Music Lessons and Marketing: Recent Episodes
Dave Simon
Are you a music studio owner or instructor looking to grow your music teaching business? This podcast will teach you how to apply marketing and business fundamentals so you can get more music students for longer.
In this episode, I sit down with John Kozicki and Mandy York, hosts of the Rock School Proprietor podcast, and we get into something every music school owner deals with whether they realize it or not. How do you keep growing when your teaching philosophy and someone else's look nothing alike? John runs a punk rock brick-and-mortar school in Detroit. Mandy is a classically trained Music Together licensee. On paper they should not get along. In practice, they have built a friendship and a podcast around learning from each other, and I think their conversation will change how you think about your own studio.
Here is what we cover:
- How two studio owners with completely opposite backgrounds found common ground
- Why parents deserve ongoing education, not just a sales pitch at enrollment
- Whether the traditional lesson approach should really come first
- What to do when a big franchise moves in down the street
- Letting go of guilt around pricing and profit
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why treating parents as students too can transform how families understand the value of lessons
- A simple reframe that helps kids fall in love with playing before you ever hand them a method book
- Why panicking when School of Rock or Bach to Rock opens nearby is the wrong move, and what to do instead
- How group and ensemble experiences build musicianship in ways solo lessons cannot
- The mindset shift that lets you stop feeling guilty about running a profitable school
- Why your business itself can be one of the most creative things you ever build
davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I sit down with Brady Davies, who went from teaching zero instruments himself to building nine music schools and eventually merging his company with Ensemble Performing Arts. We talk about the moment his wife brought 80 piano students into their living room, the pricing mistake that cost him money for years without him realizing it, and the churn numbers he now watches like a hawk to keep his schools healthy.
This one is for any school owner who feels maxed out, unsure if it's time to expand, raise prices, or bring in more help. Brady doesn't sugarcoat the hard parts. He talks openly about the fear of signing his first lease, the friction he and his wife worked through as business partners, and the belief he had to unlearn about what a music school could actually be worth.
A few of the big ideas we cover:
- Why being at full capacity is a sign you're underpriced, not a problem to solve with more square footage
- The smarter way to test a new location before sinking money into a full buildout
- How tracking churn, school-wide and teacher-by-teacher, reveals exactly where you're losing students
- Why the strongest loyalty a family can have isn't to a teacher, it's to your school's culture
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to test a price increase without scaring off your current families
- A simple way to open a second or third location without betting the farm on it
- What churn rate actually signals about your teachers, and how to fix it before it costs you students
- Why credentials don't always predict which teachers keep kids enrolled
- How to build the kind of loyalty that makes it hard for a teacher to poach your families
- What it really takes to step back from the day-to-day and let your school run without you
davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I talk about the real reason so many students quietly lose interest in lessons, and why it has nothing to do with talent, motivation, or how good the teaching is. I share the story of a student named Marcus, a kid who went from showing off Queen bass lines to watching the clock, and what that pattern taught me about a structural problem hiding inside almost every private lesson.
If you've ever had a parent tell you their kid "just won't practice," this episode gets at what's actually going on underneath that.
Key ideas covered in this episode:
- Why better teaching, better communication, and practice incentives don't fix declining engagement
- The real difference between kids who stick around and kids who quietly fade out
- Why most "group classes" aren't actually solving the problem they think they're solving
- How reframing the very first lesson changed retention at my own school
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why a private lesson is one of the most intimidating settings a young beginner will ever walk into, and what that means for retention
- The one shared trait among the students who kept showing up prepared, without being nagged
- Why most group classes are secretly just "six private lessons happening in the same room"
- A simple shift you can make on day one that changes how a beginner experiences their first months of lessons
- What changed for my students the moment they had a real performance instead of a recital
- How this approach became a referral engine without me ever asking for referrals
davesimonsmusic.com
In today's episode, I talk about the moment I realized the biggest obstacle to student retention was never the child's effort. It was the model I built my whole school around. I share how I stumbled onto the fix almost by accident, while trying to solve a completely different problem in my studio.
Here's what I get into:
- Why music lessons are the only youth enrichment activity built around a homework requirement
- The real difference between adult accountability and peer accountability, and why it matters so much for a child's motivation
- The accidental discovery that came from trying to serve kids under seven
- How repositioning the private lesson as a destination instead of a starting point changed my retention and my bottom line
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why the practice problem was never really about practice at all
- What every other youth activity understands about motivation that most music schools miss
- How a program I built to solve a completely unrelated problem ended up fixing my biggest retention issue
- Why I was nervous to tell parents there was no at home practice requirement, and why it became my strongest selling point
- How shifting to a group first model helped solve my teacher shortage without me even trying
- A simple structural shift you can make in your own school to build identity, community, and retention from day one
davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I want to revisit one of the most downloaded topics in the seven-year history of this podcast: the practice problem. But I'm coming at it differently this time. Because I don't think we've been solving it at the right level. We've been focused on fixing problems inside our model without asking whether the model itself is the problem.
That's the question I want you to sit with today.
Topics we dig into:
- Why parents anticipate conflict before the first lesson even starts
- How music lessons compare to every other activity in the youth enrichment category
- Why the practice battle is a design problem, not a motivation or curriculum problem
- What group programs and ensembles do differently, and why it works
- Why declaring your lessons are "fun" doesn't actually fix anything
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why families quit over practice friction that was built into your model long before they met you
- How soccer, dance, martial arts, and theater eliminated the homework problem entirely, and what music schools can learn from it
- Why students in ensemble and group programs stay longer and practice more willingly
- The difference between treating the symptom and fixing the root cause of student dropout
- Why social accountability is a more powerful motivator for kids than parental pressure or teacher expectations
- What the most successful music schools have quietly figured out, and how they've built something around the private lesson that changes everything
davesimonsmusic.com
Most music school owners who've tried group classes have walked away thinking the same thing: parents just prefer private lessons. I thought that too. And I was wrong.
In today's episode, I dig into why group classes fail at so many schools, and why the answer has almost nothing to do with curriculum. The real issue is something most owners never consider: the difference between a group class and an ensemble. One feels like a compromise. The other changes kids' lives. And once you understand that distinction, everything about how you build your program shifts.
Key Ideas in This Episode
- Why parents don't actually prefer private lessons, they prefer transformation
- The design flaw that causes most group classes to feel like divided private lessons
- Why ensemble programs create identity, and why identity is what keeps students enrolledThe student who never missed rehearsal, even though he barely practiced
- The four things every successful group program creates (and what happens when any one is missing)
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- Why almost every other children's activity is group-based, and what that tells us about what parents are really buying
- The specific structural mistake schools make when they add group classes, and the simple mindset shift that fixes it
- How an ensemble creates a sense of belonging that makes kids genuinely not want to quit
- Why a student's identity as a musician matters more for retention than their skill level does
- The four pillars of group programs that actually work: identity, belonging, performance, and pathways
- What your school would look like if you thought about the next ten years of a student's journey, not just the next semester
davesimonsmusic.com
What if the families leaving your school aren't actually leaving because of sports or busy schedules? What if there's something deeper going on that most schools aren't building on purpose?
In this episode, I explore one of the most important retention insights I've come across in years of running music schools: the difference between students who do music and students who become musicians. Youth sports accidentally get this right all the time. Music schools often accidentally get it wrong. And once you see the structural reason why, you can start to fix it.
What We Cover • Why the same child who cried when soccer was cancelled shrugged when piano was cancelled • How identity drives behavior far more reliably than interest or motivation • Why sports accidentally build tribes while music schools sometimes accidentally build customers • What I unexpectedly discovered when I built Kidzrock • Practical questions every music school owner should sit honestly with right now
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: • Why families rarely quit activities their child has deeply claimed as their own — and what that means for your school • The real difference between "I want to learn guitar" and "I am a guitarist" (it sounds small, but it changes everything) • How sports create belonging accidentally through structure, and how music schools can engineer the same thing on purpose • Specific low-lift tactics to create identity and community without overhauling your entire program • The three questions your students are silently asking that determine whether they stay or leave • Why your teaching is probably already great — and why that might not be the thing to focus on right now
davesimonsmusic.com
Most music schools run two or three recitals a year and call it a retention strategy. I used to think that was enough, too. In this episode, I want to challenge that assumption, because I think it's costing schools more students than they realize, and the fix has nothing to do with running better recitals.
In today's episode, I break down why recitals work when they do work, what's actually happening in a parent's mind when they re-enroll after a shaky performance, and why building your retention around two big events a year is less of a strategy and more of a rescue operation.
Here's what I cover:
- Why parents don't quit because their kids hate music, they quit because confidence quietly erodes
- What a recital actually does inside a parent's brain (it's not what most of us think)
- Why "the problem is practice" is the wrong diagnosis almost every time
- What soccer gets right about retention that music schools keep getting wrong
- The visibility gap that's silently draining families between your recitals
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why recitals are "confidence restoration events" and what that actually means for how you run your school
- How to map parent confidence across your school year and see exactly where families are slipping away
- Why blaming practice charts and accountability systems is solving the wrong problem
- What the real lever for retention is, and why almost no one in this industry is building around it
- How to start thinking about weekly visibility instead of relying on two big moments a year
- What changes when you stop asking "how do we run a better recital?" and start asking a much bigger question
davesimonsmusic.com
Most music school owners are fighting a retention problem they don't fully understand yet. Parents aren't quitting because their kids aren't improving. They're quitting because nobody ever showed them that they were. In this episode, I share a simple, practical tool that any teacher can start using this week to close what I call the "visibility gap" and keep more students enrolled for the long haul.
What we cover:
- Why marketing promises and lesson experiences often don't match up
- How the visibility gap silently drives your dropout rate
- A simple end-of-lesson formula that takes 30 seconds and changes everything
- Why talking to parents about scales and method books is costing you students
- What parents are actually paying for (it's not what most teachers think)
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why "we're too busy" is almost never the real reason a family quits
- How to make student progress visible to parents who don't have trained ears
- The exact before-and-after formula to use at the end of every lesson
- Why timing your encouragement matters more than you think
- How saying the right thing in front of both the parent and child creates a moment that makes families want to stay
- Why retention improvements are harder to measure than ad results, and why that's exactly why most school owners ignore them
davesimonsmusic.com
Most music school owners assume students quit because life got busy or they lost interest. But the real reason is something quieter, something that's been building for months before that cancellation email ever arrives. In today's episode, I want to climb inside the head of the parent writing you that tuition check every month and show you exactly what's happening in her mind long before she decides to quit.
Understanding this changes everything about how you approach retention.
What we cover:
- Why retention is never a single decision and always a slow, quiet drift
- The three signals parents rely on to determine whether lessons are "working" (and why all three are unreliable)
- Why letting parents observe lessons doesn't always fix the problem, and can sometimes make things worse
- The structural reason music lessons are uniquely vulnerable when a family's schedule gets tight
- A simple two-sentence habit that can meaningfully rebuild parent confidence over time
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why the cancellation email you received was actually decided months earlier, and what you can do about it
- What parents are really evaluating every time they see the monthly tuition hit their bank statement
- How to make the growth happening inside your lesson rooms visible to parents who have no musical frame of reference
- Why "parent communication" that focuses on practice assignments is missing the point entirely
- The three mental shifts that move retention from reactive to proactive
- A concrete, low-effort communication habit your teachers can start immediately that slowly rebuilds parent confidence one lesson at a time
davesimonsmusic.com
In today's episode, I discuss why student retention often has less to do with teaching quality and more to do with what parents can actually see. If parents don't understand the progress happening inside the lesson, they start judging value based on how their child feels afterward.
