Private Music teaching is where a teacher teaches one instrument (like guitar, piano, voice or drums) one on one or to small groups. Often the fees for this type of lesson are set by the school or local association to which the teacher belongs.

In a private studio or in a school, the monetary arrangements for this kind of music lesson involves the parent paying the teacher "per lesson" and it is these kind of teachers that this article hopes to help increase their income.

In this article are four strategies for increasing income as a private music teacher - some of them may not be suitable for every teacher, but hopefully they will give you some insights on how private music teachers can improve their income.

Strategy #1 - Never refund or credit a lesson because its in the clients best interest

Students miss lessons. It's a fact. People get sick, there are special sporting events that happen, there are times when for whatever reason students are going to miss their music lesson. The fact is that this is unavoidable. What you can do as a music teacher is have a policy that says that "lessons are always made-up, they are never refunded or credited to your account", however the important thing that is often missed in this is the WHY of that statement... it should be because it is necessary for the student's progress on their instrument.

If you use this philosophy you won't ever have to argue with parents over it - because its in the students interest, not yours! If you start the arrangement with this agreement in place you'll find it much easier to enforce it - the parents will make the effort to make up the lesson rather than you having to insist on it. If you have outcomes for the student (such as an assessment or exam) in place it makes it even easier to make sure that it happens.

You will need to make time to make the lessons up - it might be necessary to allow one or two days in the holidays or during non-contact time to do it, but you'll find that the ability to do this will be worth it in extra income. Very often the parents will not bother making it up, and you'll not have to credit or refund any money!

Strategy #2 - Find your Niche and make yourself exclusive in that Niche

If you have something special about your teaching you'll find that you'll attract more and better quality students, and you'll be able to charge more.

For example, lets say you teach the guitar.

If you teach anyone who comes you'll probably end up with some young children, some high school children, and maybe one or two adults and you'll have to teach a variety of styles depending on the type of music that the students like.

If however..... you start a niche business, specializing in only one area you'll eventually find that people will seek you out because you are a specialist, and you'll be able to charge more for your services and you'll be able to only take on the students you want.

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