Yesterday we received an email that reaffirms why Andrea and I are often still wide awake answering emails, writing music, and planning new products hours after the rest of the world has called it a night.
A teacher sent us a wonderful message out of the blue to tell us that “we had changed her life” and that “[she] was months away from making a decision to shut [her studio] down completely” but after stumbling across our blog she is now expanding.
For Andrea and I, that single email makes everything worth it!
More than anything else, we want to have a positive impact on the musical lives of children. And if we can help a teacher grow her studio and spread the gift of music, then everyone wins.
We are very grateful for the army of awesome piano teachers who read this blog and share in our goal of advancing music education with creative passion.
If you ever need a pick-me-up, or you find yourself on the verge of closing your studio doors, send us an email and we’ll help in any way we can.
Happy Teaching,
Andrea and Trevor
Hope Noar says
I agree! You have changed my life too. But th problem is, I keep losing students and I cannot replace them so fast. I once had over 40 students and a waiting list. I am down to 20, and next year it could be 10. It is not me; it is life. Kids want to join more and more things, and piano is not at the top of their list. Some parents feel that when a student enters a new school, that taking piano is too much. Here is what is happening this year: I have a student who is doing well, and entering fifth grade. She told me she will have more homework and might not have time for piano. I told her that this is something she will have for the rest of her life, and that her brother took until he graduated high school. She totally adores me, so it has nothing to do itching me at all. And I have a brother and a sister who are stopping because the mother feels they are not practicing enough and she wants to save for college. The brother has just recently come alive at the piano, and I wanted to start him on some Billy Joel pieces, which I will do this week. The sister has Aspergers and loves the music I am giving her, but recently lost the good pieces, which does not help. The mother loves me and buys me all kinda of gifts, and praises me a lot. I suggested that next year they rotate in one slot, and she liked that idea, but said to fill the slots for now.
And another student has missed tons of lessons because the mother wants to go to all her sister’s games. I set up a makeup and said I would pick her up, and she thought I was awesome for doing that, but then cancelled the lesson because of a conflict. I am a full service piano teacher. And there is one thing after another….
I have advertised but people don’t seem to call anymore, because they would prefer to get the info by word of mouth. Would you believe that I was the #1 piano teacher in my area at one time? Video games and sports have replaced the piano.
I would be happy with 20 students. And I am not your usual piano teacher. I am fun, groovy, up to date, personable, and I let the kids help chose their own music. My recitals are fun. I give the kids treats, coupons for free yogurt…..for rewards, etc. I have their pictures all up, and a lot of fun stuff on my bulletin boards, including stuff that the kids made saying I am the best piano teacher in the world.
So do you have any suggestions on how I can build up to 20 students for next year? One student took my cards and will put them out for her Cystic Fibrosis walk, and the lady at the library said she would put my cards out at the recital.
How can I build my practice up again? Thanks for your help Andrea.
Hope
Andrea says
Hi Hope,
I’ve just sent you an email 🙂
Andrea
Hope Noar says
Sorry for the typos. I am on my iPad, and sometimes it just types what it wants to…hahahaha!