For music school owners, this is a big shift. Your lessons may be working, but if the progress stays invisible, parents may still question whether it's worth continuing.
Key ideas in this episode:
- Why parents use mood as a signal for lesson value
- Why real progress can look like frustration
- How music competes with activities that make progress easier to see
- Why great teaching still needs clear parent communication
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why retention is often a visibility problem, not a teaching problem
- How parents misread productive struggle as a sign lessons are not working
- What music schools can learn from sports about showing progress
- The four things parents need to know after every lesson
- How making progress visible can build trust and improve retention
davesimonsmusic.com
Most students don't quit because they're busy or lose interest. They quit because parents quietly lose confidence that lessons are working. In today's episode, I break down the hidden "visibility gap" that's driving student drop-off, and why even great teaching isn't enough if parents can't clearly see progress.
This shift changes how you think about retention. When you understand what parents are really evaluating each week, you can start fixing the real problem, not just the symptoms.
Key ideas from this episode:
- The real reason students quit isn't what most music schools think
- How one simple parent-child interaction shapes long-term retention
- Why parents rely on emotion, not evidence, to judge lesson value
- The difference between lesson quality and parent confidence
- Why music lessons struggle more than sports when it comes to perceived progress
- The hidden "visibility gap" that most schools never address
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why improving your teaching alone won't fix retention issues
- What parents are actually using to decide whether to continue lessons
- How invisible progress quietly leads to cancellations
- The critical moment each week that shapes a parent's perception
- How to shift from guessing to clearly showing value to parents
- The one lever that has the biggest impact on long-term student retention
davesimonsmusic.com
In today's episode, I break down what's really happening before a parent decides to quit music lessons. It's not about lack of interest or bad teaching. It's about something far more subtle that most school owners completely miss.
If you've ever wondered why students leave even when lessons seem to be going well, this episode will help you see the gap between what's happening in the lesson and what parents actually perceive.
Key Takeaways:
- Why parents make decisions based on perception, not reality
- The "30-second filter" that shapes how parents evaluate your program
- What happens when progress isn't visible, even if it's happening
- The hidden disconnect between teachers and parents
- Why increasing engagement doesn't always solve retention issues
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to identify the early warning signs before a student quits
- Why great teaching alone isn't enough to retain students
- The three signals parents use to decide whether to continue
- How unclear progress quietly erodes perceived value
- What parents actually want to see from lessons
- How to make your students' progress obvious and undeniable
This episode will shift how you think about retention and help you focus on what truly keeps families committed.
davesimonsmusic.com
In today's episode, I sit down with Tim Topham to unpack why events feel productive but often don't actually move your music school forward. If you've ever left a conference energized but found yourself back in the same place a few weeks later, this conversation will help you understand why and what to do differently so those experiences finally translate into real growth.
- Why most music school owners don't have a learning problem, they have a conversion problem
- The hidden reason event inspiration fades once you're back in your day-to-day operations
- How information overload is no longer the bottleneck and what actually is
- Why the real value of events isn't in the sessions, but in something far more overlooked
- The mindset shift that separates owners who grow from those who stay stuck
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to walk into events with a clear filter so you leave with decisions, not just ideas
- Why "feeling productive" can actually be slowing down your business growth
- How to use conversations at events to uncover blind spots in your business model
- The simple shift that turns event insights into immediate, measurable actionHow to identify what's truly limiting your school's growth right now
- Why your current business structure, not your effort, might be capping your results
davesimonsmusic.com
Most music school owners spend a lot of time watching their competitors.
What they charge. What programs they offer. What their website looks like.
But the schools that grow the fastest rarely obsess over competitors.
They obsess over their customers.
In this episode, Dave shares a powerful shift in thinking that can dramatically improve your marketing, retention, and referrals: understanding what parents actually value.
When you stop reacting to competitors and start listening closely to your families, everything about your school becomes clearer—from your messaging to your pricing to the experience you create.
In this episode, you'll discover:
• Why focusing on competitors can quietly stall your school's growth • The surprising niche most music schools completely overlook • How parents' motivations reveal what your marketing should actually say • What conversations in waiting rooms can teach you about pricing and value • Why parents aren't really buying music lessons (and what they're buying instead) • How Google reviews reveal what families truly care about • The simple shift that helps schools build stronger word-of-mouth and waiting lists
If you want clearer marketing, stronger retention, and a school parents feel proud to recommend, this episode will change the way you think about growth.
davesimonsmusic.com
At first glance, most music schools look the same. Private lessons. Recitals. Qualified teachers. And yet, some schools quietly stall at 120–150 students… while others keep growing year after year.
In this episode, we unpack the real reason behind the plateau — and why it has nothing to do with marketing, talent, or even enrollment.
It's about structure.
More specifically, whether you've built your school around a schedule… or around a mission. If you've ever felt like your growth hit a ceiling — or you're working harder but not compounding — this episode will change how you think about your business.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- The hidden weakness of private lesson-only models (and why they feel busy but fragile)
- Why "personality loyalty" is dangerous — and how to build brand loyalty instead
- The uncomfortable test that reveals whether your school is replaceable
- What "emotional gravity" is — and how it reduces churn
- Why churn (not marketing) is the silent killer of scale
- How mission impacts hiring, onboarding, retention, and even pricing power
- The structural shift that turns a music school from a job into an asset
If you want scale, durability, and a school that doesn't depend entirely on you, this conversation matters.
davesimonsmusic.com
Hiring isn't about filling a teaching slot. It's about protecting your culture.
In this episode, I sit down with Luisa Rodriguez-Haag, Recruitment Manager at Ensemble Performing Arts, to unpack the biggest hiring mistake music schools make — and how to fix it before it costs you retention, morale, and your brand reputation. You're not just hiring someone to teach. You're hiring someone to represent your promise to families. We break down what separates a "warm body" from a true culture carrier and why skill alone isn't enough.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why teaching is a transfer of emotion, not just information
- The red flags of a misaligned hire
- How to interview for values, not just availability
- Why rushed hiring leads to turnover
- How culture-first hiring strengthens retention and referrals
If you've ever made a desperate hire or struggled with turnover, this conversation will reshape how you interview.
Because your brand walks into the room every time your teacher does.
This episode is a heartfelt tribute and a powerful reminder of what truly makes a music school memorable. After the passing of Greg Hipskind, founder of QC Rock Academy, Dave reflects on the quiet but profound impact Greg had on his students, families, and community. Not through flashy ads or clever funnels, but through generosity.
In this episode, you'll discover how generosity can become one of the most effective (and overlooked) marketing strategies in your music school.
You'll learn:
- Why the most talked-about music schools give students experiences, not just lessons
- How "talk triggers" turn ordinary schools into word-of-mouth machines
- Why generosity doesn't have to be spontaneous—and how to systematize it
- Simple, realistic ways to build community outside the lesson room
- Why the impact of generosity won't show up in spreadsheets—but will show up in retention and referrals
If you've ever wondered how to make your school stand out, keep students longer, and give parents something genuinely worth talking about—this episode will shift how you think about growth.
January isn't just another enrollment push. It's your launchpad for the entire year.
In this episode, Dave breaks down how music school owners can turn January sign-ups into long-term, emotionally connected families who stay through summer and beyond. This isn't about more ads or better discounts—it's about building the kind of experience families don't want to leave.
You'll learn how to use January momentum to create retention systems that quietly do the heavy lifting all year long.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why January is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) enrollment windows of the year
- How January enrollment directly impacts summer retention, and what most schools miss
- The real reason families pause lessons in the summer (and how to prevent it)
- Simple, repeatable ways to create emotional connection at scale
- How small, consistent touchpoints turn students into long-term members of your community
- Why systems, not memory, are the secret to sustainable retention
If you want students who stay past the honeymoon phase and parents who see your school as part of their child's identity, this episode lays out the playbook.
davesimonsmusic.com
Holiday season isn't just recital season… it's decision season. In this episode, you'll learn how to turn the "new instrument" moment (Christmas/Hanukkah gifts) into a powerful enrollment boost without sounding salesy or generic. If you want more students in January, this is the window to act, and we'll show you exactly how.
In this episode, you'll learn how to:
- Spot the holiday enrollment window most music school owners miss (and why it matters right now)
- Shift from "Now enrolling" to hyper-specific messaging that makes parents feel understood
- Use the "new instrument" fear ("Will it end up under the bed?") as a high-converting hook
- Activate your superstar families with gift-style referral cards that multiply trust
- Run holiday ads the smart way: dedicated landing page + simple A/B test (holiday vs. general)
- Build a short email sequence that drives action using curiosity + emotion + a deadline
- Follow up confidently (text/phone) without feeling pushy because it's not annoying, it's leadership
Listen in if you want a clear, practical playbook to fill January and kick off the year with momentum.
This episode digs into a challenge many music school owners quietly struggle with: feeling like everything depends on you. Dave walks you through the mindset shifts and simple systems that help you step out of that bottleneck role and build a school that runs with more ease, clarity, and support.
You'll learn:
- How the 80% Rule helps you release perfection and trust your team
- A straightforward method for documenting and delegating recurring tasks
- How to hand off not just work, but the thinking behind the work
- Why your highest value comes from steering the business, not managing every detail
- A practical way to use AI to strengthen your assistant's strategy skills
- How small, consistent delegation steps lead to more freedom and real scalability
If you're ready to reclaim your time, lead with more confidence, and build a school that doesn't rely on you for everything, this episode will give you the tools to start.
davesimonsmusic.com
Parents quietly judge lessons by three things: pleasure, practice, and progress. When one slips, doubt creeps in and retention drops. In this episode, Dave breaks down how to make progress visible, make practice doable, and keep joy high—so families stay enrolled longer.
In this episode, you'll learn how to:
- Spot the early warning signs of parent doubt and stop churn before it starts
- Turn "practice battles" into simple, repeatable routines kids can follow at home
- Make weekly progress obvious to non-musician parents between recitals
- Use quick communication rituals that build trust without adding teacher workload
- Reframe lessons so parents see them as an investment, not an expense
- Align your school around the 3 Ps—pleasure, practice, progress—to lift lifetime value
Perfect for: music school owners who want higher retention, happier parents, and a calmer home practice culture.
davesimonsmusic.com
Running a music school is a constant juggle—marketing, staff management, parent communication, and daily fires to put out. What if you could have a strategist, systems expert, and creative partner on call anytime you need one?
In this episode, we explore four simple but powerful ChatGPT prompts that can completely shift how you think, plan, and make decisions for your school. These aren't just "AI tricks". They're conversation starters that help you uncover insights you didn't know you had.
Here's what you'll learn:
- The one prompt that helps ChatGPT act like a true business partner, not just a chatbot
- How to get smarter, more personalized results from AI by asking the right questions
- A two-word prompt that can instantly reveal the blind spots in your plans
- A creativity booster that gets you unstuck when brainstorming promotions or program ideas
- How to integrate these prompts into your weekly workflow to save time and make better decisions
Tune in to start simplifying your systems, clarifying your strategy, and running your school with more ease.
