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A few months ago, I started a series where I share what I’m doing in my studio each month. I got a positive response from it, so I’ll keep it up! Here are some of the things I’m doing for my piano studio this summer (June and July in the US).
#1 Summer Lessons & What I Changed
I have always kept my teaching during the summer flexible. I’ve kept a regular schedule that was structured with the school year August through May. During those months, students paid a flat, monthly rate. Then in the summer months of June and July, students paid by the lesson. I always suggested a certain amount of lessons to prevent regression, but many students did not do any.
So I made a major change with my studio policy. This is my last summer where my students will pay by the lesson in the summer. Moving forward, my monthly tuition will run August through July, and students will receive a certain number of summer lessons included in the tuition.
Making changes in our studio is always difficult, because we ultimately worry about pleasing the families and students we teach. However, I had many parents say they were happy I made the change.
#2 Registrations for August 2024
I’m currently working on the registrations for the upcoming school year. I have a small commercial location and have three other teachers who teach at my studio. This summer, I’ll be working on all of the schedules. I find this task to be one of the hardest in running my studio. It is relatively simple to get lessons on the calendar, but finding a time that works for families can be tricky. Families’ schedules can be complicated with other activities during the week (especially sports), so this often feels like a big jigsaw puzzle.
#3 Clean Up Piles
A few months ago, I saw a video shared through an MTNA newsletter that was about how musicians organize their music. I wish I could find it again to share here, because it was hilarious. There were some organized studios and then some had a lot of piles and mess. I have a system to catalog my sheet music, but by the end of the school year I do get to where I have piles and clutter to clean out.
I end up with so many piles – books I’m referencing, books I need for online lessons, music I want to play, music I need to clean out, music for students, games to organize, extra papers, etc, etc. I am working on those piles this summer. I’m also working on cleaning out my sheet music. Last summer, I started donating music and clearing out unneeded music. I’d ultimately like to have a smaller sheet music collection.
#4 Music Planning
Every July, I work on selecting music for my students for the entire school year. I tentatively plan which contests they’ll participate in and what music we’ll work on. I think having a big plan for the year is extremely helpful when teaching. You can read in more detail here about how I plan my students’ music for the year.
Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you’re working on in your studio!
Lauren teaches piano to students of all ages. She enjoys creating resources for her students and teachers. She is the author of Ready for Theory®. For personalized help, check out the consultations page for teachers.
Hi Lauren:
Thank you for your practical advice on organizing your studio policies, and going through the piles of music that accumulate over time!
My question is: Where do you donate music? I would like to donate quite a few string orchestra pieces, as well as full orchestra pieces, but am not sure how to proceed in finding places interested in taking this music. Can you help me understand the process needed to find groups and organizations who would like this music?
Thank you,
Debbie Meece
Hi Debbie! Thanks for the comment and question. In my area, we have two large book fairs that accept donations. One is through the public library and the other is associated with the local orchestra. Another option if you want to find a good home for your sheet music is to have your local teachers association send out an email that you’d like to donate it. College students or new teachers who are building up their library might be interested and appreciative. I was fortunate to get a pedal extender through an older teacher who was cleaning out. I hope that helps you! -Lauren