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andy catt Profile
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Registered: 04-2004
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Teaching Hours


Hello, I'm new here and thanks for this site! I've been playing guitar for more than 26 years and it's only now occured to me that I might be able to make a career out of teaching this wonderful instrument. Duh, why didn't I think of this before!

Anyway, I have a few questions.

How difficult was it/how long did it take for some of the members of this board to make the transition from taking one or two students on the side to teaching full time and being able to quit the day job?

Also, what about teaching hours? Most children and teenagers will have school until 3:00pm and adults will have work until 5:00pm so it seems that most lessons will have to take place weekday evenings or weekends. Has this been a problem for anyone who is trying to maintain a full time schedule?

Thanks, Andy
4/9/2004, 3:39 pm Link to this post Send Email to andy catt   Send PM to andy catt
 
chrismiles Profile
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Re: Teaching Hours


I've been tyeaching part-time for the last 18 months to suport myself while I'm doing a music degree. For the first year I only had 2 or 3 students per week, as some would only come for a few lessons and then be replaced by new students. I'm currently teaching about 6 students a week, but again this varies with peoples holiday commitments etc. I don't know what the situation is in the US but I'm going to try local colleges when I've finished my degree, offering my services as a peripatetic teacher, as well as teaching privately. It takes a while to build up your reputation as a reliable and skilled teacher, so stay friendly with the music stores where you advertise, they'll be more likely to recommend your services. I also have no qualms about asking my students to tell the stores if they're happy with my lessons. As regards times, you're probably going to have to accept that this isn't going to be a 9 to 5 job, as you're quite right about peoples work times. But if we wanted to work 9 to 5 we wouldn't be musicians! I have one adult student who is a firefighter so she works shifts and often comes during the day, but I've found that to be the exception. At least if you're charging a sensible amount you won't have to work as many hours to earn a decent wage. Just get started, there's nothing like real experience to build your skills and reputation. Hope that's some help.
4/11/2004, 1:24 pm Link to this post Send Email to chrismiles   Send PM to chrismiles
 
andy catt Profile
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Re: Teaching Hours


Thanks very much for your reply. Sounds like it will take some time to become established. I want to start slow with about 2 or 3 students like you did until I gain some more confidence but I would like to go full time as soon as possible. My day job is driving me nuts and I would love to not have to work for that wanker any longer. I figure I'll need about two dozen students to earn what I'm making now so it probably won't be anytime soon. I live in Los Angeles so I'm hoping there will be enough demand from young people who want to become rock stars!
4/11/2004, 5:07 pm Link to this post Send Email to andy catt   Send PM to andy catt
 


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