Parents do not stay in your music school because of curriculum alone. They stay because they feel connected, seen, and part of something bigger. In this episode, you’ll discover how to transform uncertainty into long-term loyalty through intentional experiences.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why trust, not discounts, is the foundation of retention
- How small gestures from your staff and teachers create loyalty
- The role of policies when paired with empathy
- Why community keeps families enrolled long term
- The 5-step “Loyalty Loop” framework that turns parents into advocates
Listen in and learn how to design parent experiences that go beyond lessons and build lasting belonging.
davesimonsmusic.com
Parents don’t buy music lessons. They buy transformation. In this episode, you’ll learn how to use storytelling as your most effective sales tool.
What you’ll discover:
- Why stories resonate with parents more than facts or sales pitches
- How storytelling highlights transformation, not just lessons
- The social power of music—identity, confidence, and status
- How to build and use a “story bank” for calls, emails, and posts
- Simple ways to match stories with parents’ hopes and fears
By the end, you’ll know how to shift your marketing from “selling lessons” to showing parents what’s truly possible for their child.
davesimonsmusic.com
Marketing doesn’t fail because Facebook ads don’t work. It fails because the message isn’t clear. In this episode, we dig into the biggest marketing myths holding music schools back—and how to fix them.
You’ll discover:
- Why parents aren’t buying lessons—they’re buying transformation.
- How to craft a story that resonates with families in your community.
- The #1 shift that makes your ads, posts, and emails actually work.
- Why consistency beats intensity in every marketing channel.
- A simple exercise to uncover the words parents really want to hear.
If you’ve been frustrated with marketing that feels like a money pit, this episode will help you create a strategy that actually connects—and converts.
davesimonsmusic.com
This episode is your go-to checklist for making the most of fall’s natural enrollment surge. Whether you’ve got 20 students or 200, you’ll learn practical, fast-to-implement tactics to increase sign-ups and re-engage past families.
Here’s what you’ll take away:
If you want this fall to be your biggest enrollment season yet, this episode will give you the tools and the timing to make it happen.
- How to make your homepage irresistible to parents in seconds.
- The exact question to ask in first calls that uncovers their “why.”
- A simple calendar trick to catch families right after sports season.
- How to use instrument-specific ads with deadlines for more clicks.
- Ways to turn your dropout list into your best free marketing source.
- The fastest way to follow up with your warmest leads.
- Why you should talk about your school way more than you think.
If you want this fall to be your biggest enrollment season yet, this episode will give you the tools and the timing to make it happen.
davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I get real about something every music school owner feels in their gut: your school is more than a business—it’s your baby. But just like raising a child, you eventually need to prepare it to thrive without you.
I share what I’ve learned from working with school owners across the country, the emotional journey of selling my own school, and the mindset shift that changed everything: thinking like a seller, even if you never sell. This episode is for any owner who feels tired, stuck, or unsure how to scale beyond themselves.
Plus, I invite you to a powerful free webinar on Wednesday, July 31 at 1:00 PM ET: "How to Build a Music School That’s Sellable—Even If You’re Not Planning to Sell" with special guest Jeff Homer, CEO of Ensemble Performing Arts.
Reserve your spot: welovemusicschools.com/webinar
What M&M’s Taught Me About Music School Marketing
In this episode, we’re looking at one of the most iconic marketing campaigns of all time—M&M’s “Melts in your mouth, not in your hands”—and how the same psychology can transform the way you market your music school.
You’ll learn how to move beyond surface-level promotion and tap into the unspoken fears, doubts, and curiosities that parents are already carrying—whether they’ve said them out loud or not.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why pointing out a hidden problem builds immediate trust with parents
- Real-world messaging examples that speak to concerns parents didn’t know they had
- How to create ads that stir curiosity and spark action
- The subtle shift from selling lessons to connecting with emotions
- How to reframe your next campaign to make parents say, “This is exactly what we need.”
If your marketing isn’t converting the way it should—or if it just feels like it’s missing something—this episode will show you why.
davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I share why group classes can be the most valuable and profitable part of your music school. When structured around ensemble performance, they don’t just match private lessons, they offer more: teamwork, leadership, and full engagement from day one. I’ll break down how The Band Builder Program makes this easy to launch, and you’ll hear how other school owners are using it to boost revenue and retention.
davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, we break down why group lessons could be the best opportunity for your music school—not a fallback plan. You’ll discover how to rethink group education and unlock real growth for your students and your business.
Key takeaways:
- Why group lessons aren’t a “cheaper alternative”—they’re a better experience for many kids
- How to shift your belief so families see real value in your group programs
- Why ensemble learning keeps kids motivated, excited, and sticking with music longer
- How to position private lessons as the next level rather than the starting point
- The business upside: better scalability, stronger community, and higher retention
Tune in to reimagine your school’s future with group classes that energize your students, families, and bottom line!
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What’s really holding your group classes back? (Spoiler: It’s not your curriculum.)
In this episode of Music Lessons and Marketing, Dave peels back the curtain on what makes group classes truly thrive—and why some music schools struggle to fill even one class while others build scalable, high-impact programs that run like clockwork.
Whether you're wrestling with DIY curriculum or considering a license program like Kidzrock or Piano Jam, this conversation will help you clarify your next move.
Listen to learn:
- The hidden cost of building your own group program from scratch
- How belief, not curriculum, drives parent buy-in and enrollment
- Why most DIY programs stall after the first few signups
- How licensed programs can unlock faster growth (without hiring unicorn teachers)
- What parents really want—and how to position group classes as the premium choice
- Why great marketing (not great music) is the real enrollment engine
If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or wondering if group classes are really worth it… this episode is for you.
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Your systems matter—but your energy drives them.
In this episode, I share why your mindset, leadership habits, and clarity as an owner are often the biggest levers for growth. Before you add another strategy, start here.
You'll learn:
- How your leadership style shapes your school culture
- Why burnout is a business issue, not just a personal one
- Simple mindset shifts that reignite focus and momentum
- How to lead with energy—and why it matters more than you think
This one’s for the school owner who’s been overworking, under-inspired, and ready for real change.
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This episode flips the script on summer slumps for music school owners. Learn how to transform your sales conversations into insight-driven marketing gold. Discover how to shift your message, methods, and mindset to meet families where they are this season—and turn summer into your most magnetic offer yet.
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In this episode, we flip the script on sales. Discover how to turn your music school enrollment calls into powerful marketing tools—without ever feeling pushy. Learn how to sell the transformation, ask the right questions, and build trust that lasts beyond the first lesson.
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Are you stuck in the daily grind of running your music school—answering emails, fixing schedules, solving problems? In this episode, Dave challenges the idea that more hustle equals more growth. Learn why doing less—and thinking bigger—is the smartest move you can make. We’ll unpack the power of strategic thinking, how to build your “War Room” routine, and why vision work is your true job as a school owner.
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In this episode, Dave uncovers what baseball, Banana Ball, and your music school’s marketing have in common. Learn how reimagining tradition and listening to sales calls can spark marketing gold—while keeping students (and their parents) obsessed with your program. Key takeaways include:
- How to identify and eliminate friction in your lessons
- Why group classes can feel like premium experiences
- The power of rethinking your approach to music education
- And how your sales conversations can be the secret sauce to better marketing!
Tune in and learn how to take your music school’s marketing to the next level!
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Running a music school without business knowledge can feel like composing a symphony without knowing how to read music. In this episode, we break down the three essential pillars of business growth that every music school owner needs to master—without spending hours buried in textbooks.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The 3 essential daily habits that will help you scale your music school with confidence.
- How AI tools like ChatGPT and Notebook LM can fast-track your business learning.
- A smarter way to absorb key business concepts—without reading endless books.
- How to turn knowledge into actionable strategies that fuel long-term success.
Tune in now and start building a music school that thrives!
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AI is changing the way music schools operate, but is it a friend or a threat? In this episode, Dave breaks down how AI can help you save time, market smarter, and make better business decisions—without losing the personal touch that makes your school unique.
Key Takeaways:
- How AI can handle the busywork so you can do what you love—teaching music.
- The secret to using AI in your marketing—so students come to you (without the extra hustle).
- How AI can size up your competition and help your music school stand out.
- Writing scroll-stopping sales copy and Facebook ads in seconds—no stress, no overthinking.
- Why AI will never replace human connection—but it can make it even stronger.
Tune in now and discover how AI can be your most powerful business partner.
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What if your music school wasn’t just a business, but a life-changing community? In this episode, we explore how small, thoughtful gestures turn everyday interactions into lasting connections. Learn how generosity can grow your music school, deepen relationships, and create raving fans — all without a big marketing budget.
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Unlock the true potential of your music school with the power of a well-crafted mission statement. In this episode, Dave explores why a mission statement is more than just words on paper—it’s your school’s compass for growth, unity, and purpose. Learn how to write a statement that reflects your vision, guides decisions, and inspires everyone who walks through your doors.
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Learn how your sales calls can supercharge your music school marketing! In this episode, discover how real-time conversations reveal the exact words and emotions that resonate with parents. Use their hopes, dreams, and objections to refine your messaging and create more impactful marketing campaigns.
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What can music school owners learn from the Super Bowl? A lot more than you think! In this episode, we break down how the NFL creates unforgettable experiences and how you can apply those same strategies to your recitals. Learn how to build excitement, create meaningful traditions, and turn your events into can't-miss experiences that boost retention and engagement.
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Struggling to get results from your Facebook ads? In this episode, digital marketing expert Ray Kirsch shares proven strategies to help music school owners create high-performing ad campaigns. Learn how to refine your targeting, craft compelling offers, optimize your landing pages, and track performance for better ROI. Discover how to turn your ads into student enrollment machines today.
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This episode features John Kozicki of the podcast Rock School Proprietor, which explores fresh insights into music education. John and his co-host, Mandy York, bridge the gap between classical and rock-based teaching, discussing how to balance technique with creativity, guide parents through the learning process, and make practice more engaging.
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Why aren’t your social media posts getting the engagement you hoped for? In this episode, Sara Campbell uncover the top three mistakes music schools often make on platforms like Facebook and Instagram—and, more importantly, how to fix them.
From the pitfalls of overly promotional content to the missed opportunities of “set it and forget it” posting, we’ll walk you through actionable strategies to level up your social media game. Plus, discover why asking for reviews is a must and how to make storytelling the secret ingredient in your marketing.
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start seeing results from your social media efforts, this episode is for you!
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Adding a new revenue stream can transform your business, as shown by Lauren Bateman’s success with her online guitar course, the 7 Level Guitar System, which has generated over $2.5 million in sales through YouTube. Diversification offers financial security and growth opportunities but requires careful market research to avoid costly missteps. Lauren’s journey highlights the importance of validating ideas, leveraging social media, and committing time and effort. With the right strategy and preparation, introducing new revenue streams can unlock extraordinary results for your business.
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As music school owners, we often turn to each other for advice and strategies—but what if the best ideas for growing your business came from outside the music world? In this episode, I share my own experience of learning from different industries, from hair salons to dance studios, and how these insights helped elevate my music school.
We’ll talk about the importance of creating low-barrier entry points for students, and I’ll introduce today’s guest, Misty Lown, a leader in the dance world who’s mastered the art of positive first experiences. Tune in to discover how stepping outside the music education bubble can bring fresh ideas and new growth to your school.
Key Takeaways:
- How to learn from industries outside of music
- The value of a positive first experience for students
- Insights from Misty Lown on creating a successful studio program
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In this episode, Dave dives into crafting memorable stories that fuel word-of-mouth marketing for your music school. Learn how to create standout moments beyond the lesson room that make your clients excited to share. Tune in to hear inspiring real-world examples and practical tips to boost your school’s reputation.
