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What's are the best ways to find students?Teaching: New teacher needs more students...From Candace Casey
From Christopher C
I apologize for this being off-topic, but at what level were you when you first started giving lessons (what piece], etudes, etc.)? I am interested in doing the same as you are now. May I ask how much you charge as well? :-)
Posted on July 3, 2005 at 01:19 AM From Candace Casey
Well, I just started 4 or 5 months ago, and right now I'm working on the Dont etudes 1 & 2, and am going to start the Bach E major concerto. My students are all pretty much in the beginning. I charge $20 an hour, but right now they all have 30 minute lessons, so I just get $10 a lesson. I just wish I could find more students! I've thought of putting an ad in the newspaper, but that would be pretty expensive. But yeah, teaching is pretty fun, and it's a good way to earn money for all the things you have to pay for as a violinist- in my case, expensive lessons.
Posted on July 3, 2005 at 03:44 AM From Christopher C
Thanks for your response. Well, I was pondering it. I think it's a good idea to contact as many teachers as you know and tell them you are looking for new students and have many open slots. You could contact the string teachers in the elementary and middle schools as well. When I was in elementary school I remember the string teacher there had a whole list of people and their phone numbers that she handed to students who were looking for private lessons. It seems that would be a good way to get your name out.
Posted on July 3, 2005 at 04:01 AM From Bekah S
I started teaching when I was thirteen and found the best way to get stdents was to let anyone and everyone know you teach! Violin is a popular instrument and people are always looking for a teacher. When music comes up in your conversations, always let poeple know you teach and don't be afraid to give them your number. Even if they don't use you, they might refer you to someone who will! Good luck with your teaching! Tootles.
Posted on July 3, 2005 at 04:27 AM From Susan D
I'm sorry to disappoint you folks, but I strongly believe even beginners (or in fact especially beginners) need to be taught by expert professional teachers, not by relative beginners. It is absolutely essential that the foundations are laid properly, and anyone who was capable of doing that after a few months or even years would be an unbelievable genius.Posted on July 4, 2005 at 04:46 AM Apologies if you are such a genius and have every right to teach... From Candace Casey
Actually, I agree with you. I would never put my own (future) child in a student's studio, or encourage a friend to take from one. But, I recently began studying with a teacher who charges $120 an hour, and as I have to pay for half of it and I haven't found any other way to earn money, this was the route I needed to take. But also, there are those people who otherwise would not be able to afford lessons period if they didn't have a student teacher. And if I ever encounter a student with exceptional talent, I will refer him to a highly regarded professional teacher.
Posted on July 4, 2005 at 06:05 AM From Susan D
Hi CandacePosted on July 4, 2005 at 07:38 AM Well, just do one thing pleeeease: buy Simon Fisher's 'Basics' and use it to teach the um Basics... From Matt Dostal
$120 per hour???Posted on July 4, 2005 at 02:09 PM well, I have private lessons with one professor that teaches on conservatory, and he wants 100Kc, which is about $4 :) he is extremely good teacher From Scott 68
I agree with susan
Posted on July 4, 2005 at 06:11 PM From Candace Casey
Simon Fisher's Basics...ok, I'll check it out. I'm hoping to go to Brook Mays this afternoon anyways...a couple things I'm going to look at are:Posted on July 4, 2005 at 06:32 PM Sevcik School of Violin Technique Opus 1 Suzuki Book 1 (I doubt I'll use this but I just wanted to look) By the way, Susan, if you happen to know of a good way for a 14 year old musician to earn money other than teaching, I would love to know. Teaching isn't my first choice (for the reasons you mentioned), but it's the only thing that's worked out. From Charlie Caldwell
Well, if you just started 4 or 5 months ago, I don't think the best thing for you to do is go and teach beginner students. Beginner students are better taught by professionals at first in order to get them set up.Posted on July 4, 2005 at 06:49 PM $120 an hour is overpriced in my opinion. You could easily find a teacher just as good or better for less than that. I wouldn't reconmend you giving lessons. I know teachers that have been playing longer than 25 years that charge only $35 an hour. From Christina C.
umm... the 4 or 5 months ago is when she started teaching, not playing.
Posted on July 4, 2005 at 07:03 PM From K. S.
