Questions for bass teachers out there

[stephanie]

I've been playing bass for over 6 years and have been wanting to teach for just as long. Ever since I began taking private lessons (just a couple months after I bought my first bass) I've been wanting to teach. I admire my teachers. Not only do I study what my teacher gives for a lesson but I pay attention to his teaching method as well. And I sit at home devising my own teaching methods. How I would teach a beginner. What I would put into a half hour lesson. Etc.

But I need to make it reality. And I don't know how or where to begin.

Here are my questions: Where do you guys who teach...teach? A music store? A school? At home? How did you get into teaching?

I'm looking into trying to teach from my apartment. The music store I go to doesn't need anymore bass teachers. There's another store down the road from me but the store doesn't seem to get much business and the last time I was in there he only had one single bass for sale in the whole store.

But I'm concerned about teaching from home. Aside from wondering if I need a permit, having no parking space for students, etc...I don't know how to set up a teaching "environment". My boyfriend (who I live with) said he'd make our guest room into a studio. But I don't think he knows what he's getting himself into. The bed in there will have to go. He has about a million posters on the wall (I swear this place looks like a college dorm...ugh...) that will have to come down. Things like not being allowed to have friends over when I'm having a lesson....I hope he realizes the sacrifices that will have to be made.

And if you teach at home, how do you go about advertising...Posting ads at music stores is logical...But what about online? I'm a little nervous about teaching at home, because any old joe can find a bass and pretend that he needs lessons...and well...you know...My boyfriend and I are going to begin by scouting around people we know that might want a bass lesson. One of his employees at work plays bass so that's a start.

Also teaching at home is convenient because I don't drive and it might pose a problem getting somewhere in the evening to teach.

Any advice?

[winston]

I've done a fair amount of teaching. Being affiliated with a store/studio is a mixed blessing--they'll take care of admin stuff and getting students, but they usually take quite a bit off the top. I see some places that'll charge $40-$50/hr and pay teachers $18-$25, others are more reasonable and will work out a percentage or flat weekly/monthly rate.

As you note teaching from home is a bit dodgy as well. Especially if you don't have a dedicated space for it (even a small one), you're not going to come across as professional. Especially if you want children as students, you'll have to keep the place tidy and respectable (keep all personal items out of view, hide the bong!:-)

If your apartment is in a building where other people live you may well get noise complaints. A lot of uptight suburban areas have zoning ordinances about home businesses. I'd make sure to have some kind of renter's/homeowners' insurance to cover liability HOWEVER many such policies won't cover commercial activity. Not trying to scare you, but they're things to consider.

I know you said you don't drive. I did many more housecalls than lessons in my home. You'll increase your appeal if you're mobile, though it's not essential.

Also approach the store down the road without much business. Make them acknowledge their lack of business/bass department and see if you can work a deal that will give you a teaching space for cheap. In return you could give them advice about what basses to carry, etc.

I'd recommend online advertising (local Craigslist) plus classified ads in local weekly/monthly arts papers. Get business cards/promo stuff printed up, hang 'em up at local music stores. Gigging regularly helps, too. Also if there's any way you can get local school districts to know about you--do it. Maybe a demo package and a 30 minute solo-bass demonstration. If there are any public access TV or radio stations that could do a little feature on you--go for it. I checked your profile and saw that you have a website/Myspace page...include those addresses on your promo material.

Price yourself reasonably--not too high, but not too low. The teachers I know who have low rates 1) always end up jacking them up which annoys students 2) have to deal with a perception that they're not as good as the more expensive teachers. Plus you've got to make some money. Check rates in your area, if they're between $20 and $50 go for $30-$35.

Also be sure to have policies in place regarding cancellations, refunds, rates, etc. It's pretty common to ask for pre-payment of lessons at the beginning of the month, with a 24 or 48 hour cancellation requirement. These kinds of things will weed out flakes and ensure you'll have some sort of semi-predictable income. Post rates/policies on your website AND make students sign a printed copy of them when they start studies.

Good luck!

[stephanie]

Thanks for all that advice, Winston.