mobile-logo

studio Tag

22 Oct

Top Ten Tips for Time Management

by admin
in Policies and Procedures, Program Development, Staff Management
Comments

Previously, I wrote about how to use time effectively while teaching a lesson in Self-Help Pedagogy: Part 2. In this month’s blog, I will address the topic of how to make the best use of our most precious commodity as studio business owners – Time. Time is very valuable; once it is used, it is gone forever. We can’t ever get it back. In today’s world, time moves very fast. As one student parent said upon returning after summer break, “I blinked and summer was over.”

Therefore, it is in our best interests to use time wisely. I must admit as I sit here writing at the last minute that I am no expert on time management! However, after doing some research, I have come up with my top ten list of the best tips on time management.

10. Stay healthy. Take care of yourself – exercise, eat healthy and often to stave off hunger and keep blood sugar levels stable. Stay hydrated and get 6 – 8 hours of sleep every night. Remember to breathe, slow down, and take breaks.

Continue reading
09 Oct

Writing A Studio Policy

by cconrad
in Marketing, Policies and Procedures, Program Development
Comments

Each year, I find myself re-evaluating my studio policy, tweaking it and adjusting it as a result of things that I have learned throughout the year. When younger siblings were hanging out during older siblings’ piano lessons and becoming disruptive, I added a new policy about having no siblings present during lessons. When parents were cancelling piano lessons regularly in order to make sure their kids didn’t miss a volleyball game, I instilled a non-negotiable monthly fee regardless of missed lessons (totally changed my life, by the way!).  Having a studio policy in place to give students once they inquire about lessons — and then enroll at your studio– is invaluable. At the end of each school year, I adjust my policy and re-distribute it to all current students with any updates.

The trick for me in developing a studio policy that works is making sure that I don’t have so many rules and policies in place that it seems overwhelming to students, and being brief and concise in the way I explain them. Having a policy in place protects me as a teacher. If a student or family ever questions something, I remind them that it is part of my studio policy.

Continue reading

20 Sep

Too Much of a Good Thing

by admin
in Finances, Marketing, Policies and Procedures, Program Development, Uncategorized
Comments

Problem

This year I am celebrating 10 years of being a music studio business owner. In 2002, I opened my studio and had 17 students within the first year. I now carry a load of about 40 private students. My dilemma is that I am completely full, teaching six days per week, but just a little stressed! After some attrition and a drop in enrollment about two years ago, I am once again at full capacity, which means that any prospective students must go on my waiting list.

Continue reading
09 Sep

Maximizing Your Studio’s Earning Potential

by cconrad
in Facilities, Finances, Marketing, Program Development
Comments

One of the challenges in scheduling piano lessons is that most of my clients are school aged children.  This means that by the time a student gets out of school and over to my home studio it is typically 4:00.  Most school aged children–especially the younger ones I tend to work with–are at their best if their lessons are over by 6:30 or 7.  And since we live in an area where people tend to go camping or skiing on the weekends (myself included), Friday and weekend lessons are not a viable option.  This means that I really only have about 12 hours of weekly teachable time (and income earning potential).

This past year, I’ve tried to get creative by expanding my studio offerings, and I have also observed many fellow studio owners in our area that have done the same.  Here are some ideas from my experience:

Continue reading
09 Aug

Innovative Advertising

by cconrad
in Marketing, Policies and Procedures, Program Development
Comments

Last week I took an online training course to become a certified teacher of a new music program at my studio.  A great deal of time was spent on marketing, and teachers from all over weighed in and gave fantastic, orginal ideas that have helped them grow their studio effectively.  Here’s a few ideas I learned that I thought were worth sharing as we begin advertising for “back to school” at our studios:

  • Sample Classes-Set up a freebie class at your local library or community center for students to “sample” what you’re offering.  Bring enrollment forms and studio policy, and perhaps consider offering a one-time discount to families who sign up following the sample class.
Continue reading