Advertising Private Piano Tuition

BorisThomson

emperorstevee wrote: »

No, those aren't my qualifications I have a grade 7 on the piano and a Level 2 BTEC in Music And of course the standard B's in English language, lit, maths etc

You're not relevantly qualified then, you're a capable musician, but that doesn't equate to being a capable teacher. Do your rates reflect this?

w06

grade 7 piano and level 2 BTec are not music teaching qualifications, that may be your problem if you're advertising yourself as qualified to teach then folk will be expecting someone qualified to teach.

That doesn't mean that you can't tutor, I for a long time tutored subjects that I have degrees and A levels in without at the time having teaching qualifications, but I was explicit that that was the case.

jobbingmusician

I can't believe that anyone who doesn't even have grade 8 piano (an exam designed primarily for schoolchildren), let alone a proper diploma, could presume themselves qualified to teach. I'm out, just hoping you are not advertising yourself as a qualified teacher.

alba7

I'm sorry Op but I agree with the other opinions on here - Grade 7 and a BTEC are not enough qualifications to be advertising as a teacher. I'm a music teacher (local authority and private), I have a degree in music, LTCL (teacher), Grade 8 on 2 instruments and a PGCE, although the last qualification isn't necessary for private instrumental teaching.

I would expect a professional music teacher to have at least a diploma in the instrument they are teaching. Perhaps you could look at upgrading your qualifications before you start teaching?

emperorstevee

alba7 wrote: »

I'm sorry Op but I agree with the other opinions on here - Grade 7 and a BTEC are not enough qualifications to be advertising as a teacher. I'm a music teacher (local authority and private), I have a degree in music, LTCL (teacher), Grade 8 on 2 instruments and a PGCE, although the last qualification isn't necessary for private instrumental teaching.

I would expect a professional music teacher to have at least a diploma in the instrument they are teaching. Perhaps you could look at upgrading your qualifications before you start teaching?

I have to disagree, I am teaching complete beginners. To say that I am unable to do that would be like telling someone with an A level in English that they are unqualified to teach someone the alphabet as they don't have a teaching degree. My students know the qualifications I have, that's why I teach from home rather than at a school, and charge low rate.

shortcrust

I've had various music tutors in my life and I honestly couldn't tell you a thing about their qualifications. If I were looking today I'd be looking for reviews. Do some sessions for free or very cheap (charities, after school clubs etc) and get some happy customers. If people want you to travel to them, then travel to them. An inconvenient client is better than no client when you're starting out. You can be picky when you're busy. I'd also recommend giving a sample lesson to a friend who'll be honest with you about anything you could change to make the experience better for your customers.

Fireflyaway

My local council has a children's information service and list all sorts of childcare / activities and music lessons etc. I'd definitely advertise online as most people are likely to google what they need. How about libraries and community centres if you get some nice little cards done. Once you get a few clients, word of mouth will probably help.

MonkeyDr

FWIW OP I used to teach piano lessons without any qualifications, albeit 20 years ago.

At the time I was in my late teens and about grade 8 standard. I only taught beginners up to about grade 2, and it was only a part-time job to earn extra money while doing my A-levels (more fun and better paid than working in the local supermarket).

I've done private academic tutoring too while at university.

In all cases I got the pupils through word of mouth. Do you have any evidence in parent-circles that you are trustworthy / responsible / ok with kids, let alone a decent teacher? I think that my first pupil was the son of a friend of someone I did babysitting for.

As a parent I can't imagine leaving my child in a stranger's house without at least some background checks or references. But, assuming you can muster those, I would advertise in local music shops, community (supermarket?) notice boards, and via local mums & dads groups on e.g. Facebook.

emperorstevee

Hello MonkeyDr

I have years of experience as a teaching assistant both in school and at ambulance cadets, and of course as a piano teacher

stuartJo1989

I have to say but some of the naysayers on here are funny :rotfl:

OP, just do what makes you happy. Some good advice on here RE: reflecting on what may need changing, but don't feel obliged to (for example) gain more qualifications just because some random stranger suggests. It helps, don't get me wrong, but ultimately as long as you're a good tutor you don't *need* any further qualifications.