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In Episode 239, Dave dives into the success stories behind the Kidzrock program with music school owner John Kozicki. Why do some schools thrive while others falter with group classes? This episode uncovers the crucial role that marketing, mindset, and instructor selection play in filling group classes and driving revenue.
Whether you’re already running group classes or considering adding them to your offerings, you’ll gain actionable insights that will make them a core part of your music school’s success. Learn how to effectively market your group classes, educate parents, and create a passionate, belief-driven culture that resonates with both staff and students.
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Explore why some music schools succeed with group programs like Kidzrock and others don't. Join Dave Simon and Kelly Bennett, from Valencia School of Music, dive into top marketing strategies, effective parent communication, and practical advice for launching and maintaining Kidzrock programs. Whether you're a music school owner or instructor, this episode is packed with insights to help you elevate your group classes. Tune in and learn how to make your music school stand out!
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In this episode, Dave delves into the surprising power of using pain in marketing. Discover how this strategy can capture attention, build trust, and drive sales. Learn from real-world examples and get practical tips for applying this technique in your marketing and sales calls. Don’t miss these valuable insights to enhance your music school's marketing effectiveness!
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In today’s episode, we’re gearing up for an exciting webinar titled “The Number One Way to Fill Your Group Classes,” happening on July 11th at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. If you haven’t reserved your spot yet, now is the perfect time! Can’t make it? No worries—replay will be available. Sign up at davesimonsmusic.com/webinar.
Key Points Covered:
- No Paid Ads Needed: Learn how phone calls and emails can effectively fill your group classes without the need for paid advertising.
- Parental Perception: Understand how parents' past experiences with private lessons influence their decisions and how to leverage this in your marketing.
- Value Explanation: Discover the importance of clearly explaining the benefits and value of your group classes to parents.
- Overcoming Risks: Learn strategies to make unfamiliar group classes feel like a safe and valuable choice for parents.
- Sales Training Role Play: Hear a role play of a sales call for programs like Kidzrock, Jr. Rockerz, and Piano Jam, complete with commentary and strategy breakdowns.
- Building Relationships: Explore how to build rapport, trust, and present yourself as a likable expert to foster long-term relationships with new families.
- Sales Framework (RPCO): Get a simple outline for any sales call—Reveal, Present, Close, Objections (RPCO)—and tips for handling objections effectively.
Listen in as we dive into the nuances of selling group classes and how to position them as the best choice for parents and their children. Don’t forget to sign up for the webinar to learn more in-depth strategies!
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For a deeper dive into these topics, join Dave's webinar on July 11th at davesimonsmusic.com/webinar, where you'll receive in-depth strategies, participate in a live Q&A, and access exclusive resources. Tune in and transform how you market and sell group music classes, inspiring young musicians along the way. In this episode:
- Discover why group classes are an ideal solution for music schools facing instructor shortages, allowing them to serve more students efficiently.
- Delve into parents' beliefs about music lessons, their impact on a child's development and social status, and address common fears about failure.
- Learn how to design engaging group classes that retain students, communicate their unique benefits like teamwork and leadership, and present them as a valuable step towards private lessons.
- Gain insights on effective communication strategies, marketing tactics, and practical solutions for music schools.
- Understand the power of offering guarantees to build confidence and reduce perceived risks for parents.
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Unlock the secrets to making your music school more profitable. Discover how group classes can significantly boost your margins and optimize your limited teaching hours. In this episode, Dave delves into common misconceptions parents have about group versus private lessons and how to reposition your offerings to meet their needs.
Join Dave in his upcoming webinar, “The Number One Way to Fill Your Group Classes,” on July 11th at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Don’t miss this chance to transform your business strategy and increase your student enrollment. Sign up now at www.davesimonsmusic.com/webinar.
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In this episode, we look at new ways to teach music. Our guest, Nate Shaw, co-host of the Seven Figure Music School podcast and owner of the Brooklyn Music Factory, shares his unique method of gamified learning.
Nate has revolutionized music lessons by making them fun and relevant through the use of pop music and games, moving beyond traditional methods. Tune in to hear about his creation, Big Music Games, and its impact on music education.
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Join Dave as he delves into the essentials of effective leadership in the music education business. He explores the importance of mentorship, both in having a mentor and being one.
Discover how these relationships can transform your business approach and provide deeper insights. Dave shares a personal story about making tough decisions with a mentor’s guidance and introduces a rare opportunity to work with him directly. Tune in to learn how to establish strong systems and a robust marketing plan to drive growth in your music school.
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Many music schools prefer hiring instructors with advanced degrees, but U-Rock Music School’s focus on mentoring and hiring teenager stands out. In this episode, I speak with Daniela Guglieta, a parent from U-Rock. She shared her positive experience with teenage instructors and her initial reaction to her child’s 17-year-old teacher.
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Join Dave as he explores the innovative solution to music teacher shortages with Cathy Hallessey and Brian Brodersen from U-Rock Music School. Discover their unique approach to staffing their school with teenage teachers and the challenges and rewards they encounter along the way.
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Join Dave as he delves into the essentials of effective leadership in the face of adversity. He explores how to navigate crises with composure and clarity. Discover the pivotal role of leadership in business, especially during crises.
From weathering the storm of recession to navigating the uncharted waters of a global pandemic, Dave uncovers valuable lessons on staying emotionally detached, making informed decisions, and empowering your team. Tune in to learn practical strategies for honing your leadership skills and leading your business through turbulent times.
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Join Dave as he shares the top challenges music school owners face and how to overcome them. Based on insights from a recent Music Lessons and Marketing Facebook group poll, Dave identifies five common limiting beliefs among music school owners, such as not enjoying the business side or feeling inadequate with technology. Reflecting on his own experience, Dave breaks down each belief and offers practical strategies for tackling them.
Discover why disliking the business aspect doesn’t have to hold you back and how to delegate tasks effectively to focus on growth. Learn how to afford an assistant even on a tight budget and why investing in help can propel your school forward. Dave also discusses overcoming tech challenges and getting started with marketing, providing actionable steps for school owners to boost their marketing efforts effectively.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into overcoming common hurdles in running a music school and learn how to thrive in the competitive landscape of music education.
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Ready to dive into the world of Instagram advertising with Danny Thompson? In this episode, he's spilling all the secrets on how to rock Instagram ads and supercharge your advertising game. We'll talk about fixing those pesky advertising problems and using what you learn to make your campaigns shine in today's fast-paced digital world.
So, Danny's really getting into the nuts and bolts of digital advertising. It's not just about catchy words; there's a whole science to making ads and hitting the right people. Sure, you could hire someone else to handle it, but knowing how it works gives you the power to steer your campaigns like a pro. Level up your advertising game today!
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Discover effective strategies to boost sales and enhance student retention in your music school. In this episode, Dave unveils two proven methods to keep students engaged and coming back for more. Say goodbye to churn and hello to growth with these actionable insights!
Jonah Berger’s onto something: keeping your music school on people’s lips is key. Word of mouth’s a game-changer, and staying memorable doesn’t have to eat up your time. Two main strategies got your back—one for your current kids and another for those who’ve hit pause. Generosity’s your secret weapon. Drop a friendly email now and then, and watch your brand buzz. It’s all about keeping those connections strong, whether they’re fresh faces or old pals.
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Ready to unlock the secrets of a powerful word-of-mouth marketing strategy? Dive into this eye-opening episode with Dave. Despite its undeniable effectiveness, too many music schools are missing out on the potential of word-of-mouth marketing. Discover why it's crucial to shift your focus from offering discounts to showing genuine gratitude, a tactic proven to build trust and reputation.
Explore how simple, personalized gestures can work wonders in nurturing strong relationships and staying on the radar of both current and former students. Dave will guide you through the art of subtle engagement and authentic connection, going beyond the confines of music lessons.
Don't miss out on valuable insights and unveil practical strategies that ensure consistent engagement and harness the full potential of referrals. Tune in now and transform your word-of-mouth marketing strategy today.
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In this episode, Dave shares insights into the psychology behind pricing and customer perception, particularly in the context of music lessons. People often have a vague idea about the cost of music lessons, influenced by factors like convenience, reputation, and social validation.
Music school owners sometimes mistakenly set prices based on their own financial perspective rather than their customers' ability to pay. Dave emphasizes the importance of understanding that clients may value music lessons differently, seeing them either as a commodity or as a transformative experience for their child.
Dave advises music school owners to price confidently, reflecting the quality and value of the lessons they offer, and to use pricing as a tool to communicate this value. He argues that small price increases generally do not deter customers if they understand the value they're receiving, suggesting that effectively communicating the benefits and quality of music education can justify higher prices and attract clients who prioritize their child's development.
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In this episode, Dave speaks with two members of Jonny Wilson’s Build a Music School program and how it helped them grow their music school.
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Learn how to create a music summer camp experience that keeps kids returning year after year.
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In this episode, Dave explores different ways to avoid the summer slump and make summer your most profitable season.
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Camps can be a great way to offset student drops during the summer. In this episode, I speak with the King of Camp, Andy Brown, on how to structure a camp program parents and kids love.
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In this episode, Dave shares 8 lessons he learned about leadership, business, and marketing during COVID.
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Internationally renowned music educator Tim Topham shares how to improve student engagement and retention in his new book, “No Book Beginners.”
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In this episode, I share a 10-step summer camp marketing strategy that stretches from January to August.
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In this episode, Dave outlines a simple system for putting a marketing strategy together in just minutes.
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Making a promotional video for your music school doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. In fact, it doesn’t have to cost a dime. In this episode, Dave shares a simple, 6-step framework you can apply to any marketing video.
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In this episode, Dave shares 14 different ways to optimize your website so that it ranks #1 on Google.
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Dave takes a look at how the ever-evolving world of pop culture and technology can impact a music school. Dave speaks with a music school owner who has not only embraced the digital revolution but has built his entire business around electronic music.
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What does brand and branding even mean? In this episode, Dave shares how to incorporate branding into your marketing strategy.
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Do you struggle to find time to focus on marketing and other growth-oriented activities? In this episode, Dave maps out a strategy that will allow you to better manage and implement growth-oriented projects.
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In this episode, Dave shares different word-of-mouth marketing strategies designed to inspire your families to talk more about your music school.
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Build a Music School founder, Jonny Wilson, shares 9 books that every music school owner should have on their book shelf. Dave also shares his self-learning routine that only requires 20 minutes a day.
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Imagine how many more students you’d have in your music school if more students stayed for longer. In this episode, Dave shares some strategies that can improve your student retention.
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In the world of a music school, the importance of first impressions looms large. Every step a customer takes—from visiting your website to that first phone call to their first step into your school—comprises a chain of vital first impressions. These initial moments dictate the rhythm of their entire experience. In this episode, Dave dives into the art of identifying and shaping these impressions.
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In this episode, Dave shares how to revolutionize and simplify your marketing with ChatGPT.
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With fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to ramp up your marketing efforts. In this episode, I share some easy-to-implement marketing strategies that will help fill your school with music and more students.
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One of my biggest regrets in business is waiting so long to hire a virtual assistant. In this episode, I share how to hire and delegate tasks to a VA.
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Do you find it hard to get excited about marketing? There are many lessons that we have all learned that can easily be applied to marketing.
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In this episode, I discuss how to better understand your school’s financials with Jeff Homer of Ensemble Music Schools.
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In this episode, I discuss when and how to write both long and short-form sales copy. Reader's attention spans vary from each marketing medium and your sales copy should reflect this.
