5 ways to get more music students
Fill your teaching schedule with students who are eager to learn.
Why growth matters for music teachers
Even established teachers need new students:
- Students graduate, move, or quit
- Income drops when slots sit empty
- Teaching energizes when you have fresh faces
A steady flow of new students keeps your practice healthy.
1. Build your referral engine
Word of mouth is king
Most students find their teacher through recommendations:
- Current students' parents
- Other parents at school/activities
- Other music teachers who don't teach your instrument
Ask for referrals directly
After a successful recital or milestone: > "I'm so proud of [student's] progress! If you know any families looking for lessons, I'd love an introduction."
Create a referral incentive
- $25 credit for each referral who signs up
- Free lesson for both referrer and new student
- Gift card to a local business
Make it easy
- Email a "referral card" parents can forward
- Include referral info in your newsletter
- Mention it at recitals
2. Partner with local schools
Public and private schools
Music teachers in schools often can't take private students:
- Offer to be on their "recommended private teachers" list
- Provide your bio and contact info
- Attend school concerts and introduce yourself
School music programs
- Offer to do a demo/workshop at the school
- Sponsor a small award or scholarship
- Donate to the music program fundraiser
Music stores
- Ask to leave business cards or flyers
- Offer a discount for their customers
- Partner on student events or workshops
Community centers and libraries
- Offer to teach a free introductory workshop
- Leave brochures in their community board
- Host a family music event
3. Build an online presence
Google Business Profile (essential)
Claim your free profile:
- Add your name, location (or "serves [area]"), contact
- Upload photos of your teaching space
- List your services and instruments taught
- Collect reviews from parents
This helps you show up when parents search "piano teacher near me."
Simple website
You don't need fancy—just clear:
- About you (bio, qualifications, teaching philosophy)
- What you teach (instruments, styles, levels)
- Testimonials from parents/students
- How to contact/book a trial lesson
- Optional: rates (or "contact for pricing")
Social media (optional but helpful)
If you enjoy it:
- Share student successes (with permission)
- Post practice tips
- Show behind-the-scenes of teaching
- Feature student performances
Facebook works well for parents. Instagram for younger demographics.
4. Offer trial lessons that convert
The trial lesson is your audition
First impressions matter:
- Be warm and welcoming
- Assess the student's level and goals
- Give them a small win (learn a simple song or technique)
- Explain your teaching approach
- Discuss expectations and logistics
Structure a successful trial
Convert trial to enrollment
At the end of the trial: > "I really enjoyed working with [student]. I'd love to continue. I have availability on [days]. Here's how enrollment works..."
Have your booking process ready—don't let momentum fade.
Trial lesson pricing
Options:
- Free trial (low barrier, but attracts non-serious inquiries)
- Reduced rate ($25 instead of $60)
- Full price, credited toward first month if they enroll
Most successful: Reduced rate that applies toward enrollment.
5. Host events and performances
Student recitals
Regular recitals showcase your teaching:
- Invite students' extended families
- Grandparents often want to gift lessons to grandkids
- Hand out brochures at the event
- Post video clips (with permission) online
Community performances
Get visible in your community:
- Farmers markets
- Local fairs and festivals
- Senior centers
- Library events
Perform yourself, or bring students.
Workshops and group events
- Summer music camps (week-long intensives)
- "Learn to play in a day" workshops
- Instrument petting zoos (for young kids)
- Ensemble or band boot camps
These introduce new families to your teaching.
Bonus: Track and optimize
Know your numbers
- How many trial lessons per month?
- What percentage convert to enrollment?
- Where do most students hear about you?
- What's your student retention rate?
Focus on what works
If 80% of new students come from referrals:
- Double down on referral incentives
- Ask for referrals more often
- Don't waste money on ads
If school partnerships generate leads:
- Nurture those relationships
- Expand to more schools
Set growth goals
- This quarter: 3 new students
- This year: Fill remaining 5 slots
- Track progress monthly