10 Must-Know Tips for Starting Your New Music Studio Business and Succeeding

Starting a new business in music teaching? Let’s get you started right from the start with this Check list!

1) HAVE A STUDIO POLICY! This sets the expectations on who you are as a teacher and what you expect from your students. Must include: how often you teach, tuition rate, the due date for payments, Missed lessons, and make up lesson rules AT A MINIMUM. Not sure how to get started with writing a studio policy, you can get my ironclad and customizable template here: STUDIO POLICY TEMPLATE COURSE

2) Have a set location or plan in where you are going to be teaching. Will you do it in your house, rent a space, travel from house to house? Have that in place before you start advertising.

3) Advertise. This is obvious, but advertise on Facebook in the local community chats, anytime someone posts about a music teacher be the one to respond and send a message. Post on your regular feed, and on Instagram. Get loud at local events, and always carry business cards with you. Post at local coffee shops or other places with community boards.

4) Learn the rules of your county and state for having a local small business and obtain whatever you need to obtain to reduce fees later on or risk being shut down later.

5) Decide how many students you can teach and your teaching schedule

6) Decide what levels you’re going to teach (beginning, elementary, intermediate, advanced)

7) Decide what method books you’re going to use and get familiar and comfortable with the flow and various songs.

8) Start thinking about where and how you can host a recital so that you have time to plan in advance.

9) Create fun and exciting activities for the students to keep them excited and engaged so they practice at home and want to keep coming back week after week.

10) DON’T forget that you are running a business. You set the hours, days, and tuition. Don’t feel pressured into making changes from your plans to accommodate someone else.

Keep checking the site for more tips on how to start your music studio, keep it running, and building a successful and Thriving music studio!

Happy Teaching!

Talking Points When Talking With Prospective Families

Rock Your Communication Skills: How to better communicate to prospective families why they should consider private lessons with you as their teacher

As a private music teacher, you do have to “sell yourself” to prospective student families. Bottom line this is a serviceable business and you have to show you are capable and ready to work with others that are hiring you. Because in the end, you work for the parent to teach their child how to learn an instrument. I found it was super handy to have generalized phrases in my back pocket for when they came up on the phone or over text. Mainly why private lessons are vital. Especially when a parent is new to the private teaching realm and want to have their kid’s musical education stepped up more than what learning in the school can provide. Below you will find specific talking points I have come accros over the past 25 years when interviewing / being interviewed by prospect parents.

What are Private Music Lessons and How is it Different Than Group Lessons

Private music lessons are one-on-one lessons with a professional musician or music teacher. These lessons can be taken in person or online, and are tailored to the individual needs and goals of the student. Private music lessons are available for a wide range of instruments, including guitar, piano, violin, drums, and more.

One of the biggest advantages of private music lessons is the personalized attention and instruction you receive. Unlike group lessons, private lessons allow the teacher to focus solely on the individual student, providing feedback and guidance specific to their playing and skill level. Private lessons also offer flexibility in scheduling, allowing students to find a time that works best for them.

Benefits of Private Music Lessons

There are numerous benefits to taking private music lessons, including:

1. Personalized Instruction

As mentioned earlier, private music lessons offer personalized instruction tailored to the individual student's needs and goals. This allows the student to progress at their own pace and receive feedback specific to their playing.

2. Improved Playing Technique

Private music lessons can help improve your playing technique, allowing you to play more efficiently and with greater ease. A skilled music teacher can identify areas where you may be struggling and provide exercises and techniques to help you overcome those challenges.

3. Increased Motivation

Private music lessons can also increase motivation to practice and improve. Knowing that you have a lesson coming up can provide the incentive needed to practice regularly and make progress towards your goals.

4. Accountability

Private music lessons also provide accountability. A music teacher can track your progress and hold you accountable for practicing and working towards your goals.

