We'll start small with a couple of additions that can happen just with your studio.
Recitals
Most teachers offer recitals. Where we differ is the number or structure of those recitals. How many recitals do you offer each year? Are recitals open to anyone who wants to attend, or do you make them for just the students? Do you charge for your recitals? Admission? Accompanist fees? How formal are your recitals? In reality, a recital could be all your students in their nicest clothing, performing memorized in a rented concert hall, for anyone will to pay the admission price, with catered refreshments, of course. Or, a recital could be a pajama party in your studio where only students attend and they munch on their favorite breakfast cereals as they sit on the floor and listen to each other sing.
Studio Classes
I tend to think of recitals being performance oriented and studio classes being learning oriented. Often my students perform at studio class, but we then give some feedback on what we saw and heard. Sometimes it will be similar to a master class where I work with the students in front of the group. Other times, I don't have enough students that want to sing or are sufficiently prepared to sing, so I present mini-workshops.
Masterclasses
At our school, I prepare the students, but the planning and organization for the day, and any associated fees are taken care of my the choir department. I also know many teachers that hire clinicians to do masterclasses for just their studio. I've also seen teachers offer joint masterclasses for their students.
Solo and Ensemble Contest
Contests are great ways to feedback from someone besides the student's regular teachers. Many schools offer Solo and Ensemble Contest through their choir departments. Ask your students if they plan to be involved. Ask the local choir teachers if they offer this and if you can select the music and prepare your students for it.
National Association of Teachers of Singing
MN-NATS sponsors students adjudications every fall. Many other states have similar programs. The MN program is for students 14 years old through adult avocational, and is strictly classical repertoire.
Hal Leonard Vocal Competition
Click here for the rules for 2014. One of the reasons I started offering this option to my students is that it has a 12 and under category, so my youngest students get opportunities. Since the 2nd year, they have also offered a musical theatre category, which again interests more students than I might get for NATS which is strictly classical.
National Federation of Music Clubs
I grew up with NFMC and participated in many local festivals in the voice, organ, and piano categories. In the local association festivals, students can sing in either musical theatre or classical categories. They do have options for young children, and I just found out that my local association also offers adults the opportunity to sing for festival. I am not currently a member because I'm spread too thin right now, but I would love to get back to this at some point in the future.
Music Teachers National Association
Our state division of MTNA, Minnesota Music Teachers Association, offers wonderful educational programs. In my studio, I am currently offering MMTA Theory Exams, Voice Exams, Voice Contest, and Young Artist Contest. I have not yet added the MTNA competitions, but I'm interested in learning more.
Royal Conservatory Music Development Program
This is another program that I am very interested in, but simply don't have the time to commit to at this point. Exams cover vocal skills, theory, and performance. Another benefit of this, as pointed out by a parent who wants me to add this for her child, is that the standards and testing are global. A student that could pass the test here, would also be able to pass the test in any part of the world where the program is offered.
Music Camps
I have wonderful memories of the music camps I attended and the people I met there. Many colleges and universities offer camps for middle school and/or high school students. Check with local music and theatre organizations to see what they offer.
What do you offer your students outside of regular lesson time? How have you selected the options that work best for your studio?
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