Are you a music studio owner or instructor looking to grow your music teaching business? This podcast will teach you how to apply marketing and business fundamentals so you can get more music students for longer.
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


The podcast about all things business for music teachers and studio owners. Learn how to brand, market, and grow your music studio. Hear stories of creative music teachers who are taking on other cool entrepreneurial projects. Get answers to your self-employment questions from experts. Hosted by entrepreneur, business coach, and piano teacher, Andrea Miller.
Do you help a young musician in your life practice? Are you a teacher that works with young musicians? Hosted by Christine Goodner, an experienced violin and early childhood music teacher. and author of Beyond the Music Lesson & Positive Practice, resources all about how to help families make music practice at home more effective with less conflict. TIME TO PRACTICE will bring you weekly conversations with performers, teachers, and students that will help, encourage and support you as you su ...
Zealous Musician is a podcast that takes a closer look at the music we love. For season one, we’ll dive into music from post-hardcore and emo bands like Thrice, Underoath, A Day to Remember - Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, and Copeland. Our focus will be on light music theory -- even playing some ourselves -- and rediscovering why we loved these bands so much in the first place.
OutsideGuitar.com was founded in 2015 by guitarist Aram Bajakian. Having spent more than a decade as an active member of NYC's scene, and performing with a diverse range of artists (Lou Reed, John Zorn, Diana Krall, Malcolm Mooney from Can) Bajakian wanted to find a way to give back some of what he had learned to the music community. Thus, the online guitar masterclass, OutsideGuitar.com was born. The OutsideGuitar.com podcast allows subscribers to ask questions to guitarists that play outsi ...
P
Prodigies: Lessons for the Young Musician


1
Prodigies: Lessons for the Young Musician
Mr. Rob and PreschoolProdigies.com
Preschool friendly music lessons that develop perfect pitch and a good sense of rhythm! Host and creator Mr. Rob makes music lessons fun and easy. Why? So that every child can enjoy the benefits of (and art that is) music! The show uses 8 colored bells (amongst other characters and instruments) to give preschool children meaningful exposure to pitch! Preschool children are uniquely capable of developing perfect pitch due to the deep-brain auditory development that takes place between birth a ...
M
Music Lessons and Marketing

1
How to Advertise Your Music Lessons and Promote Your Studio | EP 172
30:13
30:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:13
I don’t write that much about advertising in this blog. I focus more on general marketing concepts. In this post, I’m going to explore how to advertise your music lessons in both print and digital. davesimonsmusic.comBy Dave Simon
M
Music Lessons and Marketing

1
Five Phrases to Avoid in Your Music School’s Marketing | EP 171
10:32
10:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:32
In this episode I look 5 marketing statements that perhaps 70- 80% of music schools make that I believe have little to no impact on a prospective customer. davesimonsmusic.comBy Dave Simon
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
102 - Andrea Miller on Weekend Launch Plan for a New Music Studio
6:47
6:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:47
Today’s episode was prompted by questions I get from newly-graduated or soon-to-be graduated music majors who are just getting ready to launch their studios and want to know how to get started from nothing. A full transcript and resources from this episode can be found at MusicStudioStartup.com/episode102. Get your application in for the $1,000 Stu…
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
Mini Interview: Scarlette Kerr on Professionalizing a Private Piano Studio [REBROADCAST]
22:24
22:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:24
Today’s mini interview is with Scarlette Kerr, a teacher who went from having a very part-time studio while in grad school to building a strong student roster within seven months, even with COVID happening. We talk about being a musician AND business owner, time management, and self-promotion. Scarlette also happens to be the winner of the startup …
M
Music Lessons and Marketing

1
How to Incorporate Story Telling Into Your Marketing | Ep 170
20:43
20:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:43
In this episode I share how one music school uses story telling as a powerful marketing strategy. The internet is a noisy world and grabbing and holding people's attention is the name the of the game. Story marketing is a great way to cut through the noise online so your message can be heard loud and clear. davesimonsmusic.com…
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
101 - Andrea Miller on the Entrepreneurial Journey
10:14
10:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:14
A full transcript and resources from this episode can be found at MusicStudioStartup.com/episode101. Apply Today: $1,000 Studio Launch Grant Course: Business Building 101 for Music Teachers
M
Music Lessons and Marketing

