How to get your name in the instructor world.

[pimp_my_RIDE]

I play about 3 shows a week, and it's relatively good money, considering I'm sixteen, but to support my current spending habits for recording I'm going to have to start giving lessons I believe. So, how would I go about getting my name out there for new students to come to me. I was thinking maybe local newspaper?

[Drumsword]

Newspapers, swap sheets, have business cards made up, $3.99 for 500 from vista print.com and post them around town on bulletin boards, music stores, etc.

Also may help to tell people you had to turn away Don Fumalaro When he wanted lessons from you..lol.

[Bipitta]

You know what, I've been on that same "problem" for awhile now. I've wanted to get my name out there and start teaching lessons. I've taken out newspaper ads, printed up flyers and placed them at music stores, on bulletin boards... anywhere I could stick 'em really.

Another idea in the newspaper vein: there are a lot of "free" papers available to the public (unfortunately you'll have to pay the fee to place the add -- but it's usually not anymore expensive than the regular paper would be), and this would cover those who don't subscribe to your local newspaper.

I haven't tried the business card end of things, though it does sound like a good idea. You could also contact your local music stores and see if they have some sort of teacher list you could get yourself placed on.

Other than that, I continue to play my shows and try to get better. The more experience you have, the more you can offer to a prospective student. And I wait.

Drop a hint here and there, and word will get around. My problem is that there are a lot of great teachers around my area who are also very prolific and wonderful players. So getting my foot in that door is a little difficult.

Good luck to you!

[pimp_my_RIDE]

Thank guys, I'm for sure gunna put an ad in the paper!

[mrchattr]

Business cards are huge. Post them at music stores, etc, and you will get a few gig offers and students, just from the cards.

However, I have to be honest. At 16, you're going to have a hard time finding students. The people younger than you are probably going to have parents paying for the lessons, who are more likely to find an older, more established teacher. The people older than you already will have a natural bias against you, because you're "just a kid." Even if you're the best teacher in your area, that will be a hard pill for a lot of people to swallow.

Another important step for you to take is to come up with a teaching philosophy, set of rules, etc, and have them available to someone who asks you about lessons. There's a big difference in looking at a mom of a young drummer and saying, "Uh, I play lots of shows, I'm a good drummer, so yeah, I'l teach your kid," and "Well, here is my rates sheet, here is my teaching philosophy, here are the materials I use, here are my rules for lesson time, and here are some of my views on practice schedules and techniques." I have some of my lesson information available on my website, but when a student shows up at my door, they (and/or their parent, based on age) gets a packet. It makes me seem more "real." I did this from my very first lessons on, and I never got asked "have you done this before," "have you taught a lot of students," etc, because I appeared established.

[jeffwj]

...,However, I have to be honest. At 16, you're going to have a hard time finding students. The people younger than you are probably going to have parents paying for the lessons, who are more likely to find an older, more established teacher...

There's a big difference in looking at a mom of a young drummer and saying, "Uh, I play lots of shows, I'm a good drummer, so yeah, I'l teach your kid," ...

I agree with mrchattr. This is a can of worms that has been opened up in other posts, so I was going to refrain from giving my views this time, but...

You said,
"I play about 3 shows a week, and it's relatively good money, considering I'm sixteen, but to support my current spending habits for recording I'm going to have to start giving lessons I believe."

You did not say that you have a desire to teach. You said you are "going to have to start giving lessons" to support your current spending habits. At 16, you most likely will not be able to charge the rate of older, experienced players. You might be able to make more money with a part-time job.

You mention that you play. Do you take lessons? If so, what does your teacher say about it? Does he/she think you are ready to teach? If you don't take lessons, why would you consider teaching? How would you know how to conduct a lesson? Teaching by learning as you go can really hinder the development of a young student. Are you in the band program at school? Do you know what fundamentals a young band student needs to have to supplement his/her school band experience?

As many people on here know, I don't ever want to discourage another drummer. But if you are serious about teaching, you should study as much as you can. Find out teaching methods and philosophies of other teachers. But if you are only doing it to make extra cash, you might be doing it for the wrong reason.

Jeff

[Skitch]

Word of mouth is the best way - and make sure people know that you teach drum lessons. Take every opportunity to say that you are teaching drum lessons. Do you teach mallet instruments as well? If so, go to the local high schools and let the band directors know.


Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw

[caddywumpus]

It doesn't sound as if you're that into the idea of teaching. It sounds more like, "I guess I'll start teaching..." True, it is a way for musicians to make money, but if you're not passionate about it, neither will your students be, and you'll burn out on it pretty quickly. Here's the test...

If we didn't need money in our modern-day society, would you still do it?

