Ready Set Back to School!
It’s August 1st and some of my students started back to school today. Am I mistaken or is summer vacation getting shorter every year?
Here’s something I can hardly believe. This fall is my 40th anniversary of piano teaching. I graduated college with my degree in music in the spring of ’84 and started teaching in September.
The transition from the summer to the beginning of the school year always feels like I am about to be hit by an impending Tsunami. In years gone by, I used to get very stressed trying to figure out how things were going to work. It would seem as though as soon as I got my schedule set up people would be asking to change times (sports, of course, was the usual culprit.)
Here are some ideas that might make the start of the school year less stressful and more fun.
- Remember, things always work out. Somehow or another all my students get a lesson time that they can live with. I ask people to switch times when needed and everyone is usually willing to help.
- Get excited. It’s a new beginning. A chance to do new things try new repertoire and discover new teaching approaches.
- Plan to have to do some remediation. I require my students to take lessons over the summer order to secure a spot in the fall. But still, with traveling and summer activities some kids didn’t practice the way they should have.
- Set out your schedule. Make up a schedule that you can live with. If you plan to teach only until 7 pm mark the studio closed after that time. Be sure to set firm boundaries or you may find your studio is taking over your life. Be sure to schedule time for yourself and your family.
- Write it down. Write out your dream schedule. Imagine open spots will be filled.
- If you are looking for new students, the first step is to let people know. Tell your current students that you have openings and reach out to former students. After that, you can try other channels for advertising your studio.
- Plan ahead for breaks, recitals, and studio events. Put these dates on your calendar and on your website if you have one.
- Speaking of your studio website. Take a look and make sure it’s updated with your current pricing and policy.
- Refresh your studio policy. Take some time to think through what you would like to change. Are you discontinuing make-ups? Would you like to raise your rates? Now is the time to let families know what you are planning.
- Tidy up your studio space. Nothing big, maybe a new bookshelf, a new picture, or even a new coffee cup. Something to lift your spirits.
- Go ‘school shopping.’ Get some new clothes, paper for the printer, or new piano music. Take some time to get what you need.
- Watch the Mr. Rodgers movie. I watched this the other day with my husband. I was really inspired by the story. Fred Rodgers was someone who and an effort to be very present with whomever he found himself in the company of. This inspired me to work harder to focus on each student for the 30 minutes I have with them.
- Be grateful. I find that a little gratitude goes a long way. I have to remember that I have the best job in the world. It’s the perfect job for me. I love music and I love people. That’s my job sharing music with people. How awesome is that!
Wishing all of you a happy 24-25 school year.
Don’t forget to check out Paloma Piano’s membership options. (Including our free membership!)
We have just what you need to make this year great!
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