1
What’s The Difference Between a Music School And a Barbershop? | EP 169
14:58
14:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:58
There are two different music school models. Most schools fall into either one of these different models. One is the barbershop model, and the other is the football team model. davesimonsmusic.comBy Dave Simon
Hi! It’s spring break here at Music Studio Startup headquarters, so I’m just jumping on the mic to give you some details on the 2022 studio launch grant competition. This program is for new and newish teachers who have been in business for fewer than three years. If this describes you - I hope you’ll apply. If it's not, I hope you’ll share this wit…
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
100 - San Francisco Study Center on Using Fiscal Sponsorship to Launch a Community-Oriented Project Rebroadcast
38:08
38:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:08
I’m excited to be bringing the grant competition back this year. The purpose of this grant is to help a new or new-ish music teacher launch their studio. The grand prize includes a $1000 cash grant and host of other tools, products, and training programs from our amazing sponsors, which include: Duet Partner, Fons, Cascade Method, Steve Hughes’ Vir…
T
Time To Practice

1
Community & Support for Parents/Caregivers with Violist Grazzia Rode-Sagastume
30:31
30:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:31
On this week's episode of the Time to Practice podcast we're speaking with violist Grazzia Rode-Sagastume about how she fell in love with the Viola right from the start of her music journey, the importance of community, and how she works to support parents and caregivers in her program. Links in this Episode: Find Grazzia on Instagram Omaha Conserv…
Today I’m back again with Karen Thickstun for the second part of our discussion on fundraising. Our topic today is specifically about grants: how to find grants, how to evaluate if your project is a good fit, how to reframe a project to expand the grants you might be eligible for, and much, much more. This topic is especially timely because there a…
T
Time To Practice

1
Behind the Scenes Peek at Music Practice Makeover
11:43
11:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:43
Join the host of the Time to Practice podcast Christine E Goodner as she shares some of the behind-the-scenes process of how her new book Music Practice Makeover came into existence. You can get your own copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3L0PYd2 or find it on apple books, barnes & noble, KOBO and more here: https://books2read.com/u/b6M9ly You can fin…
M
Music Lessons and Marketing

1
Why Students Quit Music Lessons and What You Can Do About It | EP 168
11:47
11:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:47
Why do kids drop out of music lessons? Every parent has their own explanation but it usually boils down to the fact that the student just didn't love the lessons enough to stay. In this episode, I discuss a strategy for improving student retention. davesimonsmusic.comBy Dave Simon
If you hit play on this episode thinking, "I don't have a nonprofit, so fundraising isn't really for me.", I think you'll be surprised by the discussion. Karen covers so many more types of fundraising than I ever would have thought about and talks about how even for-profit studio owners can use fundraising to stretch their impact. Be prepared to ta…
M
Music Lessons and Marketing

1
How to Create an Operations Manual For Your Music School | EP 167
28:43
28:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:43
An operations manual is a set of instructions that tells your business what to do. Every single moving part of your business should be documented in an operations manual. Not only will it help turn your music school into a well-oiled machine, but it also is the best insurance policy you could have for your music school.…
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
097 - Stephanie Tennill on Doing Good by Doing Good Business
45:23
45:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:23
It seems fitting that this week, right around the two year anniversary of COVID shutting things down in the US, I’d be interviewing the inventor of a mask specifically designed for singers. Today I’m talking to Stephanie Tennill, about what inspired her to design this mask, how she manufactured it, distributed it, and how, even as a for-profit busi…
M
Music Lessons and Marketing

1
How to Train Your Office Staff in Sales | Ep 166
16:06
16:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:06
Trying to get your office staff excited about honing their skills in sales can prove to be a challenge. In this episode, I share with you how to gamify sales trainings to help motivate your staff to develop better skills techniques. davesimonsmusic.comBy Dave Simon
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
096 - Andy Fling on Monetizing MakingMusicFun.net Part 2
24:51
24:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:51
Today’s podcast is part one of a two-part interview with the founder of a website that will be familiar to a lot of music teachers. That website is makingmusicfun.net. This website is full of sheet music, theory worksheets, music lessons plans, and video lessons. In our conversation, founder Andy Fling, takes us back to the very beginning of Making…
T
Time To Practice

1
Setting Goals for Music Practice with Ángel M. Falú-García
29:54
29:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:54
This week on the podcast we're speaking with freelance artist and viola & violin teacher Ángel Falú-García. We talk about his start in music and how he ended up playing the viola, what he learned the hard way about practice and how that influences how he works with his students now and more. Links in this episode Find Ángel M. Falú's Teaching Page …
M
Music Lessons and Marketing

1
A 7-Step Sales Framework for Music Schools | EP 165
33:24
33:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:24
In this episode, I share a 7-step framework you can use when conducting a sales call. It’s a framework that you probably implement on some level in any conversation you have. It emphasizes listening and empathy over persuasion and pressure. This framework allows you to customize your sales pitch for each prospective student. This approach allows a …
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
095 - Andy Fling on Monetizing MakingMusicFun.net Part 1
29:16
29:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:16
Today’s podcast is part one of a two-part interview with the founder of a website that will be familiar to a lot of music teachers. That website is makingmusicfun.net. This website is full of sheet music, theory worksheets, music lessons plans, and video lessons. In our conversation, founder Andy Fling, takes us back to the very beginning of Making…
In my work conducting interviews, giving talks and workshops, and working with many families over the last two decades, I've realized there are many, many reasons we practice. In this episode I share four common reasons we practice. Of course one reason is that we want to, or love to, practice. But there are other very valid experiences around prac…
M
Music Lessons and Marketing