I ask myself that about all of the gigs I do. I would definitely teach in this scenario, because I love to do it, and I love how the enthusiasm and excitement carries over to my students. Some gigs I have I definitely wouldn't do, but the money makes it worth it. Others, I'm fired up enough about that I would still pursue them without monetary compensation.

If you teach and you're not excited about it, then you're doing a disservice to yourself and your students. There are already enough kids out there who get burned out of instruments and music because they take some kind of formal instruction. If you don't have your sights on making a positive influence on your students, they you're adding to the problem.

All that aside, the best place to advertise is at music shops and gigs. There are plenty of people who watch your playing that probably wish they could do what you do. If someone in the band lets the audience know that you're looking for students (it's called shameless promotion), then you'll probably get a few inquiries at every gig, which may turn into future students. Make some business cards, some flyers, and actively promote yourself. The students will come...

[pimp_my_RIDE]

To address a few questions:

I've taught before, but it was luck that i received all three of my students.

I ran a drumline

I have taken 3 summer courses in musical performance, theory, and instruction

I took only 4 lessons two months ago, just to see if I was missing out, and the instructor told me he had nothing to offer me I havn't really already developed
(sorry if this comes off as cocky)

But thank you for making me think about these things. I'm going to put together a package tonight!

[caddywumpus]

Best of luck to you, then. Let us know if you have any more questions.

[jeffwj]

I took only 4 lessons two months ago, just to see if I was missing out, and the instructor told me he had nothing to offer me I havn't really already developed
(sorry if this comes off as cocky)

It sounds as if you never had any experience taking lessons, so maybe you could start studying so you can have an idea about what goes on in a lesson.

If the person you went to for lessons couldn't teach a 16 year old (no offense intended - I take it from your post that you are a bit advanced for your age), then I'm starting to understand why you want to teach. You may think that everyone is like that one teacher. In reality, there are many good teachers out there. Many of the best teachers still take lessons themselves. My suggestion would be to find one so you can learn the ropes of the teaching profession. I am sorry to hear that you may have been a little turned off by your last teacher. Hopefully your future experiences will be positive ones.

Jeff

[pimp_my_RIDE]

Thanks very much.

I tried something yesterday. Instead of going to a music store I worked with a university graduate/professional drummer, and I learned A LOT! I've never gone to a high class teacher before, but here's the advice I got from him:) I could teach lessons, but I'd be better off just continuing with my own private studies. And from the response I get from some of the members here, he's right!:P So I just started working at American Eagle as a part time job, and this solved my money problem. I'm going to start taking more frequent lessons, because however expensive, they were truly beneficial to me.

Thanks a ton and I'm going to use this information in the future!

[jeffwj]

I am glad that you found a good teacher. He will be able to pinpoint the gaps in your playing and also serve as a role model for when you do decide to teach.

I have been playing and teaching for years and I still take lessons when I can. Lessons not only serve as a means of transferring information, but also have a psychological aspect as well. With a good teacher, you will find inspiration and someone to turn to if you are in a "rut." Best of luck with your playing and congratulations on finding a teacher.

Jeff

[caddywumpus]

If you're looking at taking lessons as a way to learn to drum as well as a way to learn to teach drums, then you should take lessons from a few different teachers. Also, ask if you can sit in and watch them teach other lessons. That way, you can see first hand what teaching techniques work, how to handle different kinds of kids/situations in the lesson environment (what to do when they don't practice the previous lesson's materials?), and see several different styles of teaching in action. Also, ask about their pedagogical approach (what materials they use, what "course" or curriculum they like to use, etc...)

Just some thoughts...

[mrchattr]

Thanks very much.

I tried something yesterday. Instead of going to a music store I worked with a university graduate/professional drummer, and I learned A LOT! I've never gone to a high class teacher before, but here's the advice I got from him:) I could teach lessons, but I'd be better off just continuing with my own private studies. And from the response I get from some of the members here, he's right!:P So I just started working at American Eagle as a part time job, and this solved my money problem. I'm going to start taking more frequent lessons, because however expensive, they were truly beneficial to me.

Thanks a ton and I'm going to use this information in the future!

Awesome! Glad that you are taking that route, and I hope that you have a great teaching career down the road.

[DamoSyzygy]

Business cards are huge. Post them at music stores, etc, and you will get a few gig offers and students, just from the cards.

However, I have to be honest. At 16, you're going to have a hard time finding students. The people younger than you are probably going to have parents paying for the lessons, who are more likely to find an older, more established teacher. The people older than you already will have a natural bias against you, because you're "just a kid." Even if you're the best teacher in your area, that will be a hard pill for a lot of people to swallow.

^ Great post and very true.

Id also add that if youre going to teach it should be for more than 'supporting youry current spending habits'. Good teachers have a passion for wanting to share information and nurture new students. Sure, the money is there too, but it shouldnt be the primary motivation.