The Business of Teaching Music: A Guide for the Independent Music Teacher

Second Edition

Sandi Siemens

Details: 150 pages, B&W, Softcover, 6" x 9"

ISBN13: 978-1-63550-400-2

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About

Based on her 50 years of teaching music in a private studio setting, Sandi Siemens’ The Business of Teaching Music: A Guide for the Independent Music Teacher, Second Edition is a professional resource for independent music teachers of all instruments and levels that provides a step-by-step road map for setting up and running a successful teaching studio. The book includes strategies for finding students, establishing workable policies, and achieving financial stability.

This guide provides tips for the day-to-day operations as well as solutions for the common problems and frustrations that plague teachers on a daily basis. Guidance, timelines, and cost saving ideas for various events such as recitals, masterclasses, and concerts/shows are provided.

New Chapters Include:

The Novice Music Teacher
Making an Impression at Auditions
Showcasing Our Students
The Internet: The Music Teacher’s Website and Online Music Lessons

New/Expanded Topics Include:

The Collaborative Artist/Pianist
Working With the Professional Musician
Income Tax Time
Code of Ethics and Its Importance
The Issue of Copyright
Fees

The book also includes access to a PluralPlus companion website with useful, printable documents, including annual teaching income sheets, registration forms, rehearsal and recital notices, and student assessments.

"Sandi made a huge difference in my life. At a time when I needed guidance and craved confidence, she was instrumental in giving me both. I feel I was extraordinarily lucky to have her as a teacher, and more importantly, a life-long friend. Enjoy the revised version of her book, folks. You’re in good hands."

–Michael Bublé, Recording Artist, Singer

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Reviewers

Chapter 1. The Novice Music Teacher

Welcome to the World of the Private Music Teacher
Initial Concerns of Those New to the Private Music Teaching Business

Chapter 2. Teaching Music as a Business

The Code of Ethics and Its Importance
Building a Strong Student Base
Initial Call of Inquiry
Setting the Stage
The Music Teacher
The Private Studio
The Teacher's Home
Interview/Audition/Mini-Lesson
The First Meeting
The Student Interview
The Audition/Mini-Lesson
The Initial Student and Parent Interview
Setting the Stage With Talkative People

Chapter 3. Achieving Financial Stability

The Music Studio Agreement
Comments on the Studio Agreement
Fees
Fundamental Principle for Fees
Lesson Fee
Increasing Fees
The Collaborative Artist/Pianist
Payment of Fees
Record Keeping
Filing Taxes

Chapter 4. Studio Communication

General Notices and Issues
Studio Performances
Student Performances
Cultural Events
Studio Parking
Cancellation of Lessons by the Music Teacher
Social Events
Competitions
Helpful Hints for a Successful Performance
Student Assessment
Year-End Newsletter
Email or Texting

Chapter 5. Making an Impression at Auditions

Helpful Hints for Auditions
Rule of Thumb for Auditions
Universities/Colleges
Professional Groups (Choirs, Orchestras, Opera Chorus)
Amateur
Musical Theater

Chapter 6. Showcasing Our Students

The Recital/Master Class/Concert/Show
Preparing the Timid Student for a Recital Performance
The Recital
The Master Class
Studio Concert/Show
Reception
Profit or Loss
Programs
Obtaining Donations
Choosing the Right Companies
Keys to Success

Chapter 7. The Internet

The Music Teacher's Website
Ideas and Tips
Online Music Lessons
Preparation
The Lessons
Post-Lesson
What Levels/Ages Work Best for Online Music Lessons

Final Thoughts
Index

Authors

Sandi Siemens

Canadian mezzo-soprano and author Sandi Siemens has devoted much of her life to sharing her deep passion for music with students, peers and audiences. Based in Port Moody, British Columbia, Sandi has gained a reputation over the past 50 years as an accomplished and enthusiastic vocal coach and teacher (in both private and college settings), clinician, choral consultant and adjudicator. An active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who, Sandi operates a successful private studio where she has nurtured hundreds of talented voices over the years. Many of her students now enjoy active professional careers in opera, musical theatre, jazz and pop – most notably recording artist and multi Juno and Grammy winner Michael Bublé.

Over the years, Sandi has performed on stages in North America and internationally and has served as an adjudicator for numerous vocal competitions and talent searches such as Filipino Idol, Japanese Talent Search and the Pacific National Exhibition Talent Search. She has held executive positions with the Burnaby Lyric Opera Company, Triad Concert Society, Vancouver Cantata Singers, National Association of Teachers of Singing, KPU International Music Festival and was founder and artistic director of the highly successful All Saints Gala and Songs from the Heart fundraisers in British Columbia, Canada.

Her passion for music and desire to teach led Sandi to open her own voice studio and to write The Business of Teaching Music and create the Maestro Joli Clef teaching tools. One of her greatest pleasures in life is to help others fulfill their potential and to experience the joy of music.

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Resources

Purchase of The Business of Teaching Music: A Guide for the Independent Music Teacher, Second Edition comes with access to supplementary materials on a PluralPlus companion website.

The companion website is located at: https://www.pluralpublishing.com/publication/tbtm2e

To access the student resources, you must register on the companion website and log in using the access code located in the front of your textbook.

*Note for students: If you have purchased this textbook used or have rented it, your access code will not work if it was already redeemed by the original buyer of the book. Plural Publishing does not offer replacement access codes for used or rented textbooks.