[Open4Business]

My company is about to start offering group music classes to students of public schools. The basic game plan is : once per week a class of up to 30 children is taught. The class is held in their own school in one of the classrooms after school.

I have clearance from the school board and school principals... But-

I need to market to only the parents of the students. At this point, I can't advertise to the general public.

So far, I'm thinking of using a few 18x24 corrugated signs around the school. They would say something like "guitar lessons here at school -ask your teacher" or "guitar lessons here at school -sign up at (website)".

Also maybe flyers handed out to students from their teachers.

Possibly advertise in the school news letter.

I MAY be able/allowed to do the following:
1.)Get a list of phone numbers and/or email addresses for parents whose children attend the particular school.
2.) ask the principals to help us by placing info on the school's marquee board.

I would deeply appreciate any help, advice, ideas, or comments.

[DECO Multimedia]

I think you already have good ideas. Giving flyers to the teacher to pass out would definitely help and putting an ad or article in the school newsletters is a great idea. Give it a try.

[inle]

I am into marketing in some of my own projects & am currently helping start-ups & new biz in marketing..

I will be very keen to help out..

From what u had described, I assumed u will like 2 push forward an "AWARNESS" campaign..
Since u r targeting the parents & schools, will it b good to know more about the parents & schools & maybe the students' activities & preferences?
Knowing ur prospects & customers will give you a very good feel to kick start..

After that, you mite need to be aware of your company's identity, soul, positioning, strengths, weakness & resources 2 determine, design & execute your "AWARNESS" campaign..
This will align your company to the marketing actions subsequently..

if you will like a more detailed discussion, feel free to pm me ya..

[fthom]

Posters, newsletter message / ad, flyers, advert in local newspaper targeted at parents etc. mail-outs or post outs to parents if you could get a list of addresses?

You could always launch with some campaign to draw pupils in by perhaps starting it off with a free lesson? then that would hopefully get the kids excited about continuing - they'd bug their parent for the money and they'd pay out!

[LSnyder]

As a parent, I can tell you that it is illegal for the school to supply you with personal information from the families without their permission. At the beginning of each school year, forms are sent home to families asking permission to list the address and phone numbers in the PTO booklet. If you are able to pay the small fee to become a member of the PTO, you will have access to the names of the families that participate.
Otherwise, my suggestion would be to send notices home with the students.
Another option you may have is word of mouth from the teacher. Most schools interact with the parents online and teachers post newsletters online. You might ask the teachers to give you a boost.
Most schools offer summer camp. Now is an opportunity to send notices home, too.

Good luck.