25 Tips to Build-up Music School

25 Tips to Build-up Music School

25 Tips to Build-up Music School : The music industry is notable for producing celebrities and “overnight” millionaires on a global scale. But one thing about this industry is that it appears that we have less numbers of music schools to cater for the growing number of people who are choosing music as a career.

If you are music inclined, then you should start thinking of ways to benefit from the booming music industry.

And one of the ways you can benefit from this industry is by starting your own music school.

Depending on the picture you have in mind before considering starting your music school.

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You would require hard work, moderate capital and various training and certifications before you can successfully establish your own music school.

If you intend issuing a certificate or diploma that will be recognized by the government.

Then you should apply for licensing and approval from the government agency responsible for regulating the education industry in your country.

But if your aim is just to run a music school where you would just train people to acquire the basic skills of playing any musical instrument of their choice.

Then you need not bother to go through the stress of applying for license; in fact you can even start the music school in your house.

It is important to state that to be able to start a music school.

You should have been trained and also you should be able to play couple of major musical instrument.

As a matter of fact, in the bid of raising capital for your music school.

You should first start with home tutors and then save up cash to rent a facility and buy all the required musical instruments.

Now if you have decided that starting a music school is the right business for you.

Then you should follow these steps to establish your music school from the scratch and build it to profitability.

Many people’s interest in music goes beyond just listening to it.

A lot of people who enjoy listening to it are also interested in learning how to play an instrument.

A music lessons business gives novice musicians a way to learn to play an instrument, and it provides more seasoned musicians with advanced training to help them improve their musical abilities.

A business may offer private or group lessons in home or classroom settings.

Who is this business right for?

People who are passionate about music and can play at least one instrument well may be interested in starting a music lessons business.

Music teachers in schools and band members are especially qualified, as they both have credentials and connections to people who love music.

People don’t have to be a music teacher or in a band to start a music lessons business, though.

Business owners should have a significant amount of time available for teaching lessons, but this time doesn’t need to be during typical business hours.

Starting a music school is yet another thriving and profitable business in the education sector.

People pay to learn how to play various instruments and also to learn the rudiments of music et al.

If you have a degree in music and you are looking for a business to start, one of your best options is to start a music school.

This type of business can be capital intensive for an aspiring entrepreneur.

You would need money to rent a facility, purchase different music instrument and also pay a handful of staff et al.

If you are interested in this type of business and you don’t have the required start – up capital to setup a standard music school.

Then you should go to people’s homes to teach them how to play different musical instruments.

It is a good means of raising start – up capital to setup a standard music school.

25 Tips to Start Music School in Nigeria

Some people compare it to bringing up a child or having a relationship – more often than not it’s a total roller-coaster!

But if you strongly believe and enjoy what you’re doing, it can be the most rewarding job in the world. Music teaching, like any profession, requires the right approach and strategy in order to succeed.

1. Get a business plan for the Business

Before you plunge into the deep end and spend all your life savings on creating a top-notch music studio.

You need to bear in mind several factors which can have an enormous impact on your business.

 Now that you have decided to start your own music school.

It is important that you sit back to create plans on how to raise start – up capital, how to attract clients, how to generate profits and how to run the business.

These are the questions your business plan would help you answer.

Your  Music School Business business plan should be the working document with which you can use to run your business – it is the blueprint of your business.

How much competition is there in your town?

Do people have money for music lessons in your location?

Is there enough demand for lessons on your instrument?

Questions, questions, questions…

But very important ones.

While I believe you can make a success of almost any music teaching business providing you have the right marketing strategy, you should create a business plan to cover all the important issues.

2. Choose A Company Name.

When choosing a company name.

Pick a name that easily fits into a web address or domain name.

Your web address should be easy to type, simple but catchy.

Every business has an internet presence nowadays.

You must be sure that your Music School business is on the internet as well.

Once you pick a company name for your Music School business, make sure to register the domain name quickly, before someone else does.

