Private piano lessons - what's the demand? (insurance, house)

[ResearchMom]

I am pondering the idea of giving piano lessons to children at my home. Not sure if it will work though. The only credentials to my name are the fact that I can play the piano, and that I attended a top music elementary school (at the time) way back when in Eastern Europe. Can I count on getting any students in the Morris county area with so little? After doing an online search, I find that a lot of tutors in general have actual diplomas/certificates/performance experience. Can anyone shine a light for me regarding this?

[CHAOS Mom]

I think it depends on who is looking for the lessons. Some people may be more picky about who they hire. Maybe if you advertise yourself, charge a reasonable price, and gain a few customers, word of mouth will bring in more business.

[GiantRutgersfan]

I imagine it is a word of mouth kind of thing.

Give it a go and see if it works out. Its not like it would cost you any serious amount of money to get that kind of business going (I am assuming you own a piano).

Even if you only have one or two clients, so what? I would do it as a side business and see if you can build up your customers as time goes on

[FredJung]

Your only clients would be friends and their children. SO you should build up a network. Tell people at your church and other centers of community about what you offer.

But this is a side business. Don't think you can make a living especially in New Jersey.

But people who don't know you will prefer someone with college credentials and field experience. They couldn't care less what elementary school you went to.

[BobKovacs]

I think the big question is- can you teach? Being able to play the piano, and being able to teach others to play the piano are two very different things.....

[Sanderling]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

I think the big question is- can you teach? Being able to play the piano, and being able to teach others to play the piano are two very different things.....

That's what I was going to say. I'm in Morris County and actually looking for a piano teacher (though one who will come to our house, ideally), and what I care about is the experience of other students. So absolutely, start with people who know you and see how that goes. You may not even be able to charge at first. But if you're good at it, your reputation will grow and you'll be able to branch out to others, charge higher rates, and eventually build up a good practice.

[Marc Paolella]

And don't forget business insurance. If you have kids coming over to your house to pay you for lessons, and one of them trips and gets hurt, your house is on the line unless proper insurance is in force.

When you are charging people money for stuff, the whole game changes.

[ResearchMom]

Originally Posted by Marc Paolella

And don't forget business insurance. If you have kids coming over to your house to pay you for lessons, and one of them trips and gets hurt, your house is on the line unless proper insurance is in force.

When you are charging people money for stuff, the whole game changes.

Yes, I thought of that of course! I also assume the parents would rather be present, so I also need to figure out where they would wait.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. It will take time and I'm looking forward to the process.

[CHAOS Mom]

I took piano lessons as a kid and it was at this woman's house, in her living room. Mom dropped me off, but she could've waiting right there on the couch. My son takes drum lessons now at a studio, and I sit on a chair in the room with him. I don't have to, but like to. If you do it in your house, I imagine your piano is in your living room or other "public" room. Parents could stay in there, or maybe at the dining room table nearby?

[pianowoman94]

Hopefully by now your studio is up and running. I have run a successful piano studio in NC for over seven years. Most of my beginning leads were from the school at which I taught. I learned to not teach my friends'children--because when/if the child quits, it can create an awkward situation with your friends. The best way I have obtained trustworthy and dependable clients is by using Craigslist. Parents are generally not allowed in my home during lessons bc it makes the child nervous. To protect yourself in a liability situation, have them sign a Release of Liability if the child gets hurt on your property. Do not accept checks---EVER!! Be assertive with the parent that forgets to bring their child to their lessons. Once you charge them for missing the lesson, they tend to correct their behavior immediately.