And teachers' fees vary from region to region. It's natural that a lesson in top studio in Dallas would be more expensive than a lesson in Powder Springs, Georgia or the Czech Republic.
Posted on July 4, 2005 at 07:26 PM From Lewis Wong
In general, $120 is by no means an exorbitant sum to pay a teacher. In fact, some Juilliard teachers charge $250+ an hour. However, I personally don't remember it being that expensive when I was studying in Dallas (I've worked with maestros Sloman, Fomin AND Borok while my sister worked with Ron Neal), so I wonder who you study with, Candace.Posted on July 4, 2005 at 08:17 PM P.S. Simon Fisher has a great book but don't teach it until you've gone over ALL the exercises yourself. Sevcik is also very useful, but due to its dryness, it ought not be used on very young students. PPS. Charlie-- the amount of performing experience one has is not the only price determinant. If someone has played for twenty-five years and only charges $35, my first question would be-- where has he played at? From Natasha Marsalli
I too am 14 and am considering teaching next summer. However, rather than actually taking on students, I am going to take my brothers' teacher's students over the summer. Many pro violinists leave over the summer and have no one to refer their Book 1/2 students to. I would suggest that in most cases. However, I see your plight in that your teacher charges what seems to me an exorbitant sum for a highschooler. My teacher charges $40 an hour and he's the best teacher I've ever had!!! Posted on July 4, 2005 at 10:37 PM I agree that beginners should not be taught by amateur violinists, although I think that amateur violinists should be given the opportunity to assist at beginning lessons so that they may learn how it is done. I have a friend who teaches "box kids" (as we call them) and she does a great job, however, so I don't completely condone it. Anyways, there's my humble insight on the matter. From Brian Wall
I don't mean to sound like the echo but...120$ a lesson is a total rip-off.Unless your extremely advanced and can find no other teacher to suit your needs I wouldn't waste another dollar on lessons with your current teacher.However,if you are bound and determined to keep your current teacher,try playing on the streets for money.I used to do that and I'd make round 35 bucks an hour.THen again that would vary depending on the day...and the people...and I woudln't do it somewhere unsafe-I used to play outside my friend's fathers auto shop downtown.You also though would have to be able to improv a little casue playing the same song over and over isnt a good idea lol.And watch out for soliciting...I got in trouble at our mall for that...lol
Posted on July 5, 2005 at 01:53 AM From Erin Dupree
Hey Candace,Posted on July 5, 2005 at 02:12 AM Who are yo taking from now? GOSHH. Just take from Mr. Fomin. He's Da best. ;) To Brian: Where did you play? NYC? $35/hr is a heck of a lot. From Sarah Benedict
I think some people think they have a right to charge that much ($250) because they are bragging about "Julliard" or some other organization they are connected to, but being of that standard of 'playing' doesn't ensure you are that good a teacher too. How much could you really learn in one hour that could possibly be worth paying that much money for? I mean, I have learned more in a FREE masterclass at times than my own regular lessons......Posted on July 5, 2005 at 11:58 AM Sorry- this is just my opinion. From Peter Ferreira
$35 in NYC from a good teacher is rare! $65 is decent and more realistic. $100 in NYC is normal!Posted on July 5, 2005 at 12:01 PM
From Candace Casey
I'm studying with Sloman right now. Yeah, $120 is a lot, but he's worth it. Lewis, Borok now charges $300 an hour.Posted on July 5, 2005 at 03:52 PM And yes, March was when I started teaching, not playing. From Lewis Wong
Jan Sloman is a good teacher and more importantly, a good man. Tell him about your financial difficulties, and ask him if he'd be willing to help you. Some teachers will even refer beginning students to you-- if you're ready. And others will allow a trade for services such as babysitting or yardwork. For the record, as far as the latter is concerned, I know instances of many famous teachers who make such arrangements-- so don't think that this is done only if your teacher happens to be related to you or is a close family friend. And if worse comes to worse, some will even be kind-hearted enough to give you a personal discount. In Boston, I worked with Eric Rosenblith who told me that when I could pay I should, but if I couldn't he would understand. And at Juilliard, when I did extra lessons with Lewis Kaplan, he always said, "Pay what you can comfortably afford." For them, it wasn't only about the money.Posted on July 5, 2005 at 11:02 PM P.S. There are other opportunities in Dallas. Can you fiddle? There are lots of bars that will pay for that. Another interesting option is ushering at the Meyerson, but I haven't personally done that before. From Keri Ottoson