1
The Six Business Functions That Drive Your Music School | EP 164
10:30
10:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:30
There are six business functions in your music school. Every action in your business falls under one of these six categories. Your music school will turn into a well-oiled machine by creating a set of instructions and processes for each category. davesimonsmusic.comBy Dave Simon
Today’s interview is going to have you rethinking what you thought was possible for the lifestyle of a full-time piano teacher. Today I’m talking to Anna Fagan about how she moved her house and studio on the road during COVID and now lives and teaches full-time from an RV. We talk about how they adapted the RV to create a teaching studio, the tech …
T
Time To Practice

1
Practice, Performance, & The Creative Process with Courtney Woodward
24:45
24:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:45
In this episode, we are speaking with music educator and children's author Courtney Woodward. In our conversation she shared with her students in the classroom about practice, how the process of writing and publishing a book is so related to music, and all about her new children's book out today! Links from this episode: Courtney's Instagram Courtn…
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
093 - Andrea Miller on Business Insights from Tax Returns
9:10
9:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:10
This time of year I get a lot of financial questions from teachers. We’ve just gotten through the holiday spending spree, new year’s might have inspired some financial goal-setting, and then there’s the looming tax deadline in April, so there’s a lot to think about. Sometimes the questions I get are really specific to an individual, but lately a bu…
T
Time To Practice

1
Motivation & A Musical Environment with Barbie Wong
33:43
33:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:43
This week on the Time to Practice Podcast we're speaking with music educator Barbie Wong. We talk about her research into the lives of musicians, how we can create an environment that supports young musicians' growth, and some great tips for motivation and music practice. You won't want to miss this conversation! Links in this Episode: Find Barbie’…
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
092 - Judy Naillon on Starting a Ukulele Program REBROADCAST
42:14
42:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:14
You’ll recognize today’s guest from an episode a few weeks ago about the MusiCARES Volunteer Music Teachers Facebook group. Today Judy Naillon returns to talk about how she began offering recreational group ukulele classes to boost her studio income during the summer and expand her network for private lessons. Anyone who struggles with the summer s…
M
Music Lessons and Marketing

1
How to Get More Done in Your Music School in Less Time | Ep 163
18:09
18:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:09
Do you have 3 or more important projects collecting dust on your to-do list? Projects that if implemented would likely lead to growth in your music school? Projects that clearly demand a lot of time and attention. Time you seem not to have? In this week's episode, I share a strategy you can use to get more done in less time. A strategy you can use …
T
Time To Practice

1
Building Motivation & Enjoyment in Music Practice with Tiana Angus
25:18
25:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:18
This week we’re speaking with violinist, performer, & Suzuki teacher Tiana Angus. Tiana Angus is an enthusiastic and passionate Suzuki violin teacher in QLD, Australia. She has a number of creative, colorful resources to help violinists practice at www.dolcestrings.com.au. She is also practice partner to her own two young children. In this episode,…
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
091 - Candace Hamm on Introducing a Conservatory Prep Program
40:35
40:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:35
Today’s interview is with a solo teacher who wanted a way to better prepare her students for advanced music studies. Candace Hamm’s solution was to develop an intensive conservatory prep program. Although we talk a lot about the specific program, this interview has plenty to offer for any studio owner. A full transcript and resources from this epis…
T
Time To Practice

1
The Connection Between Feeling & Sound with Kayleigh Miller
36:29
36:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:29
This week we’re speaking with Violist and movement specialist Kayleigh Miller. Kayleigh is certified in yoga, pilates, and personal training. She is also a performing musician in the Pacific Northwest. We talk about how her relationship to practice has changed over time, the connection between movement and music, and many thoughts about practice an…
Do you struggle to keep up with all of the emails flooding into your inbox? In this episode, I share a simple email management system I learned from productivity expert, David Allen that will allow you to get more done in less time with less stress. https://davesimonsmusic.com/By Dave Simon
M
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as entrepreneurs


1
090 - Tony Parlapiano on Thriving as a Travel Teacher
43:47
43:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:47
Often travel teaching is seen as a way to start a studio if you don’t have a permanent space to use or are trying to break into a new market, but today’s guest built his career in travel teaching for almost two decades. Today’s interview with Tony Parlapiano is chock-full of practical advice on how to make it work as a travel teacher, everything fr…