studio Tag

vision_highwaySummertime is just around the corner! What a wonderful time to examine where you are now and where you want to be, as well as take some needed time to relax, enjoy the weather and spend time with family and friends! As I wrap up the end of my teaching year, I am taking some time to reflect on the last year and envision the future of my studio.

Recently I read the book, The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. This book is told from a dog’s perspective (Enzo), and is a lovely fictional tale with a message for living a rich life, sticking to ideals, and creating vision. Since I am a dog lover and my dog’s name is Enzo, a friend suggested that I read it. If you haven’t already read the book, I highly recommend it for your summer reading list!

One of the most poignant statements for me in the book was –

“That which you manifest is before you.”

Studio PartnershipA couple months ago, I wrote about the fact that my studio has outgrown its current space. My partner and I have been searching for the perfect location for a while now, and recently hit the jackpot.

Over the years we have cultivated our relationship with a local music store: we’ve sent our students there to purchase music, equipment and instruments, we’ve shopped there ourselves, and we have become friendly with the managers and employees. When I was in buying piano books this winter, I happened to mention that we were looking for a new studio space…and I’m so glad I did.

summercampThis year I will be offering my third summer camp at my studio. The past two years, my camps have been small. I’ve only opened camp up to current students already taking from my studio — more as an encouragement to keep them learning during the summer months. I would see six students at a time in my group studio at my house, offering 1.5 hour camps throughout the day for students.

This year, I’m going full throttle, offering a half day camp for the entire community. I’m renting a venue, hiring helpers and advertising. I’m nervous, but I’m also super excited. Here are some things I’ve had to spend the last few months thinking through in order to plan my summer camp:

lazyIs it just me, or do students seriously start lacking some motivation during the winter months? The “newness” of the year has worn off, holiday recitals are behind them, and the end-of-the-year spring recital is too far in the distance to really care much.

It’s frustrating for teachers.

So how do we as studio owners motivate our students and keep them moving forward instead of getting stuck in a rut? Here’s a few ideas:

  • Plan a winter event. It can be something informal and more laid-back, but still give your students something to work towards. Ask a local coffee shop if you can bring in a digital piano and have some students play their favorite pieces one evening, or talk to the library about having your dance students perform a number in the children’s section.

imagesDecember in the studio can be a stressful time for your students. They are likely busy at home, and some may have end of the semester commitments such as choir/drama performances or school finals. With so much going on, this can be a nice time to take it a bit easier on your students and boost their morale by having some holiday fun. Here are a few suggestions for planning holiday parties/activities at the studio: