As music teachers we face a constant challenge. How do we live for 12 months when our regular, guaranteed income is only 9 or 10 months? Unlike school teachers, we are usually independent studio teachers or work for a music school that is unlikely to spread out our income over 12 months. Summer is wonderful, [...]

Raise your hands… who enjoys performing?  Probably very few, but we as teachers can change that impression, and the experience for our students – but making the performances & recitals interesting, fun, and memorable.

I am constantly looking for ways to generate income while providing excellent service. This year I plan to offer “one stop shopping” for my students on my web site. I am exploring several affiliate programs that will allow me to earn income based on their purchases.

While talking with a friend this weekend, I was asked to give my job description.  Hmmm… where to start? We as teachers and business owners not only manage, promote, and create our studios… we fulfill a job description so extensive, anyone would be amazed. Are you a planner?  Then you are the events, lesson, & [...]

Every Successful Business Has a Business Plan. That being said, I have to admit that when I began my home piano studio, I did not write out a formal business plan or even a startup plan! I did, however, create professional documents such as a studio policy, studio brochure, business cards, tuition statements, and many [...]

For teachers and students, September has always been the true beginning of the year. What do you do to gear up for fall?

This blog post is almost two days late… I am beyond excuses, and have nothing to say for myself, except that I found myself entirely without the use of my computer this week – and felt horribly and thoroughly lost.  On it, one would find my numerous “to do” lists and the projects-in-progress, as well [...]

Many in the audience of this blog are teachers, while others are purely the business minded who manage said studios. Still others do both. Hopefully this article will hold tips and ideas many of you will enjoy, be able to use, and inspire studios around the world. If not, maybe I am simply enjoying the writing experience.

Summer is a difficult time for most studios, and while everyone handles it differently, I’ve come across a solution in my studio that seems to work for all the families involved…

Last blog entry I discussed how I communicate with clients, faculty, and staff at my music school, Brooklyn Music Factory. This entry is going to be a follow up pointing out what seems to have worked and what seems to have failed for us. Assessing regularly your system of communication and outreach is vital, I [...]