Harp Teachers Seeking New Students

[patricia-jaeger]

Because states are all trying to cut costs since they are not getting as much federal funds these days, many public elementary schools are not getting the right supplies, teachers, educational bus trips they used to have. So the PTAs got busy, and they have been holding auctions with donated items from parents, teachers, and all the merchants they could persuade. If we teach music lessons, it is to our advantage to have students of elementary age, to develop good habits with our instrument before later when there is more homework and sports etc. taking up their time. Also before puberty, when the body changes and finger muscles become less flexible.

I made up a sheet with a “ticket ” on it that could be auctionned off at such events (for four free lessons of 3/4 hours each,
on violin, viola, harp, or beginning piano, all of which I teach.) The page included a small (smiling) picture of me, and a short bio. I drove to several nearby elem. schools and left it with the school secretaries in the offices. Two schools and also my church have had these auctions already; some are scheduled for the fall, but all the school secretaries welcomed my “donation”. Now the adult male at my church who bought the lessons for violin is about to start lessons this week. Even though I told him honestly his hands would be really too large and cello would be better, he really wants violin–his dream for many years. My other news is a very nice thank-you letter from Wedgwood Elementary, nearby, saying they had their auction, with successfully raising over their goal of $45,000. (Imagine what teachers, parents, and children must have done to make that happen!!) and also a color picture of Wedgwood children holding a big THANK YOU sign! Also John Rogers Elementary sent a letter of thanks, saying they raised $78,000. in their auction!!! This summer or fall, I believe I’ll be called by those winners of my offer. I would really welcome more young students; I love teaching them, as I have no grandchildren.

[carl-swanson]

Patricia- What wonderful ideas. First, the idea of the auction to raise necessary funds for the school. I had never heard of that. But secondly, the idea of a package of lessons to be auctioned off. It may not only provide you or any teacher who does this with students who otherwise would not have started lessons at all, but it puts your name and profession right up in front of the people most likely to be interested in lessons. I would think that a teacher who did this a couple of years in a row would increase their name recognition in the community enormously. Great Work!

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