Studio Management
Attendance and Time Off
“…I anticipate being asked by more than one parent about stopping lessons in the summer. Would that be the best way to handle it…?” About a year ago I responded to a similar question, and so for the benefit of newer teachers and trainees, I…
Office Staff and Makeup Lessons
We have a large studio 140 students with three teachers and a waiting list right now. We have had office staff the entire time the commercial space is open up till now but are looking at the options to not have office staff all the…
Traditional VS. Simply Music -Cost
I am working on my phone sales pitch and was wondering if some former traditional piano teachers could give me some info. On the average: How many months did it take to get a student to be playing with both hands, a song equivalent to…
Answering Questions- Talking to People About Money
I am working on a project and would love your input – particularly newer teachers, but any input is welcome. When you take a phone call from someone asking you about piano lessons, are there questions that you are not quite comfortable answering yet? For…
Registration Fees
A teacher commented the other day about paying a $15.00 registration fee for a class her daughter was taking, implying that perhaps it was not justified. I do charge an annual $35.00 registration/administrative fee. Over the years, some parents have questioned it, why it’s an…
Discounts for Referrals
I was wondering what each of you do for referrals? I give a $50.00 (US) tuition credit to the referring student on the second month after the new student starts. I give $30.00 tuition credit to the referring student. I give $50.00 off one month…
Setting Rates-Private and Group
I’m newly licensed and I will be holding my first FIS tomorrow. The father of a five-year-old autistic boy contacted me yesterday. Someone at his school recommended SM to him. I’ve been debating, in general, what to charge (and will obviously have to finalize this…
Group Rate to Private Rate
I currently have a group class with two adults and am facing the possibility that one of the adults will be quitting imminently. If you have a two-person class and one person quits, how do you charge the remaining student? I don’t feel comfortable charging…
Fees for Multiple Student Families
Do you provide a fees break for families who want to have more than one of their children in lessons? Or if everyone in a household wants to take lessons? If so, do you use a sliding scale or a percentage discount, etc.? Each teacher,…
Discussing Rates
Hi all– I still consider myself newly licensed (three months+/-) and have about six to seven students that have transitioned or are going to, and a group of six to seven starting soon. Yes, I am pretty excited! I do have a question, though. There…