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Darren Siman successfully runs a profitable music school with an all-group model. This model helps music school owners overcome challenges from operations to a sales standpoint.
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One way to make a sales conversation more engaging is through storytelling. Use these ten tips to effectively incorporate storytelling on your next sales call.
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Burnout is really a struggle that music school owners likely experience with running a music school. In this episode, we’re going to hear from different music school owners their own takes on how to avoid burnout.
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In this episode, Dave discusses the message a school sends through its pricing.
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Wherever there’s an opportunity for us to create or provide convenience, we seize upon it. There are certainly benefits to the in-home lesson business model, but there will always be a desire for the in-school experience.
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At some point in your life, you will exit your music school; either by choice or by circumstance. In this episode, I discuss how to prepare your business for that inevitable day.
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Your cold leads are full of opportunities. In this episode, let's talk about how you can warm up your cold leads and turn them into active customers.
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Facebook ads are a great return on your investment. The key is to continually test and shape it until it's performing the way that you hope it would.
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The best investment you can make in yourself and in your business is self-education. In this episode, I share with you ways on how you can improve your next marketing endeavor that you can do by yourself at once.
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Parents most likely say no to group lessons because they don’t know enough about them to say yes. In this episode, I share with you a group class that parents prefer to private lessons.
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When your marketing doesn’t work, it’s usually because your message is not resonating with people. If you listen carefully to your customers when they talk to you, you will gain insight from them.
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https://davesimonsmusic.com/60k-with-summer-camp/In this episode, we'll talk about how to significantly grow your summer camp program from structuring your camp week to your marketing tactics.
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In this episode, I share how to help parents understand the value of group lessons. The more parents value group classes, the more they'll be willing to pay.
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In this episode, I share with you how to add value to your group music classes that will eventually maximize your profits in group lessons.
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This powerful marketing strategy used by these brands works very well, and sure you can apply it to inspire your students to practice, too.
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In this episode, let's talk about how to write about the instruments that you teach in your music school on your website from a copywriting standpoint that engages your website visitors.
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The more robust your marketing strategy, the less pressure there is for you to spend a lot of money on paid ads. In this episode, music school owners share marketing ideas that cost little to nothing.
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Maximize your marketing potential with a robust marketing plan. In today’s show, I’m going to share with you part 2 of the marketing strategies that music school owners from around the world implement in their music schools that cost little to nothing.
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Maximize your marketing potential with a robust marketing plan. In today’s show, I’m going to share with you part 2 of the marketing strategies that music school owners from around the world implement in their music schools that cost little to nothing.
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Surely there are other ways to get your message out. In this first episode, I share with you a list of different marketing strategies that cost little to nothing to implement.
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Surely there are other ways to get your message out. In this first episode, I share with you a list of different marketing strategies that cost little to nothing to implement.
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Launching marketing campaigns targeted at inactive students can be pretty challenging. In this episode, I share with you some helpful marketing strategies that you can use to reach out to your music school drops.
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Both marketing and music are forms of communication. In this episode, I share some lessons music taught me about how to better market my music school.
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In this episode, I share with you the ways how your music school can use social media engagement as an effective marketing strategy for your customers without stressing much about sales.
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In this episode, I want to talk about how a sales call is not just about making the sale. Rather, it is also about incorporating the few things that make your prospective customer feel seen and heard.
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PARENTS AND KIDS ARE READY—ARE YOU?
Every fall is a boom time for music schools. This fall could prove to be a boom like no other. Parents and kids are ready to get back into the groove of life with COVID becoming a more manageable crisis and schools dropping protective mandates.
Is your music school in good shape to handle a sudden rush of new business? In this episode of Music Lessons and Marketing, I share an easy way to whip your music school's administrative systems and processes into shape in no time.
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If you’re a lover of music, I think you’re going to enjoy my conversation today with my guest Jake St. John the Head of Operations at Ensemble Music Schools. Jake shares some great insights on music and the importance it plays not just in children’s lives but the impact music has on humanity as a whole.
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Finding good music instructors has always been a challenge for music schools. The Great Resignation has only amplified the problem. In this episode, I share some practical solutions for finding and mentoring loyal and committed instructors.
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In this episode, I talk about what I believe is the number one challenge with running a music school and how to solve this problem by conducting a program that focuses on group classes.
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All music schools are looking to gain a competitive edge and stand out in their market. Better music lessons is a good place to start but your competitive edge, or your unique selling proposition, is often found beyond the music lesson. In this episode I discuss ways to discover and market what makes your music school unique and different.
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As the owner of your music school, your customers value having a close connection to you. As your music school grows it becomes more of a challenge to have a close connection with each customer. In this episode I share some ways to make each of your customers feel appreciated and heard.
A lot of people think of marketing and advertising as the same thing. Think of advertsing as the jet fuel for your marketing.
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In this episode I look 5 marketing statements that perhaps 70- 80% of music schools make that I believe have little to no impact on a prospective customer.
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In this episode I share how one music school uses story telling as a powerful marketing strategy. The internet is a noisy world and grabbing and holding people's attention is the name the of the game. Story marketing is a great way to cut through the noise online so your message can be heard loud and clear.
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There are two different music school models. Most schools fall into either one of these different models. One is the barbershop model, and the other is the football team model.
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Why do kids drop out of music lessons? Every parent has their own explanation but it usually boils down to the fact that the student just didn't love the lessons enough to stay. In this episode, I discuss a strategy for improving student retention. davesimonsmusic.com
An operations manual is a set of instructions that tells your business what to do. Every single moving part of your business should be documented in an operations manual. Not only will it help turn your music school into a well-oiled machine, but it also is the best insurance policy you could have for your music school.
Trying to get your office staff excited about honing their skills in sales can prove to be a challenge. In this episode, I share with you how to gamify sales trainings to help motivate your staff to develop better skills techniques.
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In this episode, I share a 7-step framework you can use when conducting a sales call. It’s a framework that you probably implement on some level in any conversation you have. It emphasizes listening and empathy over persuasion and pressure. This framework allows you to customize your sales pitch for each prospective student. This approach allows a new customer to better understand how your music lessons are going to help his or her child achieve the results they’re looking for. davesimonsmusic.com
There are six business functions in your music school. Every action in your business falls under one of these six categories. Your music school will turn into a well-oiled machine by creating a set of instructions and processes for each category.
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Do you have 3 or more important projects collecting dust on your to-do list? Projects that if implemented would likely lead to growth in your music school? Projects that clearly demand a lot of time and attention. Time you seem not to have? In this week's episode, I share a strategy you can use to get more done in less time. A strategy you can use to eliminate music school overwhelm and move the needle in your business.
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Do you struggle to keep up with all of the emails flooding into your inbox? In this episode, I share a simple email management system I learned from productivity expert, David Allen that will allow you to get more done in less time with less stress.
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In this episode, I share how to build a website for your music school from scratch or give it a much needed make-over. davesimonsmusic.com
Summer seems miles away as winter settles in. Now is the perfect time to ramp up your summer camp marketing.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
In part III of this 3-part series music school owner Eric Bourassa and I finally reveal what I believe is the explanation for why his music school has gotten stuck when it comes to exponential growth. Eric's website and marketing message hit all the right buttons. He's a charismatic and affable leader. He has amazing instructors. What gives? Eric and I dig deep and discover what is likely to be a barrier for many music school owners.
davesimonsmusic.com
In today's episode, I discuss how you can overhaul your marketing in just 30 days. You'll have to carve out 15 minutes a day in order for this to be effective. Your business is worth it!
davesimonsmusic.com
Today, my guest on the show is Nick Tucker, the owner of Spark School of Music is located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Nick actually owns his building, the building where he hosts his music school. I never even explored that option.
I initially began running my music school out of the basement of a music store. I transitioned from that basement into my actual music school where I resided for 16 years. But I, I always rented. I assumed it was just easier to rent. I assumed that I would need a lot of money to put down to buy a building.
I enjoyed the convenience of just calling my landlord when I had a problem with my building. He was a good landlord. It was one less thing to worry about. In today's show, Nick shares with me the upside and the benefits of owning your building.
From a musical standpoint, I think we all can agree that private lessons are a great way for a kid to learn music. The problem with private lessons is they yield a low-profit margin.
The obvious alternative is the more profitable model- group lessons. The problem with group lessons is that they are perceived as being of lower value.
In this weeks episode, we hear from 7 different music school owners who have dramatically increased their profits with a single group class.
When it comes to organic reach on Facebook, your personal profile has considerably more reach than your studio's business page. Your business page serves more as a staging ground for your Facebook ads.
There are ways to leverage the reach of your personal profile to benefit your business. The secret is not to directly sell or promote your business on your profile. That's not the environment for sales. It is however a great way to engage with your ideal customer. In this episode, I discuss ways to promote your music school on your Facebook profile without ever making a sales pitch.
https://davesimonsmusic.com/
In part II of "What to do When Your Music School Won't Grow" I dig deep with music school owner Eric Bourassa to explore some marketing strategies to supercharge his music school's growth.
https://davesimonsmusic.com/
Have you ever introduced a new policy or procedure to your staff that's met with silent resistance or rolling eyes? In this week's podcast, I explore some different strategies for how to handle pushback from your staff.
davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, Danny Thompson host of Music Lesson Business Academy and owner of the Music Factory shares how he is able to generate over $100,000 a year with a single group class.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I discuss how you can apply your musical knowledge to create more effective marketing for your music teaching business.
During the early years of my music school, I was reluctant to embrace marketing. I knew it was important for growing my business but it often felt like I was bragging and boasting. Once I discovered the creative side of marketing and messaging I began to see so many parallels between music and marketing. Specifically, songwriting and copywriting.
davesimonsmusic.com
Why do parents seek out music lessons? Do parents expect or hope for different results from music lessons as opposed to other activities?
We could guess and speculate what drives our customers. The better we understand our customer's motivations the better we can not only market to them, the better we can customize our products and services to better meet their needs.
In this episode, I share a recorded conversation with music school owner Deanna Mao and one of her customers about what hopes and dreams she has for her daughter and how she believes music lessons can help.
I then borrow some of the words used by the customer to create sales and marketing language.
davesimonsmusic.com
Why is it that some music schools are able to grow a business with hundreds of students while others struggle to scale at this level?
In this episode, I interview Maury and Raquel Kelly who have built a highly successful music school with 300+ students. The Kelly's share their secrets as to how they have been able to build such a wildly successful music school.
davesimonsmusic.com
It happens to the best of us. Your music school grows and grows and then seems to get stuck. For whatever reason, your enrollment hits a ceiling that seems impossible to breakthrough.
In part 1 of this 3 part series, music school owner Eric Bourassa and I pop open the hood of his music teaching business to examine what's preventing his school from getting to the next level.
Quite often what's holding a music school back is a combination of different problems. The first step is identifying your barrier to growth. From there you can formulate a plan and commit to action.
davesimonsmusic.com
Something that is remarkable is worthy of remark. By creating remarkable moments for your students you're creating moments that your customers are likely to share with others.
The secret to word-of-mouth marketing is inspiring the families in your studio to share remarkable moments that were facilitated by your music school.
In this week's episode I share an easy-to-implement word of mouth marketing strategy this is likely to get your customers talking and referring.
The way you price your music lessons has a significant impact on how customer's perceptions. Pricing sends a signal of quality, reliability, confidence, and success. A product that's priced high clearly must be a high in-demand product.
