Creating your Mission Statement (pedagogical philosophy) [Here’s mine.]
- Who do you teach? Age, ability levels
- What’s your style? Strict, laid back, nurturing environment, college prep…
- Goals for your students
- Teaching methods: special certifications, techniques, genres…
Creating a Calendar (what will you offer, and when?)
- How many per term
- How many terms
- Group Classes
Studio Policies (essentials for your syllabus/contract) [Here’s mine.]
- Make-up / no-show policy
- Required supplies (music, instrument in working order, etc.)
- Recommended places to obtain said supplies
- How do you define preparation, and what do you do when a student hasn’t done it?
- Required performances
Developing Something Special / Distinguishing Yourself
- What do other area teachers offer? What’s missing that you could offer?
- What are your particular interests and specialties? How could you incorporate them?
- Create a “complete curriculum” based on your mission statement.
- Emphasize your special certifications
- Offer a finite set of coachings for specific purposes (All-State preparation, chamber music coaching…)
- Ensembles/group classes
- Community outreach
- Guest artist series with local friends/colleagues
- Branding: logo, comprehensive website with areas for use by current students, social media presence…
- Help students stay motivated
- Scheduling musical activities/challenges
- Creating a sense of community: parties, small ensembles…
- How does your mission statement reflect this?
- Parental involvement
- What level of involvement do you prefer?
- Presence (or not) in lessons
- Help with recitals and other activities
- Producing results that they can see and appreciate (this can also be stated clearly in your mission statement)