1) Business theme
What will your business name be? It should be something that hasn't been used before so that the domain would not be taken. You should also determine the colors for your business for them to be used on your website, business cards, and logo. If you create a logo for your business, I suggest using Canva to design it.
2) Your audience
Who will you be teaching....toddlers, preschoolers, kids, teens, adults, seniors? Will you be specializing in beginning, intermediate, or advanced levels? Where will most of your students be located? About how much do your clients make a year? This will determine how much you should charge per hour. Look into similar businesses around you to see how they are charging.
3) Website/Facebook Page
Many potential students search for teachers online so it is important to have a website or a Facebook page to attract new students. You can set up a Facebook page for your studio and post photos and videos of their lessons. You can also set up a free website but you may be limited on some things.
4) Curriculum and Resources
Will you be using a method book for your students? Consider all of the different methods instead of going to the one your teacher may have taught you. Here are a few method books for the piano: Piano Pronto, Piano Adventures, Carol Matz Interactive Method, Alfred, and Pre-Reading Made FUN. Will you also be using worksheets, games, certificates, and supplemental repertoire? Check out our store for any of these things to making your lessons more customized and exciting for students. Supplemental repertoire is also perfect for recitals.
5) Your Studio
What will your studio look like? Will you be teaching in your home or will you rent out a space? It is important to have all your method books, supplemental music, and resources stored in the same place so you can locate them during lessons. Read our blog post here about how to organize your teaching games. Will you need any extra keyboards to teach with or a small drum to demonstrate rhythm?
Need support from other teachers? Join our Facebook teaching group here!