July 2022 • Volume 1, Issue 4
Welcome
There is much to consider when organizing our teaching. We might even be considering a new location or business model. This issue of the MTNA Business Digest offers insights for choosing a teaching location and business structure, planning for the new teaching year, and writing and enforcing studio/business policies. No matter where we are in our professional lives, all of these issues are worth reexamining. 
Beth Gigante Klingenstein, NCTM
MTNA Business Resources Coordinator

♪ Just a Note: For those who have an interest in the topics below, links are provided at the bottom of many of the Digest articles to take you to various MTNA Business Resources sections of the MTNA website.
In the Spotlight
How Do I Actually Enforce My Policies?
Wendy Stevens, NCTM

Establishing an effective policy is integral to running a studio smoothly and efficiently. But how do we actually enforce these policies to make sure we get paid on time, aren’t run over by pushy parents or aren’t allowing our lives to be consumed by resentment toward those who don’t respect our boundaries? How can we enforce our policies while still giving attention and appropriate grace to those in need? How can we be kind and understanding of our families while making sure we maintain healthy boundaries? Read more
Meet the Entrepreneur
The Accidental Entrepreneur
Nancy Breth

The careers of successful music teachers often take unexpected twists and turns. Nancy Breth embraces the bends in the road that brought her to a career as an entrepreneur, performer, educator, author, speaker and mentor. Her vibrant website highlights her teaching, publications, videos, pedagogy workshops, blog and more—all with photos that radiate energy and market her multi-faceted career. Here she offers some food for thought for teachers who are open to the varied opportunities that a career in music can bring. Watch video
Technology Tips and Tools
Google Drive Can Do All of That?
Michelle Sisler and Linda Christenson, NCTM

When you think of innovative technology tools, Google Drive may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, Google Sheets, Slides, Docs and Forms are powerful tools that can be used to create interactive PDFs, drag-and-drop worksheets, clickable choice boards, escape rooms, auto-corrected worksheets, registration forms and so much more. Read more
Top Five
Time to “Tune Up” Your Studio Business Practices!
Gail Heywood, NCTM

Trepidation about inflation, student recruitment, retention, billing policies? Summer is a good time for teachers to complete a five-point inspection on what they need to revamp BEFORE the students return! Read More
Legal Landscape
Business Structure Options for Music Teachers 
Beth Gigante Klingenstein NCTM

Are you trying to decide on the best business structure for your teaching? OR are you looking for ways to upgrade or change your current teaching situation? Besides the two traditional platforms (independent studio and university faculty) there are other attractive choices available. Offered here are descriptions of several options, their pros and cons, and the legal/tax pluses and minuses of various business types. Read more
Resource Gems
Kickstart Your Fall Planning: Ideas for Enhancing Your Studio this School Year
Amy Chaplin and Jennifer Walschap, NCTM

Do you need fresh ideas to invigorate your studio this fall? Perhaps you are wanting to fine-tune a few of your studio policies as you go into a new school year. These podcasts and blogs provide some of the most current tips and tools that private teachers are considering in their fall planning. Read more
Looking for a Good Read?
Better than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits, by Gretchen Rubin
Martha Smith, NCTM

Habits are the invisible architecture of daily life; roughly 40% of our behavior is repeated daily. Inspiring students to develop wise daily practice habits is a basic responsibility of music teachers. As lifelong learners, we teachers, too, owe it to ourselves to review and improve our habits. Read more
Heads Up

  • Would you like to contribute to a future MTNA Business Digest? Contact Beth Gigante Klingenstein at mtnanet@mtna.org with any ideas or questions you may have. We’d love to hear from you! Guidelines for submission.

  • MTNA offers its sincere thanks to all those who contributed their insights, knowledge and experience in this issue of the MTNA Business Digest.