Luckily, the legwork is different now and we can advertise ourselves from home, no longer having to place a newspaper ad or hang flyers. Of course I would do these things if you have time and/or money to do them because it will increase your potential student base to those who are not as technologically savvy. But I’ve found that a little presence online does go a long way.
This is my first post because this information is one of the first things that I will share with a colleague or singer-friend who is looking to find students in addition to the other posts on sites to advertise on. If you have tried these online outlets, please do comment!
National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS): If you meet their criteria and become a member (~$100), you can put your profile in their “Find A Teacher” database where prospective students can search for you by city and state. Your profile can contain your direct contact information, your studio description, and the styles you teach. A search for “find a voice teacher” on Google pulls NATS up as the second listing, but if I add my city, it’s not even on the first two pages.
Vocalist.org: What a friendly soul organizes this website! International, but based in the U.K., this online resource for singers and prospective students has a pretty good search rating for its database of singing teachers. You can ask the webmaster to list you free of charge and there is the option to offer a donation for his good will. From the site:
“This completely optional facility to donate a little towards the work to keep these listings free was added on 29 July 2008. Total value of all donations received as at 24 July 2010 = £75. Total listing requests emails received as at 24 July 2010 = 3914. Many thanks to the 13 people who kindly made a donation.”
After he changed my address (twice!) I decided to donate a few dollars. I know I’ve taught students who found me through this website.
Thanks for the tips, Ashley! I have used NATS in the past and had forgotten about it. I hope your own studio is doing great- you are such a wonderful singer!