How Do I Get Violin Students?

This is part 3 of 7 from the blog and video series 7 Steps to Attract More Students and Grow Your Violin Studio (What I Wish I Knew When I Started My Studio 10 Years Ago). 

The entire series is available as a download in the Music for Young Violinist store.

STEP 3/7: THE POWER OF IDENTITY

STEP 3: THE POWER OF IDENTITY
​
After starting my studio in Oregon, my uncle said to me “congratulations, you are a small business owner.” I was baffled. I had no idea what he was talking about because only identified as a musician and a violin teacher.

If you own a violin studio, you are a small business owner. Adopting this identity will move you to attract new students and think in a way that helps you offer a professional service. I assure you that business is not synonymous with greed, environmental destruction and a disdain for the sanctity of human life.

Having a business means you have a message and this is where your personal or mission statement applies. This message conveys your area of passion for service to others. A clearly anchored message requires no selling, simply be your wonderful self sharing your message.

From now on, make it a habit to say you own a business and expand your knowledge set of this by doing the following:

• Take a small business course at your local community college.

 

• Join a local business group like the Business Network International.

 

• Educate yourself on healthy business practices via podcasts, e-courses, youtube tutorials, blog posts and books.

 

• Interview a local small business owner and ask for some advice.

Next, your studio policies, Welcome Packet and the administration of your teaching studio should reflect your identity as a business owner. Honor your time, energy and talent that took so long to cultivate. Better business policies allow allow more time and energy for teaching. Examples of how this identity will support your teaching:

MAKE-UP LESSONS: Public schools have set hours and do not open their doors on random Sundays for a single student who had to miss a day of school because they went on a family vacation and neither should your studio. This is not a sustainable business practice.

TUITION PAYMENTS: If you pay your mortgage bill late you are charged a late fee. The same style of policy should be in place for your violin studio tuition collection. Be very clear in writing and verbally confirm with all students about when tuition is due and the types of payment accepted.

TARDINESS: If you show up 15 minutes late to your massage your masseuse will not extend your massage 15 minutes into their next appointment rather you will get 15 minutes less of a massage. The same principals should be at play in your teaching studio. You are a highly trained professional and you must have clear boundaries.

Still not convinced that identity matters?  Watch this short video about a fascinating study from my Creating a Culture of Success parent talk series on how powerful our inner concepts of identity are in shaping our future.
The study starts at 4:08.

---

Thank you for clicking on this blog and reading this!

Music for Young Violinists is a labor of love and I would love your support to help sponsor the cost of maintaining this website and contribute to future creative content. 

For a $20 donation you can receive a 26-page PDF download of the entire 7 part series: 7 Steps to Attract More Students & Grow Your Studio (What I Wish I Would Have Known When I Started My Studio 10 Years Ago) . 

You will also receive a $20 gift certificate to the online store - it's a great way to get involved and invest in your teaching.
Thanks!

---