Nothing can build your reputation as a music teacher faster than having a student say that you’re a great teacher. Using testimonials in your website, on your fliers and in all of your marketing materials is a good way to show how professional and trustworthy you are. But how do you get them in writing?

Save thank you notes and emails

When you receive thank you notes and emails, save them and ask the person who sent it if you may use it as a testimonial for advertising.

Using feedback questionnaires

Soliciting words of praise can be awkward, especially if your students want to give you a mixed review. Instead of asking for a big thank you note, ask your students and their parents to fill out a feedback questionnaire at the end of a ten-week cycle. Give students opportunities to grade you as a teacher, let you know what’s their favorite and least favorite part of lessons, and provide space for criticism as well as praise. You can learn a lot from using this form, solve problems that may arise between you and your student and also get some specific quotes that show your best qualities as a teacher.  

Bring a video camera to recitals

Videotape the recital, and afterwards interview the students about their performance and their experience preparing for it. No matter what they say their excitement and enthusiasm will shine through.  Put the video on your website so people can check out your “success stories.”

Publicize your students’ accomplishments

You may have advanced degrees in music and have won national awards, but as a teacher it’s more important to show what your students have accomplished. Create a page on your website where you post a news blurb every time one of your students wins a competition, plays a solo in public, earns a scholarship, or makes it into all-state. Over time, these stories will add up, your students will be motivated to do something to get onto the page, and it will make a strong statement to anyone who looks at your site.