I left a secure government job (teaching) to grow our music studio and devote myself to Teach Piano Today. And in doing so, I opened myself up to the risks associated with economic downturns and government shutdowns. Yet, even when the world economy was taking a major nosedive, our studio not only escaped unscathed… it grew.
How We Dodged a Bullet
Andrea and I are firm believers in the power of music! We have experienced first-hand the social, emotional, and intellectual benefits that music brings to the lives of children. As much as we believe that our studio is producing better musicians, we also believe that our studio is producing better citizens.
And we let parents know it!
When parents sign their children up for piano lessons at our studio, they know their children are receiving a holistic education experience that, while centralized around music education, also focuses on improving learning behaviours, increasing self-esteem, developing physical coordination, and teaching discipline and patience.
We make parents aware of all of these “additional” benefits because we know that learning piano is not always a walk in the park; and that from time to time students will experience a dip in motivation. So when their children’s enjoyment happens to take a temporary dip, parents have a bunch of “additional” reasons to help their children power through (rather than take the easy exit). And before you know it… piano lessons are fun again!
Bazinga… Recession Proof!
Children are inundated with activities these days, and piano lessons are no doubt just one piece of their activity pie. When a recession hits, something has to give. In my humble opinion, music lessons should be the absolute last thing to go. There are simply too many benefits to the well-being of children brought about by a good music education. Personally, I’d start dumpster diving for dinner before letting my daughter drop music.
So, starting tomorrow, make sure your communications with parents (emails, facebook posts, websites etc.) share all of those “little extras”, because a great music education involves music… and a heck of a lot more!
Awesome info! Sharing these ideas with my student’s families today. Another benefit of music lessons I will add: Students also find themselves with consistent individual attention with a long-term teacher and advocate who truly cares about the student’s well-being!
Not to mention not being greedy – I see music tutors in my town with zero experience charging £20 an hour wondering why they have no students. I have an ethic of making piano lessons affordable for as many people as possible.
Wonderful, incredible inspiring post!
I will share this information with my parents today ! Thanks for sharing and doing what you do, so glad you left that gov’t job! ☺️
After coaching a student for nearly all of high school, his father lost his job and thus 2/3rds of their income. Piano lessons would have to be cut back to every other week. By offering to continue at 50% of my regular fee and maintain weekly lessons, I was so respected that they would frequently pay the full amount despite my offer. This student is now finishing medical school and I hope he will pay it forward when given the opportunity. No referrals from them yet, but feeling good about myself is enough.