Is Less Really More?
In the last post, I talked about my friend Nancy and how she did just about everything for everyone, to her own detriment.
I admit I used to be the same way. I always felt that I could never do enough. I was worried I might lose students or worse…that people wouldn’t like me.
I don’t use the word ‘worry’ anymore. But I am concerned about what people think of me. And I should be, I have people to teach and a business to run.
I am finally learning to set some boundaries and stop doing things that I think are unnecessary.
Here are some of the things I don’t do anymore, (Take what you like, and leave the rest.)
I don’t do make-ups I choose to allow families three missed lessons per year for any reason. I offer lessons online in place of an in-person lesson when possible. To compensate for lost income, I keep one or two extra students on my roster. This just works for me.
I don’t give out stickers, prizes, or gifts.
At recital time I no longer have receptions. Instead, I have grab-and-go snacks that I order on Amazon.
I don’t sell tickets or charge extra for recitals. I charge a premium rate for my area, and everything is included in the lesson price.
I don’t have a live recital in December. As an alternative, I put together a holiday video recital.
Although I have sent my students to exams in the past. At this time I am not doing this.
I don’t offer free lessons, family discounts, or scholarships. I’ve tried these things in the past, but I have decided to opt out of them.
I don’t teach lessons to family members or close friends. Again, this works well for some people, but it hasn’t worked for me.
I have found that cutting out some of these unnecessary things has made my life easier and my studio run more smoothly. However, I still do a lot for my students and families.
In the next post, I will talk about how I go above and beyond for my students and how it pays off in so many ways.
Are you looking for endless great music and resources for your students?
Join our free membership today!
Comments & Discussion