ABSTRACT
Recruiting has become embedded in American culture. Professional recruiters may work for business and higher education as “headhunters,” be assigned to the recruiting command of the military, or visit high schools to recruit college students. The instrumental music teacher has available a rich array of resources provided by music advocacy organizations, state arts councils, and community partners interested in furthering the arts, and one can say that selling the instrumental music program also involves selling music and its importance to society. Successful recruiting begins well before the time when students need to decide to participate in instrumental music. The idea is to involve all parties with an interest in education in promoting the program. Testing a student for his or her musical aptitude is an important part of recruiting even if you accept all applicants. Retail music dealers will eagerly participate in the demonstration event by providing information on lending instruments, setting up an instrument display, and even providing refreshments.
