Where to Teach, pt. I – Options

I remember when I began teaching guitar and trying to navigate how to make a living teaching lessons or at least supplement my income. Moreover, several times in my life I have had to start from square one as a teacher, but each time it got easier because I had developed the knowledge and skills on how to do it. It would be nice if all one had to do was post a sign offering lessons and the students would just show up; however, it is never that simple and building a thriving studio will take time, patience and perseverance.

One of the great things about teaching guitar is that there multiple places one can teach – you can pick one or several in order to develop an income stream which works for you.

· College/University/Public School - class guitar, individual lessons for music majors/minors/general student population)

· Music School - geared toward individual lessons

· Community Arts School - focusing on a specific local population

· Music Store - usually a retail establishment which offers lessons

· Home - students come to your home

· Travel - the teacher goes to an individual’s home to teach lessons

· Outreach Programs – generally afterschool programs offered to school districts

· Skype/Internet – video conferencing lessons with students far away

Over the next several posts I will discuss the pros and cons of each teaching each situation. Until next time!