You may also want to get not only the .com version of the name, but the .biz and .info versions as well.

So that competitors don’t encroach on your business by grabbing your domain with a different extension.

You may regret not having these additional domains when your company grows and becomes successful.

3. Apply For License and Approval

As was earlier stated, if you want to operate a standard music school where grandaunts are issued certificates or diplomas.

Then it is necessary that you apply for license and approval from the government of your country.

Although you would still need accreditation along the line.

But you must first start with securing approval to start.

4. Incorporate Your Business.

One of the primary advantages to incorporating your Music School business is the fact that you can then enjoy limited liability.

As a sole proprietorship, of a Music School business owner, you assume all the liability of the company.

Your personal assets, such as your house and car can be seized to pay the debts of your business.

When you incorporate your Music School business.

You become a shareholder in the corporation.

As a shareholder in the corporation, you can’t be held responsible for the debts of the corporation.

Your liability as an individual shareholder of the Music School business is limited to the amount you have invested in the company.

In today’s litigious society, it is best to protect yourself, and separate your personal assets from the Music School’s company assets.

5. File For A Tax Identification Number.

There are several types of tax id numbers:

*A Federal EIN Number – The Federal Tax Identification Number is used to identify a business entity and is required for employers and corporations as well as partnerships.

*A State Sales Tax Id – Sales tax id number or sales tax exemption certificate is a legal document issued by the state.

This certificate of authority gives your business the authority to collect the required sales and use taxes, and to issue appropriate sales tax exemption documents, including resale certificates used for purchasing inventory

*A State EIN Number – A state specific Tax Identification Number.

Check your state regulations to see if it is required.

6. Examine Your Competition.

Examine your competition in the Music School industry – your clients will.

Compare your business ideas against your competitors.

Determine what are your strengths and weaknesses are.

Compare them and determine how to strengthen your weaknesses and how to emphasize your strengths.

Your clients will compare your Music School services with others before choosing.

So make sure you offer your clients a service they can’t refuse.

7. Calculate Your Fees.

Since you will be working on your own you will need to determine your wages.

Keep in mind that you will need to pay for self-employment taxes, insurances, supplies and education.

Make sure when calculating your fee to include all of your expenses and what you need to make a profit.

Make sure your rates are competitive or you can justify why you are charging more than your competitors.

Remember, your potential clients aren’t always looking for the cheapest Music School business.

They want dependability, reliability and genuine quality service from a skilled and professional Music School.

8. Raise Your Start – Up Capital

After you must have been through with drafting your business plan, you would have an idea of the capital required to start and manage the business (administrative cost).

Once you have an idea of the capital required in starting your business.

Then you should go out there to raise the capital.

There are various ways you can raise capital to start your business.

You can get a loan from your bank, you can talk to investors, and you can as well obtain soft loans from your family members and friends.

But, if you choose not to adopt any of the above means of sourcing for capital to start your business.

Then you can build your capital base from the scratch by starting with special home service

(Visiting people’s home to train them on music and how to play musical instruments).

This process might be slow, but it is probably the best approach to follow.

25 Tips to Build-up Music School in Nigeria

9. Get A Logo.

A logo is also a very important element for your Music School business.

A logo clearly sets the tone and presents a graphic representation of your business.

And it’s value – providing your Music School business with an extra level of professional presence.

You need to provide your clients with a sense of legitimacy.

As they will be entrusting you with their Music School business needs.
A great logo should be eye catching and visually appealing, without being too garish or flashy.

Hiring a professional to design your Music School company logo is a wise choice.

Because a logo is often the first impression a potential client will get of your Music School services.

So it is best to have a professional design it, who can create a timeless and balanced look that can stand as your business identity for years to come.

10. Create A Website

Hire a website developer or use one of the many do-it-yourself online companies that offer you an assortment of website templates.

Where you can enter your own content.

Be sure to choose a template that relates to the Music School industry.

Keep your website simple and to the point.

Start with a home page, which describes your business and the services you offer.