How Private Music Lessons can Improve Your Practicing

Private music lessons can help improve your practicing in several ways. First, a music teacher can provide guidance on how to practice effectively, ensuring that you are using your time efficiently and focusing on areas that need improvement. Second, a music teacher can provide feedback on your practicing, helping you identify areas where you may need to adjust your approach. Finally, by setting goals and creating incentives for practicing, a music teacher can help you stay motivated and on track towards achieving your goals.

Finding the Right Private Music Teacher

Finding the right private music teacher is key to getting the most out of your lessons. When searching for a music teacher, consider their qualifications and experience, as well as their teaching style and personality. It's important to find a teacher who is knowledgeable and skilled in the instrument you want to learn, but also someone who you feel comfortable working with.

What to Expect During a Private Music Lesson

During a private music lesson, you can expect to receive personalized instruction and feedback specific to your playing. Your music teacher may provide exercises and techniques to help improve your playing, as well as assign pieces to work on between lessons. It's important to come prepared with any questions or areas you want to focus on during the lesson.

Setting Goals and Creating Incentives for Practicing

Setting goals and creating incentives for practicing can help you stay motivated and on track towards achieving your musical goals. Your music teacher can help you set realistic goals and provide guidance on how to achieve them. Incentives can be as simple as rewarding yourself with a favorite treat after a successful practice session or setting up a practice challenge with friends.

Specific Benefits of Private Piano Lessons

Private piano lessons offer unique benefits, including:

1. Improved Hand Coordination

Playing piano requires a high level of hand coordination, and private piano lessons can help improve this skill. A skilled piano teacher can provide exercises and techniques to help develop hand coordination and dexterity.

2. Music Theory Instruction

Private piano lessons also offer music theory instruction, which is essential for understanding the structure and composition of music. This knowledge can help improve your overall playing and musicianship.

3. Opportunities for Performance

Private piano lessons often include opportunities for performance, such as recitals or competitions. These opportunities can help build confidence and provide motivation to practice and improve.

Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Private Music Lessons

To get the most out of your private music lessons, consider the following tips:

1. Come Prepared

Come to your lesson prepared with any questions, areas of focus, or pieces you want to work on. This will ensure that you use your lesson time efficiently and effectively.

2. Practice Regularly

Practice regularly between lessons to ensure that you make progress towards your goals. Your music teacher can provide guidance on how to practice effectively and efficiently.

3. Be Open to Feedback

Be open to feedback and willing to make adjustments to your playing. A music teacher can provide valuable feedback that can help you improve and reach your goals.

Alternatives to Private Music Lessons

If private music lessons aren't an option for you, there are alternatives that can still help you improve your playing. Online resources, such as instructional videos and online courses, can provide guidance and instruction. Group lessons can also be a more affordable option, offering personalized attention in a small group setting.

Why Private Music Lessons are Worth the Investment

Private music lessons offer numerous benefits that can help take your playing to the next level. From personalized instruction to increased motivation and accountability, private music lessons can help you achieve your musical goals. By finding the right music teacher, setting goals, and practicing regularly, you can make the most out of your private music lessons and rock your skills as a musician.

Want to learn more about how to start a successful and thriving private music studio? Successful Private Music Studio Strategies 12 Week Online course is coming soon. Get everything you need to start, build and run a successful and thriving music studio. Click here and subscribe HERE to be the first to know when this course officially launches!

Happy Teaching!

7 Strategies for Building a Music Studio Business Model That Crushes the Competition

Do you dream of owning a successful music studio business that stands out from the competition? The music industry can be tough to navigate, but with the right strategies, you can create a business model that crushes your competitors and attracts loyal clients. In this article, we've gathered seven proven strategies for building a music studio business model that is both profitable and sustainable. From effective marketing techniques to innovative strategies, we'll show you how to differentiate your business from the rest and create a brand that resonates with your target audience. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to take your existing music studio to the next level, read on to discover how to build a business model that sets you apart from the crowd.

