A music store is a retail business which also offers instrument lessons taught from in-house studios and a “music school” is specific to teaching private/group lessons. There are several advantages in teaching from either a store or school:
1. No Advertising - you do not need to place ads or rely on word of mouth; the physical storefront, reputation or location is what brings students in.
2. Students – over time you will most likely have as many students as you want and chances are they may ask you to teach additional days.
3. Studio – the store/school supplies a place to teach and most also equip the studios with music stands and amplifiers (some may not).
4. Central Location – all your students are at one location and come to you.
5. Supplies – most anything your students may need (tuners, method books, strings) can be purchased on the spot if you work at a music store or the school sells supplies.
6. Recital Space – some stores/schools may even have space to host recitals for teachers and their students.
7. Rules: the establishment may have its own rules regarding student absences and make-ups.
8. Discounts – many music stores often provide teachers with discounts on purchases.
9. Lesson Rate – in many cases the school/store sets the rate for lessons.
10. Getting Paid – each store/school operates differently, but if you are fortunate they will handle collecting money for lessons and give you a check on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.
Have I missed anything? Please feel free to comment!
