ADVERTISING YOUR STUDIO
Advertising Resources and Tips
Whether you're just starting a voice studio, moving from one area of the country to another, or would like a few more voice students, here are some ideas for advertising your voice studio. Some of these are most useful for independent studio teachers, but are worth a look for any teacher of voice.
Note: the following resources are not endorsed by NATS Inc. They are included for your convenience.
Online Teacher Databases
List your studio so singers can find you online!
The NATS Voluntary Teacher Database : if you haven't already filled out the form to get your free listing, this is the very first online service you should list with. Our " Finding a Teacher " page is one of the most visited public areas of NATS Online.
MusicStaff.com U.S. and International searches. Free and Paid listings.
Musicteacher.ws Austalian-based database, free and open to teachers worldwide. Free teacher listings.
PrivateLessons.com U.S. and Canada searches. Originally free, now offers only Paid teacher listings.
Private Music Instructor National Directory U.S. search. Free teacher listings.
Schubertline Directory of Singing Teachers and Coaches Free teacher listings; also offers paid webpages.
TeachList: The Music Teachers List U.S. and International searches. Free teacher listings.
Tip: Not sure whether these listings (especially the fee-based variety) are worthwhile? Begin with a few free services whose look and feel you like, then ask each new or prospective student how they found you. If certain services bring you more students, these may be worth considering a paid option to make your listing even more prominent. |
Studio Websites
Create a Website to Advertise your Studio!
The Personal-Professional Webpage Written by Yvonne Dechance, this free online article tells you what you need to know (and do) to get started with a website.
Bravenet.com offers free website templates and hosting.
More Web Resources: For a list of other hosts and services,
check out our Resource Section for NATS Affiliate websites (they'll
work for your site too!)
School Websites: If you teach at a school, take full advantage of any website exposure they offer. An increasing number of schools have websites with teacher bios and contact information, and many students/parents visit these pages before selecting a studio teacher. It's well worth the time to make sure your listing is informative, friendly, and has a professional-looking photo included if this is allowed.
Tip: a website allows you to really promote your services, and needn't be complex or expensive to be successful. It's well worth considering, especially if you're starting out as a new teacher, or moving to a new part of the country. |
Print Publications
Yellow Pages: Don't automatically overlook these ads, because people still do search the Yellow Pages for professional services. If you're clear in your ad what kinds of music you teach, and what levels of students you work with, you'll eliminate many calls from singers who want lessons outside your areas of expertise. Some services also offer online listings.
Local Papers: Many smaller newspapers offer
less expensive ads than the larger papers, and can attract new
students. As in all ads, make sure you indicate what kind of
lessons and students you wish to teach.
Trade Papers and Magazines: in some areas, there are publications that announce upcoming auditions and services for singers and/or actors. If the publication targets the same kind of performer you teach, it may be worth taking out an ad.
Business Cards: you can either create these yourself using your computer and perforated business card paper, or order them inexpensively at an office supply or copy shop. Never underestimate the power of a business card to help you look professional and promote your studio.
Brochures: like business cards, these are reasonably
simple to create yourself using your computer and résumé-quality
paper, or order them inexpensively at an office supply or copy
shop. Like websites, brochures can offer expanded information
about your studio and services.
Tips:
Cross-Advertise: If you have a website or email address, include it in all your print advertising materials.
Encourage Email Inquiries: if you dislike being disturbed by phone calls all day (especially when you're trying to teach) encourage new and current students to contact you via email.
Offer your print materials online: If you have a website, you can cut down or eliminate printing and mailing costs by offering an online version of your brochure, business card, etc. |
Moving Your Studio
If you're moving far enough that it will impact your students, take advantage of your advertising materials and NATS membership to help smooth the transition.
Use your website and/or online teacher listings to announce the move with as much leadtime as possible, and begin advertising your availability in the new area before you move there.
Help find teachers for students you'll no longer be teaching by using our For Members' Only NATS Membership Directory . There you'll have instant access to other teachers in both your current and upcoming areas.
While you're looking up colleagues in the Membership Directory,
take a moment to find out who's in your new area. They may be
of assistance, especially if they have a waitlist for their studio
and are looking for other teachers to whom to refer overflow
students.
If you're moving to a new NATS district or region, get in touch
with your NATS Regional Governor before you move (or as
soon as you get there) so you'll be certain to be included on
local mailing lists for NATS events.
And don't forget to update your address with the NATS Office --it just takes a moment online--so you won't miss any mailouts or issues of the Journal
of Singing!
Good luck with your move!
Tip: Most independent studio teachers
have found that it takes about eighteen months to get a
voice studio fully re-established after a major move. If
you
expect this, and work diligently at advertising both before
and during this transition time, you may find you have
a fuller studio faster. |
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