1. Start with what instruments you can teach. I’m a horn player but also accomplished at piano. So I offer lessons for both piano and horn. And since horn is more of a speciality instrument, my studio is filled with mostly piano, although it is starting to become more even. Let’s say you play violin, you could potentially also teach viola, cello or bass, and possibly guitar. Vocalists, just because you are a tenor doesn’t mean you can’t teach other ranges. Think of this as a way to open up how many more students you can teach, meaning you are that much closer to having a full studio.

2. Determine the teaching level you are comfortable with. You don’t have to be an advanced player at any instrument to teach beginning level lessons. My beginning teacher only taught through intermediate lessons. I switched teachers when I became too advanced. You do have to have specific skill sets, like being able to read the notes, rhythm, counting and such, you can read more here how teaching helps to increase your own musicianship, and as long as you are proficient at the basics you can teach beginning levels.

3. Decide what age groups you intend to teach. You don’t have to teach just young kids, you can teach any age you want from the youngest to the oldest. I personally don’t start students younger than 6, and generally I suggest boy around 7 but it’s based on the maturity level of the child. A good rule of thumb I like to use too, is if the child can read and write their ABC’s.

4. Decide how you are going to market yourself. Are you an after school only teacher or can you teach during the day. This will determine where you will post openings in your studio. If you are able to teach during the day, homeschool students are going to be where you want to focus your attention. They often do their activities during their school day. Or do you only want to teach in the afternoons, maybe because you have another job during the day?

5. What is your goal for each of your students to obtain? Are you wanting to teach future solo performers, church piano players, introduction to music/beginning skill sets to set them up for another instrument later on, hobby player? Have a firm idea on the type of students you want to attract.

6. Determine if you are going to teach in one place (renting a space, in your home) or if you are going to be traveling to the students. This will determine the geographical area in which you will teach. Good rule of thumb, keep it within a specific radius of your house so you aren’t spending all your time driving here and there.

7. What do you intend to get out of teaching private music lessons? And this is important because like any job there are going to be days you don’t really want to teach (yes it happens) and you will have to remind yourself why you are doing this. “ I get to teach today because ___________ (fill in the answer). When you turn the attention into, “I get to work with” instead of “I have to teach” and turn it into a service act makes all the difference on those days where you might be struggling trying to balance teaching with everything else you have going on in your life!

Need more help in getting started with your music studio? Our 12 week Successful Music Studio Strategies online course is here to make every step easy and give you the tools for success. Click here to learn more!

Happy Teaching!

5 Marketing Strategies to Help Your Music Teaching Business Stand Out

Are you struggling to attract new students to your music teaching business? Don't worry, there are plenty of marketing strategies you can use to make your business more visible and appealing to potential students. In this article, we'll be discussing 5 effective marketing strategies that can help your music teaching business shine. From creating a strong online presence to offering unique incentives, we'll cover everything you need to know to make your business stand out from the competition. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to revamp your marketing efforts, read on to discover the top strategies for attracting new students and boosting your music teaching business.

1) Utilize Social Media (Instagram or Facebook)

This is the number 1 place to post your business and that you have openings. Join a local community board on Facebook and see if you can post in there. Post on your feed. Share pictures of your studio space, pictures of you, your instruments. Set up a tripod and do a personal photoshoot of you playing your instrument. Sounds silly, but in the end, the students are investing in you. You are the product of the service. So you have to show yourself.'

2) Neighborhood Newsletter or Group Feed

Call a nearby neighborhood’s HOA and ask if they have a newsletter that is sent out monthly or if they have a facebook group or communication center you can advertise on. Create a little business card size ad (that way your advertising fee is less with the HOA as you will more than likely have to pay to advertise if you are outside the neighborhood) with your contact information on it to post and that’s it. I look for the super large neighborhoods. That way my info gets in front of a ton of new people. Same with an online group feed. Ask before you post.