Hello,Posted on July 6, 2005 at 11:30 PM I think one route you could go as a 13 year-old violinist looking to make some money would be to offer your services as a "practice tutor" to students who have trouble practicing on their own. Maybe your private teacher knows of some students who do not practice well, and can get you started. This way you will be working with a mentor teacher and you can learn a lot about teaching before going out on your own. From Candace Casey
Those are some interesting ideas. Lewis, do you think a 14-year-old could usher at the Meyerson? That would be convienent but I doubt I'm old enough. Posted on July 7, 2005 at 01:01 AM By the way, Susan, I can't seem to find Simon Fisher's Basics anywhere...where do you get it? Any other suggestions for beginning violin material is also welcome. From Susan D
I bought it online.Posted on July 7, 2005 at 05:10 AM I quite like the 'practice tutor' idea, to help lazy/confused students along. But I guess that would only be for the wealthy. From Keri Ottoson
I got my start as a teacher as a practice tutor. It worked out well for me, because I live in a wealthy town. I did this while I was in high school and charged $8 per hour.
Posted on July 7, 2005 at 02:23 PM From Candace Casey
Just so I know, is Simon Fisher's Basics for beginners? I was wanting to buy the Sevcik School for Violin Technique Opus 1 but I saw the second part and it had double stops in it...my students aren't ready for that. Does anyone know about the first part?
Posted on July 7, 2005 at 04:43 PM From Wanda Jenkins
Violinland is highly recommended for young beginners. Very simple and engaging. Posted on July 7, 2005 at 10:22 PM Basics by Fischer is not a beginner's book, but it'd be an excellent source for your own knowledge. Not cheap, around $50, you should be able to get it through Amazon. WJ From Jerry Shome
Sorry, but I don't quite understand the practice tutor idea. How exactly would it work?
Posted on July 7, 2005 at 10:28 PM From Keri Ottoson
Basically the practice tutor helps another student (less advanced than the tutor, of course) practice effectively. I used to go over to a girl's house 3 days a week for $8/hour and help her practice her Suzuki Book 1 and 2 material. This was after I finished the Suzuki series. I also worked with some middle school students who played in their school's orchestra. It was much like teaching, but I did not come up with assignments. I basically reinforced what their teachers were asking them to do. I learned so much in doing this, that I would have done it for free.
Posted on July 8, 2005 at 03:46 PM From Candace Casey
Keri, how did you find students to tutor? Did you advertise at all?
Posted on July 8, 2005 at 09:44 PM From Keri Ottoson
My teacher set me up with one to begin with, and then I ended up with more from word-of-mouth and from my advisor at school. You could advertise, though. I recommend talking to your teacher first, and then contacting orchestra directors from middle and elementary schools.
Posted on July 9, 2005 at 03:11 PM From Candace Casey
Ok, thanks. What I would really like to do is play at weddings/receptions; I've had experience playing at funerals, graduations, and receptions, but I don't know who to contact to get a regular job doing that, as in a wedding planner or something. Any suggestions?
Posted on July 10, 2005 at 05:44 PM From Wenhao Sun
First off, regarding weddings, it's a hard bargain, but if you want jobs, you can contact wedding planners. Problem is, they can take up to about a third of your check, and you probably want to have a good quartet going to get any money. Posted on July 10, 2005 at 07:24 PM Regarding teaching, I'm doing that as well. I've had, over the last 2 years, 6 students, some my age (16), most around 10-11. I was already done with Zigeunerweisen at that time, so I was like... alright, but I was charging 20$ an hour at the time for 45 minute lessons. Now I've completed and performed with an orchestra Tchaikovsky 3rd mvt, learning a lot about violin in the process, and I'm charging 30$ an hour. I live in Seattle, and that's still quite a bit cheaper than the closest teacher. Also, my students go on to recieve honors in their orchestras and all that stuff. It really depends on how good of a player you are, how good of a teacher you are, and how good your previous students have done. I think that's what determines your teaching rates. I also want to state that a good teacher is crucial. I don't want to say that I'm good, as most people come to me because they don't want to pay too much for a teacher. However, I do tell them that a good teacher is crucial, and when I graduate in a year I will probably convince them to switch to a well-recognized teacher. Be very very careful not to ruin a kid's technique because you're a relative beginner as well. I'd think you'd want to be at least on Level 8 on the violinmasterclass scale (http://violinmasterclass.com/repertoire.php?) before you start teaching. Good luck! - Wenhao Sun From Cornelia Zambila
Playing on streets( in suitable locations, of course) can help you not only get some money, but solve the nerves problem and enjoy comunication with the public.
