Your flute studio survived the pandemic. You survived too.
Congratulations!
Now it’s time to bring in more flute students to make up for the income you lost during the last couple of years. You may even be able to increase your rates to keep up with—or beat—inflation.
Here are ten proven ways to find new flute students and increase your rates for lessons.
1. Word of mouth is powerful. Use it.
Word of mouth is a powerful recruiting tool for growing your flute studio. It can have a significant impact when your students tell their friends how great you are as a teacher. Because of it, they become interested in studying with you. Parents talking to parents can do the same thing. If you generate enough buzz, it can bring in a lot of new business.
However, you can generate buzz for yourself, too.
It’s okay—even recommended—to ask students and their parents to tell others about you. A simple reminder can be all it takes to get them to promote you to their friends and family members.
2. Find out about opportunities at local schools.
Check to see if the schools in your area have openings for part-time flute teachers. You may find out someone has left the district or retired. An opportunity may also turn up to run woodwind sectionals or just work with the flute sectional in the school or marching band. These are excellent opportunities to get your foot in the door, meet prospective private lesson students, and earn more.
3. Get active on social media.
Social media is an excellent way for flute teachers to build brand recognition. If you share great content about learning and playing the flute that the people in your network appreciate, they’ll pass it on to others who love the flute and may know someone who wants to take lessons.
Smart hashtagging can also help you get wider distribution for your social posts. Focus on the type of lessons you provide (#flute, #flutelessons, or #learnflute), the city or neighborhood you work in (#fluteinchicago), or areas of specialization (#classicalflute). Consider spending a few dollars to boost your posts and promote them to parents in your area who may be interested in your services.
4. Create a flyer and share it.
It may seem old-school, but flyers on school bulletin boards, at your local library, or on your coffee shop announcements wall can break through today’s digital clutter. Keep them bold and straightforward so they get noticed. Make it clear what makes you unique and why students will want to learn from you. Include a link to your website so people can learn more about you. Including a QR code can make it easier to contact you.
Also, consider distributing flyers when attending school and local music events. For example, many people might not want to pick up a handout, but the few who do may be open to conversing with you.
5. Get to know other music teachers.
The more music teachers you know, the more likely it is you’ll get recommendations. Sure, many of them might be competitors, but others may be open to making referrals if they’re overloaded or know of a student who wants lessons for an instrument they don’t teach. Of course, you should do the same in return to support them.
6. Reposition yourself for more success.
An improving economy is an ideal time to reimagine yourself and your career.
- Is it time for you to become THE flute teacher for serious students?
- Or maybe you can transform yourself into the flute coach who gets students college scholarships.
- Perhaps you can position yourself as the polished performance specialist.
Finding a unique niche can help you generate more business and increase your rates.
7. Attend school and neighborhood events.
Don’t forget PTA meetings, school benefits, street fairs, and other local events are packed with prospective students and parents who might be interested in your flute teaching services. How can you expect people to find you if you’re not present in their lives and visible? Attend as many things as you can. It will give you more chances to talk about your teaching services.
8. Be open to possibilities.
Teaching isn’t the only way to earn money with your knowledge of the flute. Consider becoming an accompanist or joining a community group as a ringer—a person that looks exactly like another—to earn extra cash. Or learn how to repair flutes. It can be a great way to increase your income, offer new services to your flute students, and maybe even find new students.
9. Advertise!
Many flute teachers think it will make them look cheap if they promote their services. A small spend on social media and local advertising channels like event calendars can earn you a lot of exposure. Remember: You control the messaging and imagery, so present yourself as the upscale, intelligent professional you are when promoting your flute teaching services.
10. Ask for ratings and reviews.
Encourage students and their parents to provide you with online ratings and reviews. Most people check them before they engage with flute teachers and other service providers these days. Five-star ratings and rave reviews can be a great way to set yourself apart from other flute teachers in your area.
The pandemic is winding down, and the economy is improving. It’s the perfect time to find new flute students, earn more money, and take your career to the next level.
July 2022
