Studio Report Time

When I wrap up another year of lessons, I always like to send out a studio report to my current students, and post a link to it on my website and studio Facebook page for prospective students to see. I do this for many reasons. At the end of the year, some students are feeling burned out with school, end of the year recitals and activities, and feel a bit down on themselves. I find that reminding them of all their accomplishments from the past year can help them feel proud and encouraged rather than stressed out and anxious. As current and prospective parents consider lessons for the following year, I also like to remind them about what my studio has to offer, and what sorts of things they have to look forward to in the year ahead.

These are the things that I like to include in my Annual Studio Report:

• A summary of the events from the year. For me as a piano teacher, this includes recitals, workshops, masterclasses, festivals, and individual student accomplishments (students who performed in talent shows, accompanied a school performance, or played for a worship service).
• Professional update. Here’s an opportunity to let students know about the work we put into our jobs outside of classroom time. I like to tell my students what ongoing education and conferences I have participated in during the year and what professional organizations I belong to.
• New studio equipment. If I have purchased anything over the course of the year, I take the opportunity to remind students about this new equipment and how it has been utilized in their lessons–even simple, new equipment. For example, last year I included the purchase of gathering drums in my annual studio report and let families know that they had been a useful tool in teaching beginning students rhythms and mastering passages where both hands play at the same time. Recording equipment, theory games or additions to your music library might also be worthwhile to include here.
• Studio policy changes. If there is anything new that you are changing to your studio policy in the year ahead, it is good to let your students know at this time. If I am raising my rates or changing my teaching hours in the fall, this is when I let that information be known.
• The year ahead. I also like to let students and their families know about what things they have to look forward to when they renew their commitment to music lessons. Festivals, recitals, workshops, competitions, etc. Of course, this does take a little advanced planning on your part to have a general idea of what events you will be holding in the future, but having a head start on your teaching year will certainly make the summer months more relaxing and enjoyable!