In this episode, I share the signals your pricing structure sends customers.
davesimonsimonsmusic.com
Most music school owners would agree that word of mouth marketing, or referral marketing, is their number 1 source of new students. More reason to have multiple referral marketing systems in your music school.
In this episode, I share a simple and often overlooked referral marketing system that you can implement today.
A music studio, in its most natural state, is a disjointed community. It’s a community comprised of teachers, parents, and students that rarely come together as a group. Your school's culture is defined by its customs, rituals, and values. Culture helps define and unite a community. A community that lacks culture is a community without purpose.
Culture is a marketing strategy that requires creativity, planning, and execution. The secret to improving student retention isn't better music lessons, but instead a dynamic and enriching culture and community.
davesimonsmusic.com
In 1997 Apple forever changed the world of marketing in a 30-second commercial, "Think Different". The commercial wasn't about their products. Instead, it was an inspirational and motivational message.
The commercial was a massive success and Apple's sales skyrocketed. The world of marketing would never the be same.
Music school owner Mike Grande, of Rock Out Loud, fully embraces the lessons learned from Apple's "Think Different" campaign. He released a 30-second video promoting his music school that isn't about his school or music lessons. The video doesn't even mention his school's name until the very end.
Mike's video, like Apple's, is inspirational and motivational. It paints a picture and tells a story of how music lessons changed a little girl's life and her family. The viewer of the video is left thinking "I want that story to be my child's story."
Desire and dreams motivate customers to take action. Not features, facts, and details. Emotions motivate people to click the "Start Today" button on y our website. Not claims of greatness and quality.
Show Links
davesimonsmusic.com
Apple's Think Different Commerical
Disney World's Commerical
Rock Out Loud Promo Video
There are two ways to fix your marketing problems.
- Targeting
- Messaging
Fixing your targeting is a relatively quick fix. But messaging requires a little work. Marketing works best when you appeal to your ideal customer's heart first. You can achieve this by showing a customer what their child's life will look like after they take music lessons. You can help them justify their purchase by appealing to their head.
In this episode, I share an example of how changing 2 sentences in a failed marketing campaign lead to wildly successful results.
davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, Jonny Wilson shares more insights into how he built a music school with 2,000 students in part II of this 2-part series.
2,000 students? Is that really possible? Yes, it is! In part I of this two-part series, Jonny Wilson shares some of his secrets as to how he went from 1 student to 2,000. Jonny has now made his strategies and tactics for exponential business growth in his Build a Music School program.
Visit davesimonsmusic.com/bam and try his program out for free!
Making the leap from a solo music instructor to a multi-teacher studio is an ambitious step. You need more than faith to successfully make this leap. You need a plan.
In this episode, I speak with music studio owner, Jason Thompson who plans on taking his teaching business from his house to a storefront.
In this episode, I discuss how to create an emotional journey for your website visitor. An emotional journey that will inspire them to click your call to action button and begin the sales process.
In this episode, I discuss how you can optimize your website to attract more leads and make more sales.
Today's show is brought to you by Kidzrock. Kidzrock teaches kids ages 4-7, how to play music in a real performing rock band.
https://davesimonsmusic.com/programs/kidzrock/
We all would like to think we're customer-centric in our business. But just how customer-centric are you? Good customer service isn't enough. In this episode, I explore 3 ways you can position your music school to be all about the customer.
davesimonsmusic.com
Marketing isn't just about persuading people to sign up for your music lessons. Marketing has the ability to change the world. Marketing encourages people to dream of a better life, a better future, a better world.
All purchases are driven by a desire for change. You don't buy a new pair of shoes because your old pair are worn in. That might be a part of it. You buy a new pair of shoes because they'll make you feel better about yourself. They'll put a little extra hop in your step.
davesimonsmusic.com
We all have our opinions about contractors vs employees. In this week's show, I speak with an employment attorney Dan Messeloff to look at the legal implications of contractors. I was surprised to learn just how risky it is to run a music school with contractors. The contractor model can work great for a smaller music studio built around the owner as a full-time teacher and 1 or 2 other instructors each doing their own thing. Contractors can begin to create friction in your music studio if you try to scale and streamline your operations and product. Each state has its own levels of leniency and enforcement, but wouldn't you rather have the peace of mind knowing that you are running your business in step with the law? The biggest problem with contractors as music teachers is that your music teachers are your product. Your music teachers deliver the lesson and form an emotional bond with your customers. Uber and FedEx had legal headaches due to contractors being responsible for the delivery of their products. Uber and FedEx have the cash on hand to fight these legal battles. Most music schools don't. If you want to lead your music school without limitations, if you want to make good on your brand promise, if you want to scale your business, if you want to be 100% in sync with the law speak to your attorney about making the shift to employees.
In this episode, I sit down with James Brandt to discuss the pros and cons of music lessons taught by contractors vs employees. Know the laws in your state regarding this topic so you can run and lead your music school without any legal challenges or limitations.
davesimonsmusic.com
Story marketing is a two-sided coin. One side features the use of storytelling as a device to hook the recipient of your marketing message. Not stories about your music lessons, but stories about your customer. Stories that tell a tale of how your music lessons can transform your customer’s life. The flip side of the coin is the stories that your customers tell themselves when it comes to their hopes, dreams, and fears. The better you understand these stories, the more effective your story marketing efforts. The better you'll be able to expand on your customer’s internal narrative. davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I discuss 5 common writing mistakes to avoid on your music school's website.
davesimonsmusic.com
Children often perceive that learning to play an instrument is hard to do. Playing an instrument isn't necessarily hard to do, but it does take time, patience, and perseverance to become good a musician.
Curing the practice problem begins with inspiring and motivating kids to be up for the long journey. The secret is to make a child's initial steps into music seem easy and feel good. The secret is results and experiencing substantial progress in the first few weeks of lessons. In this episode, I take a look at the music lesson and how your teaching can make playing an instrument seem easy and instantaneous to children. davesimonsmusic.com
Prizes, incentives, and rewards aren't a long-term cure to the practice problem. They might give your students a gentle push but ultimately the desire to practice has to come from the child.
So how do you build this desire?
It takes time. How much time depends on the child, The first step is to educate the parents in your studio on your approach to practice.
My approach was a little unorthodox but I was able to get complete buy-in from parents. I was able to achieve this through internal marketing.
I applied a simple formula.
- Empathy
- Expertise
- Education
By displaying empathy and expertise you can establish trust. With trust, you can then educate parents on your approach or philosophy about practice.
If your approach to practice provides parents with new insights on practice and progress; they'll rethink the role of practice, loosen up and let you work your magic.
Parents don't really care about music lessons. They don't care about practice. What they care about are results. If you can successfully show parents how you can achieve these results with a different approach to practice, they'll be that much more excited to be a part of your music school.
davesimonsmusic.com
Music is the ultimate team sport. A solo instrument can stir the soul, but the communal effort of a group can make for an even more exhilarating experience.
Why is it then that a child's musical journey typically begins in a private lesson? Does playing an instrument require a certain level of skill before one is ready for a group setting? Dance, martial arts, gymnastics, etc, start students out in groups. Why don't we?
In this episode, I explore the story that parents tell themselves about piano lessons and how you can present group piano as the more attractive option.
davesimonsmusic.com
It's a problem when students don't practice. But the practice problem goes even deeper than that. It creates a problem in your business when you have expectations that aren't being met.
Rewards, incentives, and prizes for practice only go so far. For some kids (perhaps many) practice is not a priority. (And for some parents).
Parents anticipate a battle over practice and possibly opt out of music lessons altogether and choose another activity that doesn't require consistent at-home practice.
Why is that music lessons even have a practice expectation? Most after-school activities simply require you to show up. The 8-year-old starting in dance is required to practice at home. The 8-year old piano student is.
In episode 1 of this 3 part series, I discuss the source of the practice and lay the groundwork for an actual cure and practical applications in episodes 2 and 3.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
If you’re looking for a competitive edge for your music studio, it will most likely not be found in the private lesson. Your competitive edge will be found in the experiences you provide, in the culture you create, and the opportunities you create for your students.
Content marketing is a great way to position your music studio as a business that is both generous and helpful. A podcast is a great way to express this generosity. A podcast is a great way to provide unique experiences and opportunities for your students. It’s also a great way to gain a significant edge over your competitors.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
With all marketing, you're either moving towards pleasure or away from pain. Doesn't that apply to life as well? The same applies to music with its endless dance of harmony and dissonance.
In this week's episode, I field a question from Demitris Whitehead regarding how to balance pleasure and pain in your marketing.
Upcoming Event
The 3 Secrets to Marketing Group Piano May 7, 1:30 pm EST
Setting or raising your teaching rates can be a difficult process. You're setting a dollar amount that is a reflection of both what you think you're worth and what you think your customer's perception of your worth is.
What if people are taken aback by your rates? What if your prices aren't in harmony with the perceived value of your lessons?
Your teaching rates send a signal to your customers. It allows them to tell themselves a story. Higher-priced lessons allow parents to feel like they're giving their child the best. Lower-priced lessons allow parents to feel like they're getting the best deal.
Are your customers motivated by what's best for their child or are they motivated by getting the best deal?
www.davesimonsmusic.com
When I started my music school I knew a lot about music. I knew nothing about business. In this episode, I share with you my simple 3 step plan I followed to turn my little music studio into a thriving music school.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
Today's sponsor
Elevate the virtual music lesson experience with Rock Out Loud Live
In this episode, I take a question from a Music Lessons and Marketing listener about pricing group music lessons.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, Danny Thompson and Dave Simon discuss how to rebuild your music school with group classes.
In this episode, I explore how to rebuild your music school after COVID. Join me with my guest Danny Thompson.
Show links
davesimonsmusic.com
punkrockbusinessschool.com
Can you handle the truth? People don't read all of your sales copy on your website. Think about your own behavior when you read a web page.
You only have a few seconds to capture someone's attention when they land on your guitar landing page. If the text (sales copy) doesn't open with a thought-provoking, shocking, unexpected, or funny sentence-your website visitor is likely to jump off your page.
This doesn't apply if your website visitor is all ready to sign up and doesn't need some extra encouragement.
In this episode of Music Lessons and Marketing, I'll share with you strategies for how to market guitar lessons on your website.
Today's sponsor The key to positioning group music classes as the more desirable option is to provide a musical experience that could never be replicated in a private lesson. Kidzrock, Piano Jam, and Jr. Rockerz allow kids to learn how to plan an instrument in a performing ensemble making private lessons a destination for the more ambitious student. These programs make music more accessible to more kids and will give you an instant competitive edge.
Would You Like to Sell Your Music School One Day? Do you have an exit strategy for your music school? Perhaps you'll want to hand it over to one of your children one day and draw a salary. Perhaps selling your school and retiring sounds like an appealing proposition. In this episode, I speak with Jeff Homer of Ensemble Music Schools who buys music schools for a living.
How to Run an Efficient and Profitable Music Teaching Business Jeff not only shares insights on how to make your business attractive to a potential buyer but things you can do today to run a more efficient and profitable business.
https://davesimonsmusic.com/
This is one of 5 short episodes on how to market and sell your individual lesson offerings on your website. My strategy involves a combination of story marketing and benefits-based marketing.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
Does this sound like you? You watched some YouTube videos on Facebook ads, you even enrolled in an online Ads Manager course but still, your ads aren't attracting new leads or customers. Everyone else seems to be having success with Facebook ads. Clearly Facebook isn't the problem.
