Update and Innovate Your Studio!

“The best way to get started is to stop talking and start doing.” – Walt Disney

Recently I attended the 2013 Music Teachers National Association annual conference, held at Disneyland Resort. Among the many highlights of the conference were master classes, concerts, young artist competitions, invigorating sessions, exhibitor showcases, and connecting with colleagues from around the nation. There was so much packed into the five-day conference that my head was spinning by day two! However, my big “take-away” was from a session given by Karen Thickstun, a nationally certified teacher of music from Indiana.

Karen presented a session on Lessons Learned from Disney. We can learn so much from Walt Disney’s entrepreneurial skills. He was an innovator in animation and theme park design. He stretched the boundaries of possibility during his lifetime. In addition to being an innovator, he paid impeccable attention to quality. He wanted only the best. For instance, when hiring musicians for the orchestra, he hired the absolute best, never skimping on quality.

What is the lesson? Innovate with the times and update the traditional studio. Walt created Disneyland and Disneyworld – places where dreams come true. What child doesn’t want to visit Disneyland? Make the studio experience for your students memorable and fun. For some very creative ideas, check out Philip Johnston’s new book, The Dynamic Studio: How to Keep Students, Dazzle Parents and Build the Music Studio Everyone Wants to Get Into.

Philip gives a wealth of suggestions that will mix-up, change-up and literally transform the traditional music studio. A suggestion that Karen gave is to update the traditional studio recital. She mentioned that Philip always verbally introduces students at a recital. For example, include a brief story that creates a sense of connection with each student, a “back-story.” Think of reality TV audition shows like American Idol or The Voice. What connects us to each contestant is not only their talent, but also their amazing stories, especially those stories that we can relate to – stories of overcoming trials and persistence. If your student has overcome a hurdle or made considerable progress, share the story with everyone.

Other good reads by Philip Johnston are The Practice Revolution, Practiceopedia and Scales Bootcamp. He also has a fantastic website that is worth visiting called Inside Music Teaching.

After hearing Karen stress how Walt Disney used innovation and creativity to build the Disney dynasty, I got really excited, visited Philip Johnston’s website, and decided to take the action to revolutionize my traditional studio! Our busy students of the 21st century have many options. Make your studio a place where they want to revisit again and again, like Disneyland!