appear when a potential student uses a search engine to find a music teacher. This increases the likelihood that potential students will find you. For this reason, you should list yourself in as many directories as possible. This helps to broaden your online presence and reach a wider audience. MusicTeacherNotes has a music teacher directory that all teachers can list for free on, when they register a free MusicTeacherNotes account. By taking advantage of this opportunity, you can gain exposure to a large and growing audience of potential students, making it easier for you to reach more students and grow your business.

Word of Mouth

Word-of-mouth marketing is the most powerful advertising you can get. Going above and beyond as a music teacher does two things to help you grow your music lesson business: It helps you retain current students, and it motivates students to spread the word about their positive experiences to their friends and family. Satisfied students are often more than happy to share their enthusiasm for you with others. By providing high-quality, engaging lessons and building positive relationships with your students, you can encourage them to spread the word about your services. MusicTeacherNotes helps teachers get more word-of-mouth advertising via its Testimonial Autopilot feature. Facilitating word of mouth from current students is one of the most effective ways for you to reach more new students.

Unique curriculum (Niche Marketing)

A unique curriculum can be a profitable strategy for music teachers looking to get more students. By targetting a niche area of expertise, you can differentiate yourself from your competition and appeal to a targeted audience. Focusing on a specific area of music, such as early childhood music education or a particular instrument, lets you position yourself as an expert in that area and attract students looking for specialized instruction. For example, a music teacher specializing in early childhood music education might offer music classes and workshops designed specifically for young children and their parents. By focusing on a specific niche, music teachers can differentiate themselves from other teachers and attract students looking for specialized instruction in this area. Niche marketing can be highly effective. As the saying goes, “the riches are in the niches!”

Social Media

Social media can be a valuable tool for music teachers looking to promote their music studio and reach more students. With the widespread use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, music teachers have many opportunities to connect with potential students and promote their services. To get started, you should consider creating profiles on the most common social media platforms and sharing a variety of content, including photos and videos of your students in action, updates on upcoming events and workshops, and testimonials from your satisfied students. Additionally, you can use social media to share information about your curriculum, philosophy, and teaching style, helping to build awareness. Social media can help promote your music studio and reach more potential students by engaging with your followers and regularly posting fresh, relevant content.

Local Search

Music teachers can significantly benefit from using Google My Business (GMB) and local search to reach more students. Local search results typically appear at the top of a search engine results page (SERP), making them highly visible to potential students searching for music teachers in their area. By setting up and optimizing your GMB profile, you can showcase your business information, including location, hours of operation, and contact information, making it easier for potential students to find and contact you. Additionally, you can use local search keywords and phrases in your website content and GMB listing to rank higher in local search results, increasing your visibility and helping you reach more students. Testimonials are crucial to performing well via local search. When a potential student sees a teacher with many positive reviews, it’s almost as effective as word-of-mouth advertising. The MusicTeacherNotes Testimonial Autopilot feature helps music teachers get more reviews and testimonials.

Groupon

Groupon is a daily deal website that offers discounts and promotions on local businesses and services. Groupon can be a great way to reach new students and grow your music lesson studio. You can offer a discount on a set of music lessons, for example, to introduce yourself to new students and provide them with an opportunity to try out lessons at a reduced cost. This can be a great way to get new students in the door. Offering a few reduced-cost lessons is cheap when a single new student can provide a music teacher with over $1000 per year in revenue. To maximize success on Groupon offers, you should focus on creating a compelling deal that provides value to the potential student, such as a package of lessons at a discounted rate or a limited-time offer for first-time students. Some creative Groupon examples might be a deal for group lessons at a time when you typically have no students. Additionally, you could offer several free online lessons during your off-peak times at a completely different timezone than the one you live in, helping you fill your off-peak times. You can leverage Groupon to reach new students and grow your business without spending advertising money by offering a compelling deal and showcasing your expertise and value as a music teacher.

Craigslist

Craigslist can be an excellent resource for finding new music students. Craigslist is an online platform for buying and selling goods and services, including music lessons. Maybe you thought Craigslist was dead? Just because it isn’t getting the hype it once did doesn’t mean it’s dead. Craigslist still gets over 100 million monthly visitors. Many potential students look for private music teachers locally, making Craigslist an excellent resource for advertising your music lesson services. Craigslist allows you to post your ads anytime to reach potential students 24/7. You can customize your ads on Craigslist to make them more appealing to potential students. You can include pictures, videos, detailed qualifications, and teaching style information in your Craigslist Ad. Craigslist is a free tool that any private music teacher trying to market their music lesson on a budget should use.

Flexible Scheduling

Flexible scheduling can be a major factor in attracting more students to a music teacher’s studio. By offering lessons during various times, including reduced prices for off-peak times, you can cater to the schedules of a broader range of students. As many young students need lessons after school, filling these time slots with individual lessons can quickly increase your student load. However, if these slots are already filled, offering group lessons during peak times can help combine several students into a group lesson if they cannot find a better time slot. Additionally, utilizing a tool like the MusicTeacherNotes Availability Calendar, which allows students to pick the best time slot for music lessons, can ensure that they are more likely to find a time slot they like, making the process easier for both you and the student.

