How Music Teachers Can Effectively Use Social Media
Whether you’re a fan of social media or not, there is no question about it – it’s having a very large effect not just on people’s personal lives but professional lives as well. Companies big and small are coming to realize just how effective social media can be at furthering their various causes, no matter how unique their cause may be.
A great example is today’s music teacher. Likely, you don’t picture a music teacher as being some kind of social media guru who has learned the ins’ and outs’ of the networks and how to further their cause through them, but that is exactly what is happening. Music teachers are becoming increasingly aware of just how they can effectively use social media channels to their benefit.
New Graduates Should Be Ready to Embrace Social Media
For those who are recent grads of the online master of music in music education, or are currently enrolled in the online MMME degree, it’s important not to just take in what your course had to offer but also educate yourself on the importance of social media. Embracing social media may just give you that competitive edge you’ll need to land your dream job. It can also help you to be a more effective teacher.
Take Advantage of What’s Out There
Today’s music teachers are encouraged to set up a Facebook page, a Twitter account, an Instagram account, and even a Tumblr blog specifically for your music studio. It’s all about taking advantage of the tools and resources out there. It doesn’t matter if you’re opening a brand new studio or your studio has been around for years; there is no time like the present to start using social media.
When you think of businesses and services using social media, it’s common to assume it’s for marketing and advertising purposes. This isn’t wrong, but it’s also not the only reason you want to be using it. Social media gives teachers a convenient way to communicate with students, providing a value-added service in the student’s eyes.
You may want to send out team notes, lesson reminders, grades, music clips, share a lesson with a group, and so much more. On the flip side, students can also upload their own achievements to your social media pages, which can end up being great advertising for your services.
Look at it from an Educator’s Standpoint
You may find it helpful to be creating separate social media accounts that are for you, as a teacher. This means you’re not going to be chatting and engaging with friends and family; rather, it is all meant to be professional. You can join music groups, follow those who are making a mark in the industry, and really start to create a brand for yourself. Networking can actually help to build your brand and lend credibility to you, which is what you need in order to grow your business.
As social media networks continue to evolve and grow, it’s important you stay on top of these changes and constantly look for ways to integrate them into your daily efforts.
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