Balance for your life … Creativity for your studio.
One of the most effective ways to get (& keep) your clients on your side is to keep them informed. Especially for families that are already juggling multiple after-school activities for each child. The easiest way to accomplish this is through a studio newsletter.
Practice time. It’s either the bane or joy of each teacher & student’s existence. In my studio, I always am looking for fun piano practice ideas so between lessons is a joy … not a struggle. Otherwise, I know it won’t happen.
Planning lessons can take up a lot of time. When I first began teaching, I was told to budget an hour for each hour I taught. Thankfully, there are tools that have taken that planning time to a much more reasonable & sustainable level.
Over the summer, I like to make a list of tasks that I want to accomplish before the rush of a new school year starts. While I like to relax as much as the next person, there is something about extended periods of doing nothing that just doesn’t work for me.
Rather than making a big list (like I usually do), this year I thought I would focus on big-picture goals or ideas that I could easily get into … once the euphoria of lazing on the deck wears off.
Here are the resources that will help me reach those big picture goals!
Let’s Get Outside! Instead of students gazing outside wishing they could be there … move those music lessons from the piano to the backyard with these easy ideas!
Last week, we looked at the Dreaded June Slide. It’s that time of year where it is oh-so-easy to just let go & coast to end of the month. But, is that really what’s best for our students?
Regardless of whether your studio runs on regular schedule, holds group lessons, has summer camps, or takes a complete break over the summer months, it’s important to recognize that our students need something different right now. They are tired, both mentally & physically. Plus, with end of year exams, projects, outdoor sports & more out-of-town activities on the weekends … it really isn’t a wonder that our students, their families, & perhaps even us, as teachers, need a change.
These are the apps & activities my students are doing this month to ensure they are summer ready for whatever they choose to play!
Signs your students, piano parents & you are ready for vacation + great activities for keeping students engaged to last lesson!
As we get close to the end of June, it’s natural to have some students leaving the studio. Sometimes, it’s due to a move away from the area. Other times, priorities or financial situations have changed & lessons are no longer an option. And, other times … well, perhaps we are breathing a sigh of relief after a tough year with a particular family. (Though hopefully this last one is a rare occurrence.)
How can we say goodbye in a manner that leaves everyone positive?
It can be a bit tricky to plan student led conferences at first. Especially since it’s a completely different from a teacher-centered approach to lessons. But, with a few tips you’ll be able to add this to your studio programming with ease!
Student led conferences work incredibly well in the music studio. And, this is because our subject matter tends to be among the least understood, visually confusing &, at times, overwhelming topic a non-musical parent can be faced with. But, it doesn’t have to be like this!
