I have been providing piano lessons and flute lessons for nine years and have recently noticed that many teachers in the Northern Virginia area are lowering their fees in an effort to obtain students. I see qualified music teachers with music degrees offering to travel to student's homes or have individuals travel to them for under $100. This actually hurts other music teachers in the area who are trying to make an honest living. I also notice that teacher's have websites with erroneous information. For example, one teacher in the Northern Virginia area lists on her website that an individual with a BA degree has a liberal arts degree and therefore takes fewer music classes as opposed to someone with a BM degree. That is simply not true. I attended UCLA and obtained a BA degree in flute performance. Music majors were required to take a number of music courses-two years of music theory, two years of music history, four years of private flute lessons, upper division courses in music, piano proficiency courses, score-reading, etc. I had to score-read a portion of Strauss' "Don Juan, which is one of his more difficult tone poems. I was also required to give two recitals and pass two juries in front of the woodwind faculty. I also had to take a number of general education courses, which is the difference between a BA and BM degree. Someone with a BM degree takes fewer general education classes. Another teacher in the Northern Virginia area states on his website that traveling teachers typically charge more than teachers who have student's come directly to their home and are less qualified. Again, that is simply not true. My rates are competitive with music teachers in the area who have the same qualifications as myself. I have a Master's degree in two different instruments and am a qualified music educator who chooses to travel because I am not set up to teach out of my home. It is very competitive to get students in the Northern Virginia area, but I believe there are more positive ways to increase business than those listed above. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts. |