Setting Up An Independent Music Teaching Studio

In this module, we discuss the importance of structure. We discuss how implementing a few simple, predictable structures in components such as calendaring, tuition, lesson flow, and overall pedagogical plans can create that same creativity, predictability and support for us as music teachers.

In this module, we take a look at what is needed in the actual physical space of a music studio. We spend time brainstorming and discussing which items and tools are most needful to you personally as a teacher in your teaching space and how to prioritize and organize these items. We also discuss that there is more to a teaching space than metronomes and music!

In this module, we first discuss the meaning and importance of traditions in general, and then look at how we can apply their magic and wonder to our studio teaching. We spend time looking back at the mission statement we created in part 1 and explore how we can create annual events and traditions that foster wonder and magic for our students, while remaining true to our motivation for the work we do.

In this module, we discuss a necessary aspect of studio teaching that is sometimes an afterthought: calendaring! We will work on creating a sturdy yet flexible calendar based on your mission statement and your studio traditions. In addition to lessons, we will talk about incorporating time for training, rest, growth, celebration, your LIFE. I will encourage you to recognize that a calendar can serve you if it holds space for stability and flexibility.

In this module, we learn to value all we have to offer, in addition to individual lessons. This includes studio events, community connection, administrative and supportive work. We change our paradigm from being paid per lesson, to being paid for the quality of the experience we offer our studio families. We create an annual cost based on calendar template, administrative costs, other needs, etc. And we structure a fee that remains consistent month to month so that families know what they are expected to pay, and teachers have income they can rely on.

In this module, we will recognize that, though we teach children, our real clients are the parents. We will discuss how to create a successful business relationship with parents as clients. And we will introduce/refine ideas on how to do nurture these relationships.

In this module, we will reflect on all the skills you wish to teach the students that work with you. I will encourage you to make a list of all the skills, organize them in a way that makes sequential/pedagogical sense, decide where it’s best in their development to teach those skills, and create a map/plan of how/when to teach the skills.

In this module, we will learn how to find a rhythm to your lesson time. We will prioritize which items/tasks/skills are most important to you as a teacher to hear and develop while in a lesson with a student. We will reflect on what your priorities are as a teacher while in lessons, and build a fixed but flexible plan for your lesson flow.

In this module, we will discuss the importance of good record-keeping as teachers, think through the items we need to keep track of as teachers, and set up/develop a structured way to keep notes in lessons.