Group Lessons

Continuing on the subject of group lessons, not only do they allow teachers to serve multiple students at once, but they can also make lessons more affordable for families and accessible to a broader range of students. Group lessons can also create a supportive and collaborative learning environment, as students can learn from each other. Group lessons can also help differentiate your music business’s offerings, making your services a more appealing choice for prospective students and families. Group lessons might be a fun way to get adults into an instrument. For example, you might have a day where you offer a 1-hour group piano lesson in the evening where similar-aged students get to meet other students. You could have a singles group lesson, a couples group lesson, a women’s group lesson, a men’s group lesson, a children’s group lesson, or whatever else you can conjure up.

Online Lessons

Teachers can reach a larger audience by offering online lessons, as geography is no longer a limiting factor. For example, you could focus on students in different time zones and potentially find after-school students in New York when it’s only 1 pm in California. You could even fill time slots by marketing to online students from other countries. This strategy not only helps you grow your student load but also allows you to provide more flexible and convenient options for your students. Online music lessons through platforms like Zoom or other online meeting apps can significantly benefit you in reaching more students. With the rise of remote learning, offering online lessons has become an increasingly popular option for teachers and students.

Collaborate with other teachers

Networking and collaborating with other music teachers is a great way to expand your reach and attract new students. By working together, you can offer prospective students a more comprehensive range of options and help each other fill in time slots or find the right teacher for specific student needs. This can help create a strong network of teachers who can refer students to each other as needed. Doing so increases the chances of students finding a teacher that fits their needs and being referred to you when the need arises. This referral system can provide a steady stream of new students for your music studio and help you grow your student load over time.

Text Messaging and Email Marketing

Text messaging and email marketing can be valuable strategies for local music studios to convert leads into new students. When potential students contact music teachers, they may not sign up for lessons immediately and often leave with questions or hesitation. Without follow-up, it’s unlikely that they will schedule a lesson. Staying in touch with potential students through email and text messaging is essential.

A real-life example illustrates this point. A teacher received a call from a potential student who expressed interest but wanted time to consider it. The teacher sent several text messages and emails over the following months to check in and remind the student about lessons. The messages were variations of the following:

Hi [Name of student],

I just wanted to see how things are going and if you’ve made a decision yet? I hope everything is going well with you and your family.

Take care,

[Name of teacher]

While some messages were ignored, after several months, the student finally began taking lessons.

It’s essential to understand that people have busy lives, and music lessons may not be their top priority. By reminding potential students periodically, music teachers can encourage them to take action. If a potential student decides not to take lessons, teachers can ask them to refer friends or let them know to contact them if they change their mind in the future.

To implement email and text messaging marketing, music teachers must collect potential students’ email and phone numbers when potential students first contact them about lessons. 

Conclusion

You can attract new students and grow your business in many ways. Create a plan that works best for your business and focus on what will give you the best results. Don’t worry whether you might fail. You’re better off trying something, learning from it, and refining your marketing approach. The worst thing you can do is doing nothing at all. When you find the right approach, there is no reason you won’t be able to grow your music teaching business.

Online music lessons, during the pandemic and beyond

Music lesson onlineThe 2020 pandemic disrupted the lives of private music teachers just as it did many other careers. Music lessons continued only by forcing teachers to offer their music lessons online. As the pandemic subsides and things return to normal, many parents will still want to continue taking lessons online rather than returning to in-person lessons. This article addresses why that is and shows teachers strategies they might use to optimize their music lesson schedules.

Parents may have more than one child.

If parents have multiple children, waiting for one child to finish a music lesson so the next can begin wastes a lot of time for the parent. They could be getting other work done if they were home. Online music lessons solve that problem for the parent, allowing more productive use of their time.

Parents have a tight schedule.

Getting home from work, helping kids complete their schoolwork, making dinner, and getting the kids ready for bed is a lot to fit into a schedule. Kids likely have other extracurricular activities, too. Online music lessons help alleviate the stress of a hectic schedule compared to in-person music lessons.

Germs and Viruses

Even as the world opens up, many parents remain nervous about the spread of disease. Not everyone can get a vaccine, and that can be a neverending concern. The threat of the Covid-19 virus, and possible variants, still lingers. Also, in-person lessons increase the spread of other viruses, like the cold or flu.

Whatever the reason, it’s a reality that music teachers have to consider, and music teachers should offer online music lessons if they want to get more music students.

So how should you, as a music teacher, schedule your students’ music lessons when some of them want to continue taking them online. Here are some ideas.

Block in-person and online lessons at different times or different days. Most parents who prefer face-to-face lessons will need to schedule them in the late afternoon to early evening when school is out. You might designate most of those times for in-person.

Provide online music lessons to students from different time zones. You could expand your student load by offering music lessons to students who live elsewhere in the world. When it’s noon in New York, it’s late afternoon in England. When it’s evening in New York, it’s three hours earlier in California. Teachers could find students in other time zones to optimize a music lesson schedule.

Schedule lessons on Zoom.

Zoom allows you to schedule recurring meetings. For music teachers, you could have a lesson automatically scheduled for a specific student on the same day and time each week. Automatically scheduled lessons save a lot of time because all you and the student need to do each lesson is click the Zoom link to connect.

