*I attribute the education and knowledge of my recruitment practices to my friend and colleague, Dr. Nina Assimakopoulos, Professor of Flute at the University of West Virginia. 

I. Information

a. Gather & Inventory

i. Learn the mission of the institution, college, and department.

ii. Study what the leading colleges and departments are doing for students.

iii. Demographics. What demographics draw people to the institution? (Local, Regional, National, International, etc.)

iv. Scholarships. What financial packages are available to prospective students?

v. Consult the department chair/director about what funding opportunities are available for recruitment, i.e., travel grants.

vi. Collaborative opportunities to recruit with other faculty? Ie. Career Day, Flute Intensive Weekend, Band Clinics.

vii. What recruitment initiatives already exist?

viii. Is there a recruitment director on campus?

b. Gather & Inventory

i. What are the needs for large ensembles (band, orchestra, marching band, choirs, etc.)?

1. What enrollment numbers are needed for the program and the flute studio?

2. What are the expectations of the studio size?

3. How many undergraduate, graduate, and non-majors are enrolled? (Education majors, Performance Majors, Additional Interest lessons)

ii. Is there a campus flute choir, repertoire or excerpts, chamber music, new music, or early music courses?

iii. How is the flute studio's relationship with the other studios?

iv. What marketing and recruitment programs are already in place in the School of Music?

v. Determine if there is specific funding allocated per studio.

vi. Determine how much support can be received to market on behalf of the department and school of music.

II. Resources (financial, team, professional, personal.)

1. Create a Team

a. Campus Teams

i. Relationship and Collaboration with the director of the department and large ensemble directors.

ii. Resources from colleagues and offices on campus.

iii. Focus: How can I help create the best program possible for the studio, department, school, college, and university?

iv. ASK: Find out what activities and goals colleagues have in the school of music. (Honor Band Clinic? Instrument Petting Zoo? Campus Visiting Day? Outreach  Etc.)

v. Contact Lists: Email, Social Media, etc.

vi. What recruitment strategies have and have not been successful? 

vii. Become a sponge for knowledge and advice. Learning is an ACTION!

viii. Campus mentors and career center offices are a resource.

ix. Contact the person who has held the position prior and ask for advice. Build a professional relationship.

b. Professional Teams

i. Build relationships across multiple disciplines.

ii. Work with colleagues to promote the program through recruitment, marketing, and social media. Working together provides students with more opportunities for success!

iii. Consult the Alumni Office for resources and connections.

c. Student Resource Teams

i. Find reliable student ambassadors. Student testimonials are worth their weight in gold.

ii. * Determine how much personal finances and time are needed for recruitment to be successful.

III. Strategies 

a. Networking

i. Establish trusted professionals within and outside of the school of music. Build a rapport so that YOU are a resource for them, as much as THEY are a resource for you, and most importantly, how the collective resources are best for the STUDENTS.

b. Participation and Skill Building

i. Participate in conferences, seminars, webinars, organizations, and other professional development and research endeavors. (National Flute Association, Texas Music Educator's Association, New York Flute Club, Chicago Flute Club, Texas Flute Society, Midwest Conference, etc.

1. Utilize the resources for these organizations, such as contact lists and upcoming events that need participants.

2. Offer your services, including collaborative endeavors. Invite teachers to be a guest at your institution. 

3. Skill-building goes hand in hand with recruitment and curriculum vitae building.

c. Marketing & Outreach

1. Create a Recruitment Packet showcasing student testimonials, retention, and post-graduate job placement.

2. Hard copies and digital copies are best for recruitment. Prospective students must be able to easily find all of the information and contact information for any questions or concerns they may have.

3. Consider an email address that is directly related to recruitment.

4. BE METICULOUSLY ORGANIZED.

5. Make students and parents feel seen, valued, and essential for the program.

6. Have Q&A Sessions on behalf of the school of music.

IV. Additional Steps

1. Keep personal website Up to date.

2. Focus on the mission and vision of the university, college, school and department, and students.

3. Focus on building the best flute program possible!