Marketing

I think the best way to market is to network. Find out who the piano teachers are, and if they have a waiting list, ask for referrals. I now have 6 students! Some came from flyers, friends, craigslist, and the referrals I was talking about.
It's interesting to be in a new phase. I now have 4 adult students and 2 children. I love teaching each age group. They are very different and rewarding in their own ways. If you want to target a group, you can specify it on flyers.
How do you market?

Advertising

The first thing I did was tell everyone that I teach piano. I told my church, school associates, neighbors, etc. Then, I have been posting flyers anywhere there are community bulletins (the library, the arts building, rec center, and at a group get together.) I also put an ad in the paper, but no calls from that. I posted an ad on craigslist and got a call from that avenue. In looking for a flyer, I found a great resource with a readymade template to use. This blog is called "Color in my piano" and she has great templates for a variety of different forms a piano teacher could use. I know I will be visiting this one more often!
In the past, I know the best way to advertise for students is word of mouth...the hard part in moving to somewhere new is getting that first student. From that point on, it seems to take on a life of it's own. As long as you love what you do, success will come to you! Students feel that you care and you are good at teaching them, their parents will see that and refer you to other people looking!
Has anyone tried different ways to advertise that brought them great success?