Then include a page that provides your professional biography and credentials as well as a photo.

A web form that allows potential clients to enter their information for quote by phone is a nice feature. Don’t forget a page that provides your contact information.

Include a payment form where clients can pay for your services using a credit card or electronic check, if advance payment or a deposit for your services is required.

11. Find Clients

You will need to advertise, market and promote your Music School business in order to attract clients.

Make sure to prepare a budget for maintaining your a website, getting business cards, ordering fliers, and sending out a press releases.

Offering a special incentive to your first clients could help speed up your client acquisition process

12. Keep Learning

Stay current within your field of Music School.

Sign up for free newsletters and subscribe to magazines and newspapers designed for those in the Music School industry.

This will help you stay in touch with the newest trends in the Music School business world.

The more knowledgeable you are about Music School, the more likely to you are to succeed.

25 Tips to Build-up Music School in Nigeria

13. Secure a Facility

If you intend starting your music school with the view of getting it accredited so that you can issue certificates and diplomas.

Then you should rent a facility that can accommodate the numbers of students you would want to train per time and your faculty members as well.

However, if you want to run a small music school where you want to just teach children and adult on how to play various musical instruments.

Then you can as well choose to operate from your sitting room or even you from your garage.

14. Set up your studio correctly

Make sure you have a neat and tidy workplace for every student who comes through your front door.

It creates the right impression and ensures you appear more professional and serious about your teaching.

Ideally, you should teach in a quiet room.

Where other household members won’t interrupt or distract your lesson.

This will make it easier for you and your student to focus.

15. Get the right equipment

This also creates the right impression with your students.

Ensure you have a good computer, or tablet, with fast internet access so you can stream videos on YouTube.

You’ll also need a good sound system for playing music, some music stands, and equipment specific to your instrument.

Decide if you’d like your students to buy sheet music, or whether you’ll do it and invoice them for the bill

One of the major areas where you would have to spend over 70 percent of your start – up capital is in the purchase of various musical instruments.

Depending on the kind of musical instrument you play and the ones you are willing to teach people; you can start with guitars, Key Board (Piano, Organ et al), Flute, Drum Set, Talking Drums, Saxophone, Trumpet, et al.

No doubt these equipment are expensive.

But don’t worry you can make your money back within a short period of time.

If you are diligent and hard working.

Renting the instrument is another way of recouping your money.

16. Create your payment terms

Don’t be a soft touch!

This is my golden rule with getting paid.

If you start being too flexible with payment terms, you’ll make things more difficult in the long run.

I suggest asking your students to pay in blocks of 5,10 or 20 lessons in advance, rather than on a lesson by lesson basis.

You could even offer a small discount to encourage your students to pay for a group of lessons. Make it clear that prices are subject to review on an annual basis.

17. Create a policy

A well-constructed policy can save a lot of problems down the line if a student becomes unreliable and you start missing out on income.

Write a policy and give it to your student during or before your first lesson.

If a student has paid for a block of lessons in advance.

It’ll make things easier as you won’t have to chase them for payment for missed lessons.

Here’s an example….

“Lessons are billed in blocks of 10 and the fee is due in advance (by cheque or money transfer).

If you are absent, you will still be charged unless you give me 48 hours notice.

This is to give me time to rearrange my timetable and give notice to other students.

If you provide sufficient notice, I will make up the lesson at a different time.

25 Tips to Build-up Music School in Nigeria

If I am unable to teach a lesson for any reason, I will make up the lesson (if not I will issue a refund)”

This policy shows there is some compromise between you and the student.

You are showing you’ll make up lessons if you are absent and they should give you sufficient notice if they are away.

Failure to make this clear in the beginning can make people take advantage of you and this will hurt your income.

I know some music teachers who are very relaxed about their payment terms.

But I also know others who almost never does refunds.

Just choose a policy which you are comfortable with.

But make sure you are protected for any cancelled lessons at short notice.

18. Promote your business

So everything is in place.