3) Use BUZZ Words In Your Advertising or Flyers

Utilizing community posting boards at a coffee shop or local gym, use a buzz word to get people to stop in their tracks to consider you as a teacher! Do you offer online lessons? SAY THAT! “Online Private Music lessons”. Do you offer a FREE trial lesson, say that! “FREE Trial Lesson”. “Jazz piano lessons”, “Classical Specialty”, “Music Audition Specialist”. Say something that makes someone take a second look and think about it. “ONLINE or IN PERSON Private Piano Lessons. Contact by 6/1 for a FREE Trial Lesson!”. That would make someone stop and think about it.

4) Offer a Discount for Military or Emergency Responder Families

This is a big one for me in my area as we have a lot of military personnel in our town. I have a special flyer that I post at the army base and education school specifically for military families. The only thing is, some of these families are not long term, but only for as long as they are in the area. So you can expand it to Emergency Responders, to help out the ones that help you when you need them.

5) Offer Lessons or Variety To Your Studio

Don’t be a one-hit wonder, have more offerings up if you are able to. Most any musician can learn to teach beginning piano. You don’t have to be an advanced pianist to teach piano especially if you only ever plan to only teach beginning piano. Here’s a good rule of thumb, you just have to get really good at teaching through Level 2B of a method books. (I personally love the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures.) It’s okay to only teach through beginning and elementary piano. Most students only go beyond this level. If a student progresses, refer them to a more advanced teacher. That’s what happened to me when I was a kid. I outplayed my teacher and moved up. Nothing wrong with that. Also, if you are already mildly proficient at a second instrument expand your capabilities. Get better at it and continue to work on it. My main instrument is the horn, but it’s a specialty instrument so I also teach piano which I was classically trained on all the way to college. When I first started teaching, I didn’t think I would feel comfortable teaching advanced-level lessons. But they are some of my favorites because it’s real music! And to expand further, I’m developing accompaniment skills and accompanying my horn students with their solos. All the main solos I worked on through college, I’m learning the accompanist parts. So now I can use ACCOMPANIST as part of my BUZZ word with advertising if I need to ever advertise.

What are other ways you found worked for you with advertising?

Happy Teaching!

Key Essentials: Everything You Need to Launch Your Own Private Music Studio

Ready to start your own music studio? First, you have to have a couple of things to be able to teach music lessons. (This post contains affiliate links)

1) Choose a method series that you will follow. for private piano lessons, I love the Faber & Faber Piano adventures and have been using the series for the past 15 years. It’s a little slower-paced than other series’ out there, but it develops a strong foundation in rhythm, and note names from the beginning BEFORE introducing more complex note values.

2) Invest in a piano. You don’t have to have a huge grand piano to start or an acoustic piano. You can start your studio with just an electric or digital piano. Here are 2 options that work well. A Full size 88-key weighted piano or here’s an option that you can take with you for easy portability as a traveling music teacher! Both are Yamaha which are considered the gold standard in electric pianos.

3. Students! For that I suggest you start here: STARTING YOUR STUDIO STRATEGIES to learn the secrets to geting your stuio started. And don’t forget, 12 Week Online Course Successful Private Music Studio Strategies to help you get started, build and create a successful and THRIVING private music studio! You can check that out here.

4. Studio Policy to set the boundaries and expectations with your new students. I’m a huge advocate for having an ironclad music studio because I’ve been there, where I didn’t have one and was taken advantage of by not getting paid, taken seriously, or families wasting my time by not showing up for lessons. Set yourself up TODAY with a strong ironclad studio policy to avoid any problems down the line. Check out my Successful Private Music Studio Policy Templates here! You can get a done for you studio policy, that is ironclad and stands the test of time. It took me years, to create this studio policy making sure I covered ALL THE BASES of expectations, to help new teachers just like you.

5. Bookkeeping. For business purposes, you need to be tracking income. This is how you can track your growth and continue to grow. Again, I’ve taken all the steps to help get you started, but providing ALL the templates I use for bookkeeping purposes with step by step videos to walk you through how to customize it for you and your business, from invoices (Lesson Summary) Receipts, student organizing, total money earned plus more! Check out my Successful Private Music Studios Bookkeeping Online Mini Course!

Happy Teaching!