Online music lessons won’t replace traditional music lessons. They will add to them. Even if you’re a teacher who prefers to teach face-to-face, you and your students will be better off by offering online lessons. It will help you get students who are only able to take music lessons over the internet. For students with no other option, online music lessons can help students to learn a musical instrument who otherwise would not.

 

How MusicTeacherNotes helps private music teachers find students.

Teaching Music and Finding StudentsMusic teaching is a wonderful, gratifying job, but finding new music students, or retaining existing students, can be a big challenge. MusicTeacherNotes helps music teachers find new students and keep their existing students in several ways.

MusicTeacherNotes software for music teachers helps teachers get reviews for Google local searches and obtain testimonials, which help teachers bring in new students. How does this work? The following is the typical process that takes place. Let’s say you have your own private music teacher website. Google and other search engines are a music student’s gateway to finding a music teacher. Typically, a student will begin by going to Google and typing something like, “piano teachers near me.” A page displaying the best results will be presented to the student, and if you teach piano near that potential student, you want to be found. That means your website needs to show up on the Google results page (preferably on page one and near the top) and get clicked by the student from this local search. The best way for your website to “rank” high and be seen by this student is by having reviews. How or where do you get reviews? The best place for gathering reviews and testimonials is from your existing students. MusicTeacherNotes has tools to help teachers get reviews from existing music students. Teachers can then take the reviews and use them as testimonies on their websites!

Another highly effective tool that MusicTeacherNotes offers to help teachers acquire new students is our Music Teacher Directory. On our Music Teacher Directory, teachers can create their own personal profiles. The Directory platform allows teachers to introduce themselves, showcase their specialties, give a history of their experience, and provide so much more. Teachers who upgrade to a Premium Membership receive a premium listing, increasing their chances of finding new music students even more.

As you can see, MusicTeacherNotes private music teacher software provides many tools to help teachers acquire new students in their local area and worldwide if they choose to provide such services.

So how does MusicTeacherNotes help their teachers to retain their students?  Music school scheduling is one area where we assist. One of our music lesson schedule features is a messaging system designed to help the teachers bring back students who haven’t taken lessons for an extended time. Finding new students is a challenge, but keeping existing students is perhaps even more critical. Every student who quits is a vacancy that must be filled. Our messaging system helps identify those students that have been absent. Another tool that aids teachers in acquiring and retaining music students is the Availability Calendar. The Availability Calendar uses the teacher’s schedule to show students available time slots for music lessons. This calendar lets students quickly and easily pick the best available time slot for their situation. Because students are more likely to select a time slot that fits their schedule, they are less likely to stop lessons due to schedule conflicts. Our messaging system, Availability Calendar, music journal app, and motivational tools are just a few of the ways we help our teachers retain their students for years to come.

MusicTeacherNotes has many other features that enhance the music lesson experience for teachers and students alike. Please click the join button below to get your directory listing and to register risk-free. It costs nothing to join!

 

Lesser known benefits of Online Music Lessons

Online guitar lessonThere are many benefits to online music lessons. The savings in costs, in both time and money, are more widely recognized. Savings in areas such as transportation, studio expenses, canceled lessons, and billing issues are just a few. But did you know that there are few lesser-known benefits of online lessons? Here are a few that you might not have given much thought.

Teacher or student moving

Americans are very mobile. Whether you are a teacher or a parent/student, the chances are one of you will move away from the other before too long. Your teacher-student relationship is significant to you. It might have taken you a while to find that teacher that really “clicks” with you. As a teacher, you might have found that student that you enjoy teaching. Your relationship doesn’t have to end. Online lessons allow you to maintain your teacher-student relationship no matter where either of you resides. This includes one of you moving to a different country. At MusicTeacherNotes, you can teach or receive music instructions from virtually anywhere in the world.

Growth Opportunities

Looking for more students? Online music lessons allow you to grow your studio or music lesson business beyond your local area. With online lessons, you can instruct students from around the country or world.

You can expand your business into areas you never thought possible.
This also allows you to develop a new community. Your students will feel part of something that is beyond their area. Your business hours are also not restricted to the area of residence. You can teach your local students during regular business hours, and instruct students from other areas when it fits both of your schedules. This allows for much greater flexibility for your business.

Personalization of Instruction

Do you have an interest in learning an instrument that is rather rare or exotic? Perhaps an instrument that is unique to a specific country or region of the world? Your teacher might not be familiar with this instrument. Or maybe it’s a situation where the instrument is just not taught by your teacher. Your instruction is limited to your area. With online music instruction, you can give or receive music lessons from virtually anywhere in the world. The opportunity of online lessons greatly enhances your horizons, both as a teacher and a student.

Enhanced focus and concentration

Are your student’s sometimes not ready or prepared for their lesson? Online lessons encourage the student to be much more focused and prepared for their lesson. They will be more attentive and free from distractions during their online lesson.

These are just a few of the wide-ranging benefits of teaching music online.  MusicTeacherNotes is committed to helping private music teachers get the most out of providing both in-person and online music lessons.