April 2023 • Volume 2, Issue 3
Welcome
Are you wanting to try something new in your teaching career? Perhaps establish a private music school? Broaden your current clientele? Upgrade your studio framework? This digest offers excellent advice on opening a commercial space, expanding clientele to include adults, using scheduling software, interviewing students, understanding non-compete agreements, enhancing teaching through online classes, and building your arts community. 
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
Starting a Music School?
Deborah How

Many independent music teachers think about expanding their studios and starting a music school when their student load exceeds their available teaching hours. To start a music school that follows best business practices is not as simple as renting a commercial space, hiring a couple of teachers and printing new business cards. Careful preparation and planning are necessary to not only be financially successful, but to also be professionally responsible. Read more.
Meet the Entrepreneur
How I Built a Thriving Business Around Teaching Adults to Play Piano
Debra Perez

There are more adults who want to play the piano than we can imagine.  Hear how Debra used this realization to start and grow a meaningful business that has helped thousands of adults learn to play the piano. Watch video.
Technology Tips and Tools
Scheduling Software for Studio Teachers
Jennifer Stadler, NCTM

Scheduling music lessons manually can be tedious and time consuming. Every moment spent coordinating availability, sending reminders, and rescheduling takes time away from the most important part of your work - teaching music! By implementing free, easy-to-use software, you can automate these activities, streamline your scheduling process, and have more time to invest in your students’ lessonsRead more
Top Five
5 Steps for Successful Interview Lessons with Music Students
Joy Morin

Interview lesson, meet-and-greet, intro lesson, trial lesson, consultation—whatever you choose to call them, introductory sessions are a great way to jumpstart your potentials students’ success in music lessons. This article presents five steps to help you make the most of your interview lessons with new music students. Read more.
Legal Landscape
Protecting Your Business When an Employee Leaves: Purposes and Benefits of Non-Compete Agreements and Non-Solicitation Agreements
Zach Williams

Non-compete agreements, also known as restrictive covenants, are a legal agreement between an employer and an employee that limits the employee’s ability to compete with the employer’s business after their employment ends. While these agreements are a common feature in many large companies, small businesses—such as music studios and independent music instructors—can also benefit from using them. Read more.
Resource Gems
Enhance Your Students’ Learning with Online Masterclasses
Tim Stephenson

As many of us transition back into in-person instruction, we should consider how to continue to incorporate virtual resources in our lesson plans to benefit our students’ progress. Whether you are looking to supplement your students’ weekly practice experience or are interested in starting your own master class series, below are some great resources for student and teacher, alike! Read more.
Looking for a Good Read?
Designing Creative Communities: Your Town Is Your Canvas. Learn How to Make Your Mark by Spud Marshall
Wei-Yuh Christina Xi

Designing Creative Communities is not just a book about building communities, it is a guide for all of us who wish to contribute to and have a positive impact on our own community. Reading through the lens of an arts advocate, I see this book as offering creative insights to communities of any size or shared interest, from an independent studio to a local music program, a state arts council, or a national music organization. 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.

  • We invite you to share the MTNA Business Digest as a resource for the readers of your blog, website, webpage or on social media. Digest Archives can be found by clicking here.

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