Advertising is an obvious tactic to deploy when you want to grow your music school The more cash you sink into your ads, the more fuel you infuse into your effort. Advertising music lessons, however, can be an expensive endeavor and a disappointment.
In this episode I discuss how to build a solid marketing foundation for your music school.
Guest: Jennifer Roig-Francoli
Saying that your music lessons are 'fun' is a great place to start. But how do you bring 'fun' to life in your music lessons? In this episode, I explore different ways to incorporate your marketing message into your music lessons.
As the COVID vaccine makes its rounds and people feel like it's safe to get back in the water, an in-person summer camp could be a real possibility by June or July.
In this episode, I edit a combination of podcasts and Facebook videos I did last year on summer camp marketing and programming.
This episode contains everything you need to know to not only put together a rock-solid summer camp marketing strategy but also shares some programing ideas as well.
If you answer YES, to any of these questions then this episode was meant for you!
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- Do you ever feel like your spinning your wheels when it comes to your marketing?
- Have you been knocking out Facebook and Instagram posts for years but not really sure if it's worth the effort?
- Have you wasted hundreds of dollars on online ads with little to show?
- Do you feel overwhelmed with trying to keep up with all of the latest marketing trends?
- Do you feel like you don't even know where to begin when it comes to marketing?
- Do you sometimes wish you could just have someone else take care of all of this marketing stuff for you?
In this episode of Music Lessons and Marketing, I chat with business, marketing, and mindset coach, Sara Campbell of Savvy Music Studio.
Today's guest, Sophia Hardesty of Naptown Sings and Plays, is interested in directing more of her voice students into her group "Glee" program.
In part 4 of this 4 part series, I conduct an actual sales role-play. Sophia plays the part of the customer and I play the role of the studio owner. My objective was to upsell a customer (Sohpia) inquiring about private voice lessons. The customer's mind is set on private lessons. My challenge is to persuade her that my Glee program will actually better met her needs.
If you offer group programs that provide an experience that can't be created in the private lesson; it's a win for the child, the parent, and for you!
Some of us are born with the gift of music. Some of us are able to sit down at a piano at the age of 3 and begin to sound out melodies and chords. The rest of us have to work hard to nurture, develop and hone our musical chops.
The same can be said about leadership and management. We all can't be an Abraham Lincoln. We all can, however, nurture, develop and hone our leadership skills.
How? The same way you learned music. A commitment to learning and disciplined practice is a good place to start. A willingness to struggle and make mistakes. An ability to step back and evaluate.
In part 2 of this 2-part series on leadership, my guest Marwan Kanafani shares some practical insights into leadership and how you can better manage and inspire your teaching and office staff.
Most music studios start off with one employee-YOU. Your studio was defined by your ability to show up. Everything changes once you hire that first employee. You are now the head of an organization. Your first employee needs to understand what your mission is, what success looks like, and what expectations exist.
Once you hire that first employee your job title changes from solopreneur to business leader. To be a successful leader of your teaching business you must fully embrace these new responsibilities.
The more employees you hire the more your leadership skills are put to the test. Leadership skills are like any skill. You have to make an effort to learn about leadership and put in to play your knowledge.
In part 1 of this 2-part episode, I speak with Marwan Kanafani about what it means to be a great leader and how you can apply it to your teaching business.
Show Links
Dave Simon's Music Enterprise
Dusted By Marwan Kanafani (Fojimoto)
Rain and Revolution by Marwan Kanafani (City Breathing)
In episode 3 of this 4 part series, I discuss phone strategies for directing incoming students into group classes.
Everyone knows what private lessons look like or has an image of what that experience looks like. Group classes are another story. Group classes can be a bit murky in the mind of the customer. What do they do in those group classes anyway? That's not how I learned how to play an instrument. Aren't you supposed to do private lessons? Isn't the "right" way to learn.
It certainly is one way to learn. In this episode, I speak with Sophie Hardesty of Naptown Sings and Plays about the challenges of marketing group classes when customers typically want private lessons.
davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I share a story about my neighborhood mailman and what valuable lessons he taught me about marketing music lessons.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
When someone lands on your website they've got one thing on their mind; private lessons. They have this fantasy of what that first lesson will look like. Little Susie is bouncing with excitement as she hops into the car to tell mom all about her first lesson.
4 months later Susie steps out onto the stage to be greeted by applause as she walks with a brisk step over the piano. She takes a deep breath, and her fingers are off to the races as the most beautiful music dances around the concert hall.
But you have other plans for Susie. You offer a group piano class or perhaps a rock band program that you really believe in. You know that not every kid thrives in the private lesson. Especially kids as young as 7-year-old Susie. Your group classes are social and fun and your ensembles allow kids to experience the big sound that you just can't create in a private lesson.
Your group classes really are amazing but you're having a tough time filling them. You have them listed on your website. You mention them in your newsletter but crickets.
In this episode, I map out a strategy that will teach you how to position your group classes as an irresistible offer.
Show Links
www.davesimonsmusic.com
One of the best ways to improve your marketing skills is to talk to business owners from other industries. Perhaps you belong to some Facebook groups that cater to folks like us, music studio owners; but we exist in a bubble. One music studio shares a marketing tactic that sounds promising and other studios get inspired and give it a go.
There's a lot to learn about business growth and marketing from other industries. Anytime you meet someone who owns a small business ask them a few questions about how they market their business. Each industry has its own unique marketing challenges its own unique competitive environment. How we prioritize our marketing often depends on how competitive the market is.
Today’s Guest Stacy Tuschl is a business coach and the owner of The Academy of Performing Arts in Wisconsin. She started her studio at the age of 18 in her parents' backyard. She grew her business it into a 7 figure operation. Her studio was a dance studio, but she made the risky move of rebranding her business as a dance and music studio. Stacy is also the author of the Bestselling book “Is Your Business Worth Saving?”
Show Links Stacytuschl.com
davesimonsmusic.com
One of the best ways to improve your marketing skills is to talk to business owners from other industries. Perhaps you belong to some Facebook groups that cater to folks like us, music studio owners; but we exist in a bubble. One music studio shares a marketing tactic that sounds promising and other studios get inspired and give it a go.
There's a lot to learn about business growth and marketing from other industries. Anytime you meet someone who owns a small business ask them a few questions about how they market their business. Each industry has its own unique marketing challenges its own unique competitive environment. How we prioritize our marketing often depends on how competitive the market is.
Today’s Guest Stacy Tuschl is a business coach and the owner of The Academy of Performing Arts in Wisconsin. She started her studio at the age of 18 in her parents' backyard. She grew her business it into a 7 figure operation. Her studio was a dance studio, but she made the risky move of rebranding her business as a dance and music studio. Stacy is also the author of the Bestselling book “Is Your Business Worth Saving?”
Show Links Stacytuschl.com
davesimonsmusic.com
Marketing experts can overwhelm us with must-do lists for growing our businesses. Social media, websites, content marketing, SEO, advertising, Google AdWords, email marketing....the list goes on.
Who has time to tend to all of these tools and resources? We all know by now that these are important weapons in our marketing arsenal but nothing is more powerful than word-of-mouth marketing.
If word of mouth is so important how come most studios lack referral systems? We all do the "refer a friend and receive $$ off next month's tuition", or some variation of that. Everyone likes prizes. Especially cash prizes.
What is your customer supposed to do with this offer? Do you expect them to start compiling a spreadsheet of all their friends with kids, calling and emailing them about your music studio? Of course not.
They certainly aren't going to casually say in a conversation "I don't know if you've ever considered music lessons for Sally but if you sign up at Geno's Guitar Shack I'll get a $50 kickback"
So how do you get this whole word-of-mouth thing moving?
The secret is stories.
Stories create social currency for people. People rely on stories as a way of connecting and relating to each other. People with interesting stories are perceived as interesting people. "Did I tell you about that time I shared a cab ride with Mick Jagger". Now that would be an interesting story. The person telling the story becomes a little more intriguing a little more interesting.
If you can create interesting stories for your customers you will provide them with social currency. They will be inclined to tell people all about you since you gave them something interesting to talk about. They will be perceived as intriguing person and your music studio will also be of greater interest. "Did I tell you what my son's music studio did for his birthday? You'll never believe this...." Boom. Social currency. Word-of-mouth marketing in real-time.
"Refer a friend and get ___" is important. But that's not getting to get anyone talking. Stories are the real secret to effective word-of-mouth marketing.
Show Links
www.davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I share an easy strategy that is guaranteed to get you local press and generate viral videos on social media.
A St. Louis based a 5-man marching band of college kids took their music to suburban streets. Their message of unity and music went viral and local news featured this feel-good story.
Music schools have a lot to learn from this story and could easily create their own feel-good stories in their communities.
Today's Sponsors
Rock Out Loud Live
Piano Jam
Why do parents sign their kids up for music lessons? To play an instrument of course. Why is playing an instrument important to parents? Do they want their child to be the next Leonard Bernstein or Eddie Van Halen? If you can uncover your customers' core desire you can speak directly to their emotions.
Why do parents buy music lessons? In the book Made to Stick authors Chip and Dan Heath outline a simple exercise that you can do to reveal your customer's core desire. In this episode, I apply this exercise to music lessons to reveal the real reason why parents sign their kids up for music lessons. Every parent is different with their own unique desires. I have a feeling that there are some common emotional drivers for most parents when it comes to music lessons. Hint: it ain't about playing an instrument. It's much more personal and more emotional. Try not to cry while listening to this episode. :-) A big thank you to our sponsors Piano Jam and Rock Out Loud Live.
I tried every makeup lesson policy under the sun. I initially offered makeup lessons with a 24-hour heads up. Very customer friendly, but as my studio grew, so did my administrative efforts with having to keep up with the demand for makeup lessons.
Then I tried a no-makeup lesson policy. Not very customer friendly but it allowed me to devote more time to growing my studio and keeping current customers happy.
In this episode, I’ll share with you a makeup policy that I implemented that made everyone happy.
TODAY’S SPONSORS Piano Jam
Rock Out Loud Live
In this episode, I map out strategies for building your Instagram audience and creating content that will help you get more traction on Instagram.
In this episode, I discuss 5 strategies that will help you get more engagement and better results on Instagram.
I ran a recent poll about Instagram strategies used by studio owners in the Facebook group Music Lessons and Marketing. I was curious to learn about how music studios feel about IG and what approach they take to marketing on the platform.
According to the poll, most music studios are taking advantage of the visual appeal their school has to offer online. Most, however, are not focused on engagement.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
There are 3 things you should consider when creating Facebook ads for your music studio.
- Persuasive sales copy in your ad
- Targeting and serving your ad to your ideal audience
- Creating a landing page for your ad.
In this episode, I focus solely on writing Facebook ads that will motivate customers to take action.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
Martial Arts studio owner, Brett Thomason, announced a new program for his students this fall. A program that could easily be implemented by a music school. Days later he was on the cover of the St. Louis Post Dispatch for his new idea. The next day Fox 2 news knocked on his door to do a feature on Thomason. The next day Rolling Stone….OK, so the Rolling Stone part isn’t true:-)
Thomason sent out a single email that got the buzz and excitement going. This is a no brainer program for music studios. Listen to this episode to learn how you help out the parents and kids in your community this fall.
The most effective word-of-mouth marketing isn't about financial incentives and prizes for referring a friend. There certainly is value in "Refer a friend and receive $50 off". However, no one's really motivated by the money.
