Over the past 10 years of teaching I have learned many valuable skills running my business. (Really it’s been a few more than 10 but 10 seems like a good round number for this post!) I’ve tried things that didn’t work at all, and I found things that were a perfect fit for me and my studio! With the end of the 2017/2018 school year coming soon I thought it would be fun to reflect on some of the most valuable things I have learned over the past years.
1. Have a studio Policy and stick to it
When I first started teaching in highschool I didn’t even know I should have a studio policy. I will forever be grateful for one of my teachers helping me create my very first studio policy. My studio policy has been through many revisions since then to help fit my current studio. I like to review my policy once a year to make sure it still meets my needs. Do you have a studio policy you like? Or could it use a refresh? If you need ideas check out this post here.
2. Know when it’s time to extend grace on a studio policy
Having a studio policy has been great and has protected both me and my business but I also have learned it’s important to know when to extend grace. It certainly isn’t common for me to make exceptions to my studio policy but I think it’s important to remember we are all human and sometimes we all need grace.
3. Not all students should take lessons from me
Trial lessons aren’t just for a student and parent to see if they like me. They are also for me to see if the student is a good match for my teaching style and studio. Occasionally I get inquiries for lessons from students that I feel would be a better match for a different teacher. For example:I have practice expectations in my studio, and though I have created a fun and motivational way to encourage students to practice in general I find that if students want to take lessons but plan to practice less than 4 days a week they probably aren’t a good fit for my studio. I typically find a trial lesson is a great place to learn more about a student. Looking for ideas on what to do in a trial lesson? Check out this post here.
4. Find ways to keep lessons fun and engaging
I have found asking students between the ages of 5-10 to sit on the bench for a 30min lessons is tough for them. So I started including fun off the bench activities in the last 5 min of the lesson. The increase in retention of theory concepts was amazing! In fact studies supported what I was seeing; that students learn best when playing interactive games and activities. Games and activities have also become a great way to set my studio apart from other studios.
5. Have a Plan
Eight years ago I set a 5 year, 10 year, and 15 year plan for my business By having a plan I had a clear direction I needed to head in to achieve the goals I wanted. I took a few detours along the way, some of my goals changed, and some were modified to fit my life better but I am so grateful I took that time to write down my goals. Writing down my goals helped me discern which opportunities were right for me and which ones to pass up. I continue to set both long term goals and annual a goals that help keep me focused and motivated.
6. Find a Niche, know who are as a piano teacher
Just as not all students are a good fit, I don’t have to meet the needs of every student who wants lessons. Finding a niche helped me know what students I enjoy working with and am most successful teaching. There are some things I am great at and some things I am not. I found that it’s good to learn new things but it’s also important to acknowledge when that’s just not my strength or passion and to send a student to a colleague instead. Finding a niche also helped me articulate my advertising and website copy to better attract students that are great fits for my studio.
7. Find a work life balance
The most common thing I hear from other teachers and have experienced myself is burnout. When I first started teaching I was so inspired to teach budding musicians who love music but in the midst of the day to day I got frustrated. Student’s didn’t practice as much as they should, and not everyone appreciated my efforts as much as I had hoped they would. And I felt overwhelmed keeping up with the many hats I wear as business owner: teaching, marketing, accounting, business growth, etc.
I found I am a much happier and successful teacher and a more productive business owner when I keep a work life balance.
At the beginning of the school year I plan any time off that I want to take during the year. During these days/time off I either plan a staycation or a trip. I also find it’s important to allow time in my weekly schedule to recharge. In addition to my weekend, which is Sunday/Monday I usually make sure there is at least one morning a week that does not have any lessons scheduled and I finish earlier on Fridays.
8. Hire a virtual assistant
About two years ago I discovered I was spending a full day each week working on billing, following up on payments and other administrative tasks. I decided to hire a virtual assistant to help keep up with the billing. This has been one of the best choices, and one that also helped me continue to grow the business while still maintaining a reasonable work life balance. If your studio is over 60 students you need a virtual assistant. Your virtual assistant can do everything from payments and emails to any administrative tasks that you aren’t directly needed for. The time they spend on these projects you can either use for more teaching and teaching prep or finally get that much needed work life balance.
9. Attend continuing education
One of the most valuable ways I have spent money and time as a teacher is taking continuing education classes. Continuing education classes have inspired me as a teacher, given me new ideas for ways to work with students, kept me refreshed, and continued to motivate me to be the best teacher to my students that I can be. If your feeling a little weary or just needing something fresh to try in lessons I encourage you to take a class, and learn a new skill or tool to use with your students.
10. Have fun!
Not every day is easy, but overall I love my job! I get to share my love for music with the next generation. Sometimes it’s challenging but the rewards of seeing student’s musical skills blossom is worth the effort. When things get stressful, I try to remember that I’m not a physician or attorney. No one’s life depends on my surgical skills (thankfully!) , and no business deals will fall through if I get sick. It’s true that not all students are easy to work with. I have students that challenge me to grow as a teacher and challenge me to think of things in new creative ways. Many of the tools I have developed for teaching I thought of because a student had a need. Though I have found not all students are for me, I also try to remember that I can learn from each experience. When I allow students to grow my experiences and skills, I also become a better teacher and have more fun in the process.
