We are asked this question a lot: “Can you give me some tips on how to add another teacher to my studio?” When you’re maxed out on students, but looking to increase your teaching income, the answer seems clear… cloning yourself is the only way to go!
But because we’re a few years away from such technology, the logical answer is to hire another teacher.
If this seems like you’d be opening a can of worms… you’re right. There is a lot to consider when making the leap from one to two… or to several. And while there are a million things to consider before launching off into school ownership, we think that considering these five questions first, will let you know if you should venture a little further down the road.
Adding Another Piano Teacher To Your Studio
Here are our Top 5 points to consider before you take the first steps towards moving from one to two.
1. Is it worth it?: The biggest thing to consider is the added office time that expanding into a multi-teacher studio will create. Are you okay with decreasing teaching time and increasing office time? If you’re not a fan of the business side of teaching piano then this is definitely something to think about. Take your current workload and triple it (you will now likely be “looking after” your own students, the other teachers’ students, and the other teacher).
2. Can you preserve word-of-mouth?: Your studio is full for a reason… people respect and appreciate you. Word of mouth is piano teaching gold… but it is also our worst enemy if the scuttlebutt on the playground is negative. Adding another teacher to your studio means that your reputation rests in the hands of another piano teacher. It’s important to think about what steps you would take (having a defined “program”, matching teaching style, having a cohesive approach to your studio) in order to have a firm grasp on how your studio is perceived.
Speaking of word-of-mouth… here’s a great idea that will have your studio name spreading like wildfire.
3. Will multi-teacher mean multi-instrument?: If your dreams of opening a large music studio include visions of trumpets, harps, and cellos, start off with what you know. Add another piano teacher first. This allows you to be involved in the growth of your studio while staying in your own wheelhouse.
4. Are you willing to grow slow?: Before you jump in your car and sign a lease on the flashiest commercial space in town, brainstorm other ways of branching out first. Are there days or hours when you are not in your own piano studio? Could another teacher fill this time? Is there room for an addition of a studio on your own property or in your own home? Slow and steady growth is much easier to manage.
5. Is the time right?: Starting a multi-teacher studio is a huge undertaking, and it’s important to take action when the timing is exactly right. Be realistic about your family plans, your possibilities of relocation, your financial stability, and your own teaching goals. I can promise that it will be a strain on all areas of your life, and you want a solid foundation to build upon.
The World Needs Great Studios!
Our dream of starting a music studio came from a deep desire to offer something different than what was currently available in our community. We moved in baby steps, we hired teachers slowly and with a clear idea of who “fit”. We avoided financial risks when leasing, and we were sure to maintain our original goals for our studio no matter what.
Has it been an effortless undertaking? Not even close. Has it been worth it? Absolutely. The world needs great music studios. If you’d love your musical impact to be far-reaching, then start considering your options. Armed with some great business sense and a passion for music education you have the ability to do great things!
Great post! I agree with it all… I remember telling my husband it won’t be that much more work. I AM SO WRONG. 🙂
Hi Natalia – when things get super stressful Trevor and I think back to that moment we signed our first commercial lease and really “went for it”. I actually said at that point in time “How hard can it be?” We say those words to each other now as an inside joke. 😉
My husband and I have wished for many years to open a studio in which he teaches guitar, and I teach piano. He has taught guitar off and on for a long time. Currently, his work schedule prevents him from doing so. Our hesitation always stemmed from the negatives: living in a small town with a small pool of students from which to draw, the lack of medical insurance, the problem of zoning if we chose to use our house as a studio…You’ve listed great points to consider.
I employee my two daughters. I guess that is about as close to cloning myself as I can get! Yes, it is more work and more “paperwork”. I have my share of hassles with the government red tape (taxes and SSA W-2 filing). And I probably don’t charge enough. On the up side, the girls are making money and I have extra help!
Hi Crystal – my first employee was my sister! It definitely helped ease me into the multi-teacher thing without worrying about what that other teacher may or may not be like! Sounds like you have a great set-up. There will always be headaches, but hopefully the benefits outweigh the negatives. Thanks for sharing!
Question: If you hire a teacher, how do you pay them and yourself – do you directly pay them a lower rate per lesson than the student pays, in order to cover your admin time and studio expenses and are they OK with that? If so, how much per student fee should go to the latter and how much to the teacher?