October 2024 • Volume 4, Issue 1

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Welcome

Over the past three years, the area of MTNA Business Resources has grown exponentially. On the MTNA website, under “Business Resources,” you’ll find four distinct initiatives that support teachers in the business of teaching. One initiative is this Business Digest. Other initiatives include a library of business resources, current topics/news and comprehensive member surveys.

Did you know that the most accessed item during the past year was “Studio Resources?” The second most accessed item was the 2020 MTNA Member Survey (sign-in required). So, it is very exciting to share that MTNA is conducting an updated survey this year!

You will soon receive an email about the 2024 MTNA Member Survey. This survey is vitally important. Please take the time to participate and anonymously share data about your business and the profession. The submission deadline is November 22.

Beth Klingenstein, NCTM, wrote in the July 2023 Digest:

“Why does MTNA conduct member surveys? There are a few reasons. One is to gather data about the approaches members have regarding issues such as rates, make-up lessons, billing, marketing, insurance, zoning laws, etc. and to make this aggregate data available to members. Another is to demonstrate trends within our profession such as technology uses, types of repertoire taught, group vs. private lessons, online vs. face-to-face lessons, additional services offered and types of instruments used. And the final reason is to offer MTNA an opportunity for self-reflection. What are the needs and priorities of our members?” Read more

The results of the 2024 MTNA Member Survey will be made available in early 2025 at no cost to MTNA members.

Meanwhile, please enjoy the latest issue of the MTNA Business Digest, with its new “Ask Us Anything!” feature!

Karen Thickstun, NCTM

MTNA Business Resources Coordinator

In the Spotlight

Stepping Stones for Emerging Careers: A Comparison of Select Studio Models

Verena Abufaiad and Michaela Boros

Professional musicians’ careers are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary and, even within the field of music teaching, the possibilities for building a career may come in a variety of formats. Read more.

Meet the Entrepreneur

Raphaelita Justice

Raphaelita Justice is a passionate piano teacher, digital marketer and entrepreneur. She utilized a military grant to help launch Muse Piano Academy which offers in-person and online lessons for group music and piano, blending empathy and innovation to inspire her students. Learn more about Muse Piano Academy at www.musepianoacademy.com.

Watch video. Read transcript.

Life-Work Balance

How to Run a Music Festival/Competition: Organization & Checklists

Deborah H. How

Running a music festival or competition, while seemingly daunting, can be both personally rewarding and professionally fulfilling—so long as you are well-organized and have a clear strategic and financial plan. Read more.

Top Five

Top 5 Proven Tactics to Rank #1 on Google for Your Music Studio

Jonathan Roberts

Search engine optimization (SEO) has brought new students every week for about the past three years to my music school, South Shore Piano School in Quincy, Massachusetts. And so, I have become passionate about the opportunity it presents for our careers, our profession and our prospective students. Read more.

Legal Landscape

Legal Updates for 2024

Non-Compete Agreements: In the July 2024 Digest, we reported the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had issued a ruling that bans non-compete agreements and clauses in most employment contexts. The ruling was scheduled to go into effect on September 4, 2024. However, on August 20, 2024, a federal judge in Texas overturned the ban. Read more.

The situation may continue to evolve as the FTC considers appealing the court’s decision and/or addresses non-compete agreements through “case-by-case” enforcement actions.

Corporate Transparency Act: In the April 2024 Digest, we shared a “Quick FAQs” resource to assist members who are incorporated to understand the new Corporate Transparency Act and its requirement for corporations (including LLC’s) to file a one-time Beneficial Owners Information Report (BOIR). Reminder: Current business owners have until December 31, 2024 to file the BOIR.

Resource Gems

Digital Music Sources for the 21st-Century Teacher

Tim Stephenson

If you are looking to make the transition from physical scores to digital sheet music, there are plenty of online resources available to you! The days of lugging around bulky 100-page scores are over! Read more.

Looking for a Good Read?

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen (2015)

Jennifer Walschap, NCTM

David Allen’s Getting Things Done is a must-read for modern business owners in any field, but especially creatives. The day-to-day planning and tasks of running a studio business can wear us out mentally, leaving little room for the creative side of our visions. Read more.

Ask Us Anything!

Welcome to this new segment, designed to meet your needs! This issue’s question comes from an independent studio owner in North Carolina:

 “I recently booked a venue for my studio recital coming up in mid-May and they asked for event liability insurance from me. Do you have any recommendations on how or where to get this type of insurance for my studio’s event? I have no idea where to start.” Read more.

Heads Up

Key dates referenced in this issue: 

• October 22: MTNA Member Survey emailed to members
• November 22: Deadline for submitting MTNA Member Survey
• December 31: Deadline for current business owners (corporations, LLCs) to file Beneficial Owners Information Report (BOIR) for Corporate Transparency Act
• March 15–19: MTNA National Conference in Minneapolis

Would you like to contribute to a future MTNA Business Digest? Contact Karen Thickstun, NCTM, 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 local or state newsletter, 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. 

Many thanks to the members of the Business Network team who are writing articles, offering advice and making recommendations for topics and authors during the coming year:

• Deborah H. How
• Andrea Miller
• Heather Smith, NCTM
• Jennifer Stadler, NCTM
• Tim Stephenson
• Karen Thickstun, NCTM
• Jennifer Walschap, NCTM
• Peter Mack (ex-officio), NCTM
• Brian Shepard (ex-officio)

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