People are more motivated to talk about your studio when you create an experience worth talking about. Nate Terepka, of Echo City Music, creates a completely unexpected, over the top, unique recital experience. Its uniqueness makes for a good story. Good stories make for social currency. People who have interesting stories to share are perceived as interesting people.
Your phone will ring a little bit more when you're music studio is the source of an interesting story
Advertising should be a part of any good marketing strategy. A marketing strategy that is driven by paid ads is a strategy that lacks foundation. A strategy that lacks foundation produces mixed results.
Your marketing foundation is defined by 4 elements
- Understanding the world view of your ideal customer (don't underestimate the importance of this)
- Developing your purpose statement, your reason for existing, and how you make the world a better place. It's your rally cry at staff meetings.
- Creating a core sales message that combines your customer's world view with your purpose statement
- Expressing your core values and message on your website.
Once these components are in place you can begin to consider moving into social media and ultimately paid ads. Paid ads serve one purpose; get people to your website. If your website lacks a clear and customer-centric message you're unlikely to motivate them to take the next step.
Todays Special Guest
Mike Grande has the music education industry buzzing about his new video teaching platform designed called Rock Out Loud Live. Imagine Zoom but designed for people The enhanced audio and user experience, combined with built-in teaching tools and resources makes for a more dynamic online lesson experience.
To learn more about Rock Out Loud Live click HERE
davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I map out the 3 levels of music studio leadership. Each level defines a different business model as well as a different mindset. Each level requires different types of leadership; The solopreneur, the reluctant entrepreneur, the entrepreneur
Level 1
The solopreneur is a fancy way of saying, solo teacher. The solopreneur is limited by his availability. The solopreneur puts most of his energy into improving teaching skills and the lesson experience. Marketing is something the soloprenuer does when he needs more students. Since the soloprenuer has limited availability for teaching he has the luxury of charging a priming rate and being as niche as he wants; as long as there are enough people that want his offering.
Level 2 This is where things can get tricky. The solo instructor wants to grow her business so she rents out a studio and hires additional teaching staff. New expenses, new responsibilities and not enough time to keep up with the demands of teaching and management can become overwhelming.
Typically a level 2 leader just wants to increase their revenue but feel resentful with all of the new demands of their business. They love to teach and often neglect the needs of their business. Marketing is something the level 2 leader knows is important but just doesn't have the time to learn about or focus on. Hence the title reluctant entrepreneur
Level 3 When a studio owner can fully remove herself from teaching; she enters the realm of a level 3 studio. She is no longer identifies as a music teacher. She identifies as a visionary, a business leader, an entrepreneur. If she does teach, it's because it's a part of her growth strategy.
The level 3 studio owner views his studio as an organization defined by a vision and marketing strategy. The level 3 studio owner doesn't work in the trenches but rather stands at the bow of the ship; setting a course and scanning the horizon for opportunities as well as threats.
The entrepreneurial mindset is the secret to turning a level 1 or 2 music studio into a level 3.
What's your mindset? Are you a solopreneur, a reluctant entrepreneur or an entrepreneur?
Show links
https://davesimonsmusic.com/
Sponsor: Rock Out Loud Live
https://davesimonsmusic.com/rockoutloud
I started my music school with virtually no knowledge of business. Marketing was a mystery that I knew I needed to solve. I was confident in my teaching skills but anything beyond chords, melody, and rhythm was a new, and intimidating, frontier.
Music studio owners Cathy Hallessey and Brian Brodersen started their music studio, U-Rock Music School, with a background in marketing that allowed them to enter the market with a clear and attractive offer.
In this episode, Brian and Cathy share some amazing insights into how you can improve your messaging and writing skills. At the end of the day, words motivate customers to take action. Words inspire customers to click "start today" on your website.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode of Music Lessons and Marketing, I map out my go-to marketing strategy whenever I needed more students. It's an easy 3 step email campaign with a knock out phone call. It's super easy to execute but it does require some planning and strategy.
davesimonsmusic.com
The world has changed, consumers have changed and music studios need to keep pace. We live in a world of uncertainty and that is the only certainty of the moment.
In a recent episode of Music Lesson Business Academy, host Danny Thompson and founder of Rock Out Loud Live, Mike Grande discuss how COVID-19 has impacted consumer habits and what the future of music lessons might look like.
I was intrigued by this conversation so I conducted some surveys on Facebook and in-person. You might be surprised to learn what people had to say.
davesimonsmusic.com
Customers take a journey as they compare your music studio to the competition. There are little touchpoints along the way that influence who they ultimately choose. The music studio that makes the most of these touchpoints is the studio that will get the customer.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
Trying to persuade your customers to choose the more expensive option, so you can make more money is a sham. It's unethical and will ultimately come back to kick you in the caboose. Trying to persuade your customers to choose the more expensive option because you believe it will better help them achieve their dreams is ethical selling. Your customers' needs always have to come first. It's up to you to create an upgrade that will benefit both you and your customers.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
What do your customers really think about you? What do they appreciate most about you and your studio? Is it customer service? Is it the quality of the music lesson? Is it the musical standards your studio upholds? Los Rios Rock School asked their customers "What do you like most about LRRS?" and recorded their answers in a 2-minute video. The parents at LRRS give us all a little insight into how parents think and what hopes they have for their children. Their answers to this question will provide you the language you can use in your marketing.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
5 music studio owners share their creative solutions to elevating the online teaching experience.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
Do you wonder what your customers are thinking right now? Do you wonder what their thoughts are about Zoom lessons and how they feel about virtual summer camp?
Don't guess, Ask!
www.davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I speak with studio owners John Kozicki, Vicki Workman, Rob Spampinato, Eric Bourassa and James Stockton about how they've re-energized their business during COVID-19
You've done the big online pivot from physical to virtual. Now your marketing and messaging should follow. In March your customers were interested in their children being better-happier people. Now your customers are worried about their children's mental and emotional health. They're worried about the isolation their child is experiencing. Happier and better is for another day. Safe, secure, and connected is the order of the day.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I speak with Music School Tribe founder David Martin about leadership, strategy, and marketing in the COVID-19 era.
In this episode, studio owners share how they've transformed their music studios into an exciting online musical experience and community. Gabe Guerra, Jason Mohlenbrock and Shawna Craig, Marcus Stanieac and Sam Blake mix creativity and vision to reimagine their music studio.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
You didn't sign up for this but your music studio has been turned into an online business. Your skills as an entrepreneur are being put to the test like never before. In this episode, I map out a strategy for how you can turn your studio into an online community for your students.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
Last week, and perhaps this week too, studios have been working around the clock to transition their business online. A headache for sure but your staff and students will get the hang of it.
Now is the time to start putting your long game strategy together. We could all be in this jam for weeks and possibly months. Your survival depends on your ability to put a plan together and execute it.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
Your students are stuck at home. Bored and restless. The parents in your studio could use your help. Seize the moment. With new challenges come new opportunities. Now is your chance to be more than just a music teaching studio. In this episode, I map out a strategy to convert your music studio into an online community for your students.
www.davesimonsmusic.com/webinar
I didn't have a plan when I started my music studio. I wanted more students. That was the extent of my business and marketing plan.
In part I of How I'd Build a Studio From Scratch I map out a plan for identifying the income you want to make from your studio and how to build your studio around your financial needs first.
I also take a question from studio owner, Joe Chila, of Rochester School of Music in Rochester Michigan.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
Most problems, challenges, and stressors in your music studio can be traced back to a lack of systems and strategy. By mapping out your systems in an operations manual, you create a set of instructions as to how your studio should behave. You also need a strategy defining what your studio's mission and purpose is and how you plan on getting there. Without a mission and marketing strategy, your music studio floats rudderless, simply trying to survive.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
Do you have a music lessons franchise making a racket in your market? Is School of Rock, Guitar Center, Bach to Rock or Music & Arts flexing their corporate muscles? In part II of this 2 part series, I take a look at the marketing messages of 4 music education franchises. Your competitor's marketing message gives you an insight into their strategy. Responding with a similar message or strategy might not be the best approach. Identifying a weakness or vulnerability in their marketing creates an opportunity for you. It allows you to occupy a space in the market that your competitor does not. www.davesimonsmusic.com
Do you have a music lessons franchise making a racket in your market? Is School of Rock, Guitar Center, Bach to Rock or Music & Arts flexing their corporate muscles? Do you worry about them and how they'll impact your business?
You should be worried. You should be afraid. Use that fear and turn it into motivation. Turn that motivation into action. In part I of this 2 part series I discuss the implications of competition and what it means to your business. I also break down the franchise business model and how can use it to your advantage.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
In this week's episode of the Monday Marketing Minute, I discuss how an ex-convict was able to weave his life of crime into his brand. Learn how you can incorporate your life story into your music studio.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
When I started my music studio I wanted it to be an expression of who I was as a musician. I wanted to build a music studio that I wish I could have gone to as a child. The problem with this is I never took into consideration the outcome my customers were looking for. Once I understood that I was able to better serve my customers and provide them with the outcome they sought.
www.davesimonsmusi.com
Darren Siman runs a music studio with group classes only...and his students love it. Darren creates a musical experience for these kids that they would never receive in a private lesson. The focus is on ensemble learning and performance. This model allows him to run a highly profitable business with fewer students. The lower payroll and tax expense leaves more money in the business.
Darren's Boston based studio, The Jam Zone offers performing ensembles and DJ classes that serve kids ages 4-18. The private lesson is positioned as the destination. It's for the kids that really connect with music and want to hone their skills.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
The most powerful marketing strategy has nothing to do with advertising, Facebook, or websites. In this week's Monday Marketing Minute, I read a section and comment on John Jantsch marketing classic, Duct Tape Marketing. This stuff is sticky
www.davesimonsmusic.com
Wouldn't it be nice if you could make a presentation about your music studio in front of an entire public school? Imagine how much interest you could generate. Imagine how many new leads you could capture. Imagine how many new students you could attract...overnight. We all know the reality of public schools. They won't give you the time of day. Maybe the PTA will accept a donation from you for their auction. That's about it...right? Wrong! Mike Grande, along with the guidance of Jonny Wilson, has not only cracked the public school code in New Jersey. Schools are calling him to come in and present and pitch his school by creating this amazing musical experience for students.
Offering a free trial music lesson would be like a restaurant giving away their main course for free. It devalues your flagship product. Whenever you give something away for free, you’re telling your market that you have the ability to just hand these out to anyone who wants it. You want to protect the value of your flagship product
Season II of Music Lessons and Marketing kicks off with some Instagram insights and strategy. This is the first episode of listener questions. Today's guest is Takenya Battle of Kenya Keys in Temple Texas. Takenya and I discuss phone sales strategies and the art of the upsell.
Do you have a challenge in your studio you'd like help with? Email me at dave@davesimonsmusic.com or message me on Instagram @davesimonmusic
A recent Facebook survey revealed that a majority of music schools run monthly auto-pay for tuition. A surprisingly significant number of studios do semester, annual or prorated billing. This approach to billing and collections lacks simplicity and consistency. Many studios implement pricing packages that create unnecessary complexity as well. In this episode, I discuss the value of simplicity and consistency and how it benefits both you and your customers.
www.davesimonsmusic.com
When I first launched my summer camp in 2004, I made the mistake of focusing on the musical benefits to my camp. I quickly realized that the mindset of campers is different than students. The mindset of moms is also different when it comes to camp. In this episode, I outline the 3 ingredients for summer camp success.
www.davesimonsmusic.com