Welcome to our first session of the Teach Piano Today Podcast! You can listen to the show by simply clicking the player below, or you can download it for free onto your smart phone or other mobile device for Piano Teaching Tips on the go!
Check Out Episode 1 At the Bottom of This Post
Today we chose a topic at random, and the one we drew was working with Piano Parents. This is, obviously, a very pertinent topic to all piano teachers, and Andrea and I discuss some strategies for strengthening those client relationships to minimize stress and maximize your piano studio’s word-of-mouth potential.
There are lots of takeaways from this podcast, not only do we discuss Piano Parents, but we also share with you an amazing idea we found on Dana Rice’s Blog that is a sure-fire way to motivate your piano kids to practice.Β It’s one of the best ideas I’ve found online in a long time.
Click “Play” on the Player Below and Enjoy the Show
Don’t miss the tail end of the show where we let you know when you can expect a pre-announcement of our upcoming exciting resource release! So, download us on your iPod or just press play, and let’s get started!
Claire says
Thanks! I enjoyed the podcast while waiting for my daughter at the out patient surgical center. Great advice on dealing with parents. I also liked the build a bear project idea. I think it could also be a great service project for music students to share with shut ins of any age to bring some joy.
Andrea says
Oh dear Claire – we wish her a speedy recovery from her surgery! Thanks for listening. YES I love the shut-ins idea too, didn’t think of that angle, but what a great take on the idea. All the best to you and your daughter!
Heather says
Again! Brilliant Idea!
Andrea says
You’re my morning smile Heather, thank you! π
Tina says
I really enjoyed listening to your podcast! Great ideas for working with parents which is always a work in progress for every piano teacher. I loved the idea of the build-a-bear project! Such a great idea! Looking forward to the next podcast! π
Andrea says
Thanks Tina!
Jeannie says
Loved today’s podcast. An idea hit me — at the beginning. We have all had to explain to people that, “Yes, this is my real job.” Thinking about making some banners to go on the outside of my building with a piano and YES! This is my real job. Think this would draw in some people? Need some feedback
Andrea says
Hi Jeannie,
I’m not sure if it would draw in new customers, but I have found that making it clear that this is *all* you do for work does help with other things (like following studio policy). You can accomplish this with or without banners… if you operate your studio in a highly professional way, project organization and devotion to your studio and truly adopt the Entrepreneur mind-set than it will be easier for people to understand that this isn’t just a hobby. If the hobby perception is there then you run into all sorts of troubles π I’d love to see a picture of your banners if and when you put them up! Maybe we should have t-shirts made… π
Cathryne Campbell says
Enjoyed your views during your podcast! I agree with your policy of speaking to parents after their child’s lesson but how do you deal with parents that want to have a 20 minute conversation with you while your next student sits waiting to begin? Some parents want to monopolize your time…do you have any suggestions?
Andrea says
Hi Catheryne – I usually ask the next student in line to head into the studio before I start my chat with the parent of the student who has finished their lesson. I just say really clearly “Hi Sarah! Head on in… I’ll be there in just two seconds.”. This gives the parent the clear signal that I have another child waiting and that this is a quick chat. It usually solves this problem instantly… but if it doesn’t, than all I simply have to say is “I’ll have to chat with you in more detail over the phone as I have Sarah waiting.” More times than not they don’t really even want the phone call π
Talking to the student (in front of the parent) when you actually want the *parent* to hear what you are saying is a really good strategy… I especially use this for parents who want come and sit in lessons (“Ben, let’s leave the door open a crack so Mom can hear what we’re learning from the waiting area”) Works like a charm!
Jennifer Foxx says
Enjoyed the podcast! Looking forward to hearing more! π
April Hamilton says
I’m looking forward to hearing more too. Great information and ideas- thank you!
Alice says
Andrea I appreciate all your motivating suggestions but am still at heart a print person. Will your podcasts also be in print?
Leia says
It was so nice to put voices to names! I really struggle with dealing with piano parents sometimes, especially being a young teacher which can be challenging as you mentioned. Loving all the ideas π
By the way, does Trevor teach piano, too?
I can’t wait for more podcasts!
Dana says
Andrea and Trevor! I wish you could have seen the look on my face when I stumbled onto this post today – think Surprise Birthday Party! Today is the first day of school in my area and I decided to take a moment to catch up on my favorite blogs. All I can say is “Wow”. The two of you are always coming up with such awesome ideas, and I am so humbled that you shared the Build A Bear Project with your readers and listeners. By the way I really like the suggestion from Claire about the service project. Thank you for the wonderful ways you bring us piano teachers together. I totally enjoyed hearing your voices on the podcast!