Posted on July 10, 2005 at 07:58 PM From S D
Basics is not a book you get your beginners to buy (unless they are very mature kids or adults, or really keen to supervise parents). Instead, it's a book full of amazingly useful exercises on all technical aspects of violin playing. It is not a book with sheet music of scales, arpeggios and etudes. It's much more, well, *basic* than that: how to hold the instrument, bow, bowing technique, fingering technique - everything! It is useful from the very beginning to a very high level. Posted on July 11, 2005 at 01:27 AM I don't think you can choose between this book and, say, Sevcik. Totally different function. But I would choose Basics over anything! From Candace Casey
Alright, thanks. So if Basics is a totally different function than Sevcik, what is Sevcik like? Is it for beginners?
Posted on July 12, 2005 at 04:58 PM From Pauline Lerner
I agree with everyone who has said that you are not experienced enough to teach violin. The questions you've asked on this forum confirm this. I think the violin tutor is a good idea. Try talking to your teacher about it. Another good idea is to talk to your teacher about paying part of hs/her fee by doing work instead of money. I'm a teacher and I have done this many times. Most people would be glad to have someone help them with chores. Some teachers may be willing to give you a "scholarship" if they know that you're a good, committed student with financial difficulties. I've done this, too.
Posted on July 12, 2005 at 06:37 PM From Candace Casey
Well, the reasons I asked about if those books were for beginners or not is because I haven't had time to go look at them yet, and I wanted to know if it was worth the time. It's not like I saw them and couldn't tell if they were or not. As I've said before, teaching was not my first choice, and for about a year now I've been looking for another kind of job that won't take away from practicing, but surely you understand that sometimes you have to do what you have to do. So far I haven't found anything else, so, I'm teaching.
Posted on July 13, 2005 at 02:53 PM From Jude Ziliak
If anybody's worth $300/hour, it's Borok! I would love just to have one lesson with him-- the masterclass I saw him give was spectacular. What a teacher, and such an amazing player!
Posted on July 31, 2005 at 04:13 AM From Janice Nieves
Wee...I've been playing for about 10 years and have been teaching for about 3. Most of my students have been referred to me from the local middle school. My high school orchestra director actually had an entire list of who in the area was teaching, including students, that she would give to any parents that called her asking for information.Posted on August 1, 2005 at 10:18 AM Even as a music ed. major, I still don't feel that I really have the right to charge much for lessons. I teach for 45 minutes and usually charge $15. Sometimes I wonder if that's even too much, but given the fact that most children in my area start taking lessons at local music stores, where they charge $20 for 30 minutes lessons with unqualified teachers, I feel it's reasonable. From Shelly Knotts
You could always try busking. I find that you can make pretty good money that way, although you need to check out busking regulations in the area since many councils require you to register with them to avoid being moved on by the police. As for finding new students, try putting notices up at local libraries, schools etc.
Posted on August 1, 2005 at 12:55 PM From Jeff Burnett
It isn't at all surprising that Jan Sloman would charge $120 an hour. He is the teacher of Shannon Lee who was a soloist with the Dallas Symphony this year at 12! He has a very gifted stable of students. That being said, I think it will be difficult for a young student to attract too many clients even at $10 or $20 an hour. At those rates, you have to have too many students to make the numbers work. If you are spending all your time teaching, when will you find the time to practice for such a demanding teacher. But if you charge $60 an hour, the parent is going to want to see more experience. It's a no win situation. There may be other ways to earn the money as other people have suggested rather than directly teaching students.
Posted on August 1, 2005 at 04:51 PM From Jeff Burnett
One other thing I forgot to add. Talk to some of the other teachers in the area. Many are part of small chamber groups and maybe you get on some lists for replacement players for these groups when they play functions.
