Saving Money on Sheet Music

Let's face it, you don't teach music because of the money.  Teaching music in a private studio is considered one of the lowest paying jobs in the US.  So I know you don't do it for the cushy million dollar retirement package.  You do it because you love the light in your student's eyes as they realize for the first, or millionth, time what beautiful music they can create.  But money ain't bad.

As a teacher I know you have faced that moment.  You are standing in the music store or staring at the computer screen and you know Little Johnny would love to play Billy Bob's Draggin' Dragon Boogie, but it is just so expensive to buy all the music you want to teach.  So to help out here are my suggestions for making your sheet music budget go further.

How to Save Money on Sheet Music 101

1.  Make a list of all the music you intend to use for at least the next year.
           I know this sounds ominous.  But take courage, you can do it.  Think about what lesson books you always use with brand new students.  Add those to the list in triplicate.  What are the next method books for your current students?  Add those to the list.  Especially if you intend to grow your studio soon, think about which repertoire books you most frequently use.  They go on the list.  Are there any competition, or performance specific books you will need?  Toss them onto the list.  Finally add Billy Bob's Draggin' Dragon Boogie, or anything else you think you will need for fun summer music, duets, or have had your eye on for some time.

2. Take special note of which publishers print the books on your list.

3. Now watch and wait.
         This is the hardest part.  We are going to wait for the sales.  Publishers will often give out large discounts on certain months.  By waiting and then buying in bulk you can save alot of money on shipping and take advantage of discounts.

Places to Watch:
Hutchins and Rea:  H&R always have at least one publisher deeply discounted per month.  Free Shipping on orders over $100.00

Sheetmusicplus.com : In addition to having occasional blowout sales, Smplus.com has buy 2 get 8 percent off all sheet music.  Shipping is budget rate: $3.99.

Your Local Store: Don't forget your local store!  They sometimes will surprise you by running specials in addition to normal teacher discounts.

4. Stop before you Submit Order.
         Sometimes online stores, like Sheetmusicplus.com, will also allow coupon codes.  My favorite place for coupons is Retailmenot.com.  They have codes for everywhere.

Happy Shopping! 

So what do you do to save money in your studio?
Photos Courtesy of: Ayla87 and 7rains