Do you have a waiting list for your studio? Ever wondered how you could turn those students you don’t have room for into a multi-teacher studio?
If so, then this podcast episode is for you!
The business side of running a multi-teacher studio can be daunting, and there is so much to consider such as locations, finding the right teachers, accounting, pricing calculations…the list goes on. If you’re not sure where to start, then take a listen to episode 7 for a fantastic overview of what you need to do to go from one teacher to many.
Carly McDonald runs Novar Music a large music teaching studio in Adelaide Australia, and in today’s podcast she answers the top questions teachers have when making this leap from independent teacher, to owner of a multi-teacher studio. Even if you don’t see yourself taking that jump, I think we can all learn a lot from the way Carly runs her business!
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to hire new teachers
- How to streamline your interviewing
- What questions to ask that will ensure you pick someone who’s a good fit for your studio
- The importance of continuing professional development for piano teachers
- Possible locations for your studio
- Price considerations when running a multi-teacher studio
- How to create a wide range of performance opportunities for your students
- How to check in with teachers and make sure their performance is up to your standard
Items mentioned in this podcast:
- MYOB accounting software
- Wendy Steven’s blog Compose Create
- Diane Hidy’s blog
- Carly McDonald’s blog Creative Piano Professional
- Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference
- The Independent Piano Teacher’s Studio Handbook
Today’s cheat-sheet download:
Today’s sponsor:
Music Teachers’ Helper is the software solution I use for running my private studio. If you’re still trying to keep track of invoices, student details, tax records and book loans on spreadsheets or pieces of paper, you really are wasting your time.
Music Teacher’s Helper is online scheduling and billing software which you can access from any computer, phone or tablet, and that will literally save you hours every month in studio admin.
One of the coolest things about it is that you can automatically email lesson reminders to students or parents to reduce the chance of missed lessons, particularly if you work on a rotating timetable. You can even build a studio website for free right in the program and it comes with a companion practice app for students so you can see exactly how much they’ve practiced.
Of course there are heaps more features, but the best thing to do is head to www.musicteachershelper.com/tim, register for a risk-free 30 day trial and if you choose to continue your access, you’ll get 20% off your first month.
Are you thinking of starting a multi-teacher studio?
Was there something in today’s podcast that you hadn’t considered? Did Carly shed light on an issue you’ve been wondering about?
Got any other business-related questions for her? Let us know below.
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9 Comments
I find myself needing to expand my studio. I am going to relisten to this podcast use it as a roadmap. Thank you so much, Tim for this awesome advice!
Glad it’s helpful – make sure you get the freebie interview plan too 🙂
Great podcast 🙂 I think one of the hardest part from going one teacher to a multi-teacher setting, is how do you slowly not teach as many students as you did to effectively teach. AND…to build a reputation about your studio and not solely based on just YOU.
Oops…I meant…how do you slowly not teach as many students so that you can effectively manage. Since like what Carly said, TIME, is limited!
Natalia, people management can be time consuming. Selecting great teachers and having procedures in place initially will help limit the time needed. Also setting aside time to have as dedicated ‘business time’ will enable to you consistently keep on top of it. For me this is Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. It is what works with my schedule. Initially it might only take an hour a week, but setting aside the time will make a big difference.
Is there a link for the interview questions?
Hi Jonathan – sorry it’s back now! Please see above.
Great Podcast. One of my favorites so far! I have been running my music lessons company in the states for the last 7 years. I love the mix of teaching and running a business.
I would throw out a word of caution for US based teachers, deciding whether the teachers are Employee or Contractor is HUGE. If you choose Contractor you must treat them as such. There is a ton of stuff you cannot do with contractors. Be prepared, a good Employment Lawyer is a must when you set things up! Then good business practices, just because you have a contract does not mean they are contractors, you must treat them as such or the government will come after you and that is not a lot of fun and can be very expensive. I have scared myself just thinking about it. 🙂
Thanks Jonathan. Great to get the US perspective from someone who has been there and done that.