Your studio looks great, you have a well-written payment and cancellation policy, and you have all the equipment you need.

Time to find those students!

This is the hardest part and often where many music teachers struggle.

It takes a big effort to get the ball rolling and find those first few pupils.

As you need to get your name out there so people know about you and your business.

So do you sit next to the phone and wait for it to ring?

No way!

You need a solid marketing plan, one which you can work on each day. Consistency and persistence are the key elements here, as it can take the time to establish yourself as the go-to guy for music lessons.

25 Tips to Build-up Music School in Nigeria

19. Avoid teaching in a student’s home (if possible)

I learnt this the hard way.

Years ago, I taught a few piano students each week while I was studying at university.

I would finish my lectures and then drive across town to teach in their homes.

And full of enthusiasm to start earning some money.

I accepted every student who approached me for piano lessons.

On the positive side, my students were enthusiastic, reliable and eager to improve their piano skills.

However, I spent so much time driving to their homes and being stuck in traffic, that suddenly my rate per hour didn’t seem quite as good.

So frustrating!

Not to mention the lost money due to petrol and wear and tear on the car.

Ok, so I was still a student, living at home with mum and dad.

And it wasn’t as though I had a wife and two kids to support.

But this experience taught me a valuable lesson.

Time is money.

If you spend 2 hours in total to teach a 1-hour lesson, it means you could teach 2 lessons in the same time if you did it in your own studio.

It’s something you should think about very carefully.

As the amount of income you could be missing out on soon mounts up.

Of course, sometimes it can’t be avoided.

If you’re teaching a child, some parents want you to teach in their home so their son/daughter feels more comfortable.

That’s understandable, but I would certainly increase your lesson fee if you have to teach in a student’s home, to offset the cost of gas and travel time.

20. Design Your Curriculum

Operating a standard music school requires that you work with a curriculum.

You don’t need to crack your head that much in designing a curriculum for your music school.

You can apply to the education board in your state and they will give you the curriculum for music education.

The good thing is that you are allowed to tweak it to suit your expectation.

25 Tips to Build-up Music School in Nigeria

21. Book lessons back to back

Another tip to show your professionalism is to always book lessons back to back, even if you only have a few students.

Showing your students you are busy and in demand creates the impression you are a well respected and sought after teacher.

This can help increase the chances you’ll gain referrals from your existing pupils.

25 Tips to Build-up Music School in Nigeria

  22. Market and Advertise Your Music School

You have to go out there to market and promote your music school if you want to attract students.

Part of what you need to do to market your music school is go to places where you will meet parents.

You will be surprised to know that there are loads of parents who would want their children to know how to play one or two musical instruments.

You can also print and distribute handbills in your community.

23. Repair or maintain instruments

Music lessons business owners spend many hours teaching lessons, either one-on-one or in group settings. Depending on their particular business model, instructors may also drive to and from students’ homes, and they might have to repair or maintain instruments.

Additionally, music lessons business owners will need to spend time constructing/finding lessons that are suited to their students’ skill level.

24. Create time for practice

Ideal clients have a passion for music and are interested in learning to create music.

Many are either students in school (anywhere from elementary school through college) or adults who have free time that they can spend practicing.

A music lessons business charges students for lessons, which usually last from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Lessons may be charged on a per-lesson or hourly basis. Group lessons usually cost a little less than private lessons, but they can generate more income because there is more than one student being taught.

25.    Learn the growth potential

Most music lessons businesses have one teacher, who is also the business owner.

Businesses with a single instructor are limited by how much time the instructor can spend teaching students.

An instructor who taught half-hour private lessons full time (40 hours per week) would be able to teach up to 80 students per week.

Many instructors have other jobs and, therefore, can only teach part time.

A few music lessons businesses, however, have multiple instructors.

If a business elects to hire instructors, there isn’t a limit to how large the business could become.

In theory, a business could have lots of instructors offering lessons on many different instruments.

And it could open up locations in other cities to reach even more students.