Posted on August 1, 2005 at 05:11 PM From emanuel Borok
HI there!Posted on October 10, 2006 at 03:13 PM I just found out that I am charging $300 a lesson. WOW! That is not true. My actual rate is $125. From parmeeta bhogal
Laurie, Robert,Posted on October 10, 2006 at 06:12 PM This is what I think is great about v.com. All your doubts and urban myths get washed away by the true source! From Elizabeth Smith
Maybe Mr. Borok should raise his fee, since no one batted an eyelash when it was reported to be more than double.Posted on October 10, 2006 at 06:54 PM (Or, worst-case-scenario: the discussion thread provokes a nightmarish IRS audit from a fiddler/agent.) From Patricia Baser
14 year olds charging $20 for lessons?
Posted on October 10, 2006 at 09:50 PM From Elizabeth Smith
Patricia, read the comments directly above mine.
Posted on October 10, 2006 at 10:09 PM From Kelsey Walsh
I started teaching beginning students when I was 15, and have charged $20 for a half hour lesson (which usualy goes over and is really more like 45 min). This is the going rate for student techers in the SF Bay Area, or at least it is what all of the other student teachers I know are charging. I did not actually start teaching until I had aready had some experience coaching the preparatory orchestras for my Youth Symphony though. Speaking of that, coaching prep groups is an excelent way of getting started, it is very likely that some parents will approach you and ask if you teach...Posted on October 11, 2006 at 12:12 AM KW From Preston Hawes
Price means nothing. One of the best teachers I ever studied with charged only $35/h to private students. One of the WORST teachers I studied with charged $200/h to private students. One of the most successful teachers I've studied with (in terms of how many soloists came from that studio) charged $120/h.Posted on October 11, 2006 at 12:47 AM Go figure....or not? haha! Preston From Noel Pinnington
With you all the way. In fact, so far, the more expensive the lessons, the worse the teacher.
Posted on October 11, 2006 at 05:32 AM From Candace Casey
I apologize...I had heard that about Borok from a credible friend and so I just assumed it was true. Apparently it's not. :)
Posted on October 11, 2006 at 06:12 PM From Emanuel Borok
heard what about Borok?
Posted on October 11, 2006 at 06:48 PM From Annie Villalobos Vincent
Play, play, play, perform perform perform. Get yourself out there and let potential "students" see you. Call up a local school string teacher tell him or her that you are looking for students and ask if you can go in and just play a little something. Then leave your name and number with the teacher. The kids "know" who is good and who isn't. They will flock to you like bees to honey... :)
Posted on October 11, 2006 at 09:39 PM From Elizabeth Smith
heard what about Borok?Posted on October 11, 2006 at 11:05 PM That you charge $300/hour. (And I think would be Mr. Borok.) From Pauline Lerner
I agree that a person like you with limited experience should not be a teacher for beginners. The practice coach is a much better idea. I suggest placing free advertisements on the Internet anywhere and everywhere you can. Craigslist is good if there is one for your area.
Posted on October 12, 2006 at 07:37 AM From Peter Ferreira
You're to young to be teaching!!!!Posted on October 13, 2006 at 02:50 PM You need to learn more about the violin and teaching before you start teaching others. Just because you know how to play doesn't mean you know how to teach!!! From Carlo Mauricio
Posted on May 13, 2009 at 07:22 PM I find it funny that so many of you continue to misstate Mr. Borok's hourly rates, and the man himself is the one trying to correct the mistake. From Stephen Brivati
Posted on May 13, 2009 at 08:13 PM Greetings, well, this is such an old thread most of the original posters are probably dead so you had the last laugh after all. Cheers, Buri From Anne-Marie Proulx
Posted on May 13, 2009 at 10:25 PM Well I had put a few thought that I understood very well your situation even if personally, I think old monkeys are unbeatable as teachers. (will define old monkeys later...) But as Buri said, I want to let you the last laugh too! Anne-Marie From Norma Santos
Posted on May 14, 2009 at 12:24 PM Gee, I know that this is an old thread; but after reading through the old discussion I'm rather curious to know how Candace made out - and how it's going 4 years later ;O) |
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