A Musical Moments Open House

A Musical Moments Open House

Once you have gathered names of potential students, holding an Open House is a fun and effective way to register students for new classes.

Talking Points: Recruiting Prospective Students for an Open House

It is important that you are prepared to answer questions and objections as you speak with people about your program. The perception that playing the piano is only for the talented has robbed many people of the joy found in making music. The following talking points will help you begin to change this perception in the minds of adults you speak with about lessons. The RMM philosophy supports the belief that playing the piano should be available to everyone, at any age, at any level.

Ask questions that demonstrate your interest in their goals

Have you ever wished you could play the piano?
Did you take any music lessons when you were a child?
If so, can you read music?
Do you play by ear?
What is your favorite style of music?
May I tell you about a new Adult Piano Program we are offering?
What instrument do you have at home?

Musical Moments: Tell them a little about what it is and a lot about what it will do for them

Specifically written for the adult hobbyist.
Students will learn to play by chords.
Students will learn to read music.
Students will be surprised by how much they learn at the first class.
An enjoyable, stress-free learning environment is important.
The music provided in Musical Moments consists of familiar tunes and original compositions.
No recitals only Celebrations.

[ Download Customizable PDF ]

The Open House: an opportunity to learn more about the program, hear the music they will learn, meet the teacher and register for a class

The adult piano student is the fastest growing piano student in our country today.
Come and join other adults in our area that are eager to learn to play the piano in a fun and stress-free way.
During the Open House, you will have the opportunity to see how the classes are conducted.
During the demonstration, you will hear samples of the music you will play.
Date, time and place of Open House
For those people unable to attend, ask if they would like to remain on the list for classes that will start at a later date.

Preparation for the Open House: expect to register everyone who attends

Set-up a mock classroom with at least 6 students and 1 teacher piano at the front of the room. If possible, set up the student pianos at an angle where the audience cannot see the students’ hands. This will help the volunteer students feel more comfortable during the demonstration. (see p.11 of the Teacher’s Manual Book One)
Chairs set-up in auditorium style.
Have music playing as prospective students arrive.
Provide a sign-in sheet at the door for the door prize drawing.
Door prizes will be given away at the mid-point of the Open House.

The door prizes could be music, dinner, flowers, etc.

Set-up registration desks around the room as needed to sign-up students at the end of the Open House.
Display the materials they will use in class. Students will purchase their books when they register. They may purchase other books if made available. Adult students love to buy music.

The Open House: setting the stage for success

Welcome and introductions

Introduce everyone who represents your program. In a retail setting, this is the first step in bridging the gap that often exists between the sales staff and teachers. Everything is about creating relationships and trust. Do all you can to make everyone feel comfortable and at home.

What is Recreational Music Making

Adults often have negative memories of piano lessons from when they were children. The information about the RMM philosophy, found in the front of the Teacher’s Manual, will help them realize the differences in this program. This doesn’t need to be a lengthy discussion. But, it is important that it is addressed. This information will set the stage for the remainder of the evening.

Ask for volunteers for the class demonstration

Assure the volunteers that you have created a demonstration that guarantees success. They need to know that they will not be embarrassed if they volunteer. Creating a positive musical experience during this demonstration will build the courage needed for everyone to register. Be prepared to laugh and enjoy the demonstration.

Create a short musical experience

Begin with a Wellness Exercise. Invite everyone attending to participate. Next, invite the volunteer students to the teacher piano. Lead the students through numbers 4-7 on p. 18-19 of the Teacher’s Manual Book One. The students will learn Sun-Up and Lavender. End the demonstration with the Black Key Improvisation found in Musical Moments Book Two. Assign a different voice for each of the six pianos. The first time through, invite students to experiment with the black keys using their instrument voice. The second time through, instruct the students to go around the room playing in Relay Style. This Black Key Improvisation creates a great experience and a wonderful way to end the demonstration.

Highlight the music they will learn

After you applaud and dismiss the volunteers, talk through some of the lead-line music they will learn. Adults are very interested in learning to play by chords. Learning to both read music and play by chords is one of the highlights of this program. If possible, have enough copies of Musical Moments for everyone attending to follow along with the demonstration.

Talk about the instruments they will play

If your program is in a music store, take this opportunity to talk about the instruments. Although it is not necessary for a student to have a piano to start, once they find out they really can play, they will be in the market for a piano. If you have a rental plan, provide information for the students.

Have the drawing for the door prize and provide refreshments

Register the students

Have tables set up and ready to register students. A class schedule should already be determined to allow students to select their class, pay tuition and purchase materials.

[ Download Possibility Sheet PDF ]