Music Courses as Fundraisers
Raise money by offering something different
Music appreciation courses can make great fundraisers. You can provide community education and offer your subscribers something different with a music course on a topic of your choice. Use your mailing list to your advantage: profits can be high if costs are kept down. Courses can be tailored to your own particular topics and occasions.
“Susan is just a fantastic teacher. She has a wonderful personality that shines through and is incredibly knowledgeable about her subject. I would consider enrolling in any course that Susan is teaching.”
Sample Costings for a Short Talk
| Income | 20 people | 40 people | 60 people |
| Course fee ($65 per head)* | $1,300 | $2,600 | $3,900 |
| Expenses | |||
| Speaker ($130 per hour) | $390 | $390 | $390 |
| Catering ($10 per head) | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Lecture notes ($5 per head) | $100 | $200 | $300 |
| Total expenses | $690 | $990 | $1,290 |
| Profit | $610 | $1,610 | $2,610 |
*Based on similar 1 day courses at adult education institutions. Figures are estimates only. Costings don't include venue, equipment hire or advertising. Profits may be increased by doing your own catering and printing. All figures include GST.
Sample Costings for a One Day Course
| Income | 20 people | 40 people | 60 people |
| Course fee ($130 per head)* | $2,600 | $5,200 | $7,800 |
| Expenses | |||
| Speaker ($130 per hour) | $910 | $910 | $910 |
| Catering ($15 per head) | $300 | $600 | $900 |
| Lecture notes ($5 per head) | $100 | $200 | $300 |
| Total expenses | $1,310 | $1,710 | $2,110 |
| Profit | $1,290 | $3,490 | $5,690 |
*Based on similar 1 day courses at adult education institutions. Figures are estimates only. Costings don't include venue, equipment hire or advertising. Profits may be increased by doing your own catering and printing. All figures include GST.
Equipment Required
- Stereo speakers
- Data projector and screen
- Piano or keyboard
About Susan Deas
B.A., B.Mus., A.Mus.A, M.Mus., MMTA
Susan Deas is a professional musician, lecturer and teacher. She has been teaching music appreciation courses for more than twenty years, through Sydney University's Centre for Continuing Education, WEA Sydney and at other venues. Her training includes a Bachelor of Music with a major in Performance (Piano) and Musicology, a Master of Music Studies (Studio Pedagogy), a Bachelor of Arts (Communications), and an A.Mus.A in Musicianship. Susan teaches piano and music theory to adults and children, and plays piano and organ at various venues around Sydney. Susan is an Accredited Member of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW.