The Need.

There are many people, of all ages, who would love to learn how to play their favorite worship music. Some would even like to go on to become a member (or leader) of a worship team. Where is the best place for them to go, to be trained up in worship music, and in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord?” The Church, and the people of His pasture. We are the mentors for the new generation of worship musicians and songwriters.

What if I have nothing to teach?

Seriously? You’re a songwriter. You can teach that. You know at least 3 chords, right?  You can teach that. You know how to sing in front of people. Teach that. What else do you know?  Make a list of musical instruments you play, tips and tricks and scales and processes you know how to do.  Then start there.  Some of us don’t know how to hand-write music, sing in front of people, play an instrument, or even record a song on our phone.  Others of us have degrees in music, and know music theory, complex Digital Audio Workstations (DAW), mixing and mastering. All of the above are valuable, and all are teachable subjects. If you take on just one student, you will soon recognize how much you know about music, what you have to offer, and how much hard work it took to get you where you are now. Give teaching a try.

Set a rate. 

This is an important step, and you should not save this decision until later.  We suggest going no lower than $35 for 1/2 hour for a beginning student. You can raise your rate according to your proficiency (and demand), but start at $35. This would be for a weekly 1/2 hour lesson. Give them a choice of 1/2 hour, one hour (drop your rate to $60 to encourage this), and also give them a choice of once a week, 2 times a month, or once a month. If you do the math, with just 3 one-half-hour students a week, you can add over $400 to your monthly income.

Schedule a consistent time that is comfortable for both you and your student.

You want your student to feel completely relaxed when learning music, and you also want to be in that frame of mind yourself.  Make this weekly event enjoyable.  Smile and let them know you are glad to see them, and offer praise continually during their lesson for the small progress they make each week.

Start your lessons with an easily attainable goal.

If you have a beginning student of any age, remember that they are starting in kindergarten, and need to take baby steps.  If in your first week they learn only one chord, that is a huge step. You may be tempted to push your student a little more, especially when they are adults and show promise. It may look like they can easily accomplish everything you teach them.  Avoid moving ahead too fast.  This is where you might lose your student, if they are trying to please you by working too hard, then they later get behind, forget what they learned, and lose interest.  You want to keep them engaged, and keep reinforcing what they have already learned by building on the fundamentals you teach them early on.

Advertise in a group or area you feel comfortable with. 

For those who like to start small, tell your friends and family that you are open to giving lessons. Your church will let you post a card on the bulletin board, and that is an excellent place to start.

Schedule a Yearly Recital.

Even though the word “recital”  may strike fear in the hearts of both student and teacher, you will find this to be one of the most enjoyable times of the year for you and your students. April or May are good for recitals, because school is not yet out for the summer months. But if you try out other times of the year, they can also work.  A December Christmas party works well, because they can play Christmas carols and songs, and families can sing along. You may need to ask one of the parents with a larger home if they would consider hosting the party.  If you get parents involved, it goes really well.

 

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If you are interested in finding some books to teach from, we have some good recommendations. Email us at ao@ilj.com, and let us know specifically what you would like to teach, and that you would like to know more about books and resources to help.