Retail Selling Ideas

September is National Piano Month. The Music Teachers National Association reports that the fastest-growing group of new piano students are adults ages 25–75+. Adults shouldn’t be the only ones to take up lessons; students should, too. Research of piano students showed improvement in hand-eye coordination, test scores and the understanding of math and science.

Ad/Promotion Ideas:
• Create a special section about piano playing for youth/adults and designate a spot for piano/musical information.

• The International Foundation for Music Research found that students who participated in instrumental music scored higher on standardized tests than non-musical students. Look for businesses that offer instrument rental or sales, and work with them to develop an ad series stressing the benefit of music in regards to test scores throughout September, back-to-school season, which also means back-to-band.

• Find out if any local museums or historical societies have piano-related exhibits. If so, work with them in developing an ad series throughout the month. Perhaps each ad could feature a different photo of a piano in their collection.

• Design a directory of local piano teachers. Include tips on finding the right teacher for each student. In order for teachers to be included in the directory, they must pay a small advertising fee. Tie this idea to your Web site by putting the directory online with links to teachers’ Web sites or e-mail addresses.

Businesses to Contact:
• Entertainment clubs, piano bars
• Musical instrument sales/rental/service stores
• Recital venues, theatres
• Printers (for printing recital programs)
• Tuxedo stores (to wear at recital)
• Universities, community colleges, music teachers
• Local bands
• Record/music stores
• Museums, historical societies

To find piano resources in the AdBuilder.com Retail Realm quickly, use the keyword music in your search. If you’re already logged onto AdBuilder.com, click here to view the results.

Tell us about it! Have you tried this approach before? Did it work? Why or why not? Post your stories as a comment, and let’s work together to increase your ad sales.