Any advice on starting a pre school music class?

Question

I am thinking about starting up a pre school music class locally. Nothing too serious - just to make music available and fun for them. Has anyone ever started from scratch or already involved with this kind of class? Are there any legal implications as obvioulsy parents will be present so constant 1 to 1 supervision will be done. Would I have to be registered as a business as I would have to charge to cover certain costs? There is probably far more into it than I have ever thought and I would be very gratedful for all (sensible!) advice - either from experience or just your own ideas.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I think this in a great idea. I work for a local authority nursery and we are always looking for people to come in and do workshops, for staff and children. We are always willing to pay and the authority are always on the lookout. It's another line of business for you contacting local authorities to do in service training days and hands on with the children. You definitely need a disclosure to work with children one disclosure for each authority.

Good luck.

Answer 2

do something fun little kids like t have fun they don't want to learn

Answer 3

Check out http://www.musikgarten.org This is a music curriculum for ages birth through 9 years. It is a great program, and you can purchase the materials without taking the training. However, the training (which I haven't don't yet) does also include some business practices.

Also, check out your local MTNA http://www.mtna.org/home.htm (that is, if you're in the states). Your local branch can give you some ideas about local laws/by-laws etc.

Here's a website with resources for teaching early childhood music http://www.giamusic.com/music_education/... I have some of these books and they're great!

I teach piano privately and in small groups in my home. Currently, I haven't purchased a business lisence for my studio, and I've been doing this for 17 years. Check with your local city hall, but also talk to some of the other music teachers in your area to find out what the norm is. I know that certain areas are more strict than others when it comes to this.

As far as what to charge for classes, try calling places like Gymboree etc to get a feel for the going rate. It ranges, depending on where you live, what you're offering. The range can be from $8/class to $15/class. Most of these types of classes are taught in a 10-15 week "session" with the average being 12 weeks. Parents usually pay for a set of lessons. For example, for a 12 week set of lessons at $10/class, you'd charge the parents $120.

And get that money up front! Make a lesson contract/agreement that outlines your policies about missed lessons etc and have the parents sign/read it before starting.

Good luck! This is a great idea :D

Answer 4

Maybe try contacting your local community complex/ centre, YMCA kind of thing to see if you could offer it at their centre.

Answer 5

well I taught young kids but at a school. the most important thing is for them to have fun...even if it does hurt your ears at sometimes. as for the legal issues, there is no need to register as a business but there are however many laws regarding the teaching of young kids and you would be best to call up your local councillor who would be fully able to help you...i know this as my brother works as a councillor. your councillor should be able to find out all the necessary details for you. i hope everything goes well with your music class...good luck

     much love Katrina