4 Strategies for Boosting Student Retention at Your Music Teaching Studio
It’s way easier and cheaper to keep students at your studio than to advertise and attract new music students. Boosting your student retention is the key to building a successful private music teaching business that gives you financial freedom.
If your music studio’s retention rate is low, it’s like having a bucket of water with a huge hole in it. It doesn’t matter how many thousands of dollars you spend on attracting new students, you’ll never be able to build a large music student base because you’re always losing students.
Why do music students quit?: The Excuses and the Truth
Your lessons are too expensive (Excuse) - You don’t provide enough value or services for me so that I can achieve my music learning goals (Truth)
I just don’t have time (Excuse) - It’s hard and I can’t see any progress in my music playing (Truth)
Little Johnny isn’t into music anymore (Excuse) - He doesn’t know what or how to practice and we don’t know what he’s being taught in class (Truth)
In this blog post, I’m giving you 4 proven strategies that you can use in your music lessons to retain your students by providing exceptional value, communicating clearly, and standing apart from your music teacher competitors. Let’s get into them!
Make Students’ Progress Visible
Guitar Progress Checklists, Guitar Studio Challenges, Certificates etc.
One of the keys to keeping your music students engaged is making their progress tangible. Implementing a structured system to showcase their development not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a powerful motivator.
Think about if you were regularly going to the gym, and gained a heap of muscle but it wasn’t visible to you. Because you aren’t seeing progress in the mirror after all your efforts, you will lose interest very quickly. It’s exactly the same as learning how to play music. Your students need to clearly see that they are making progress toward their music learning goals otherwise their interest in learning music will plummet.
Consider creating a visual timeline, complete with milestones and achievements, that highlights their journey from beginner to more advanced stages. This provides a sense of accomplishment and helps students understand the value of consistent practice. Regularly revisit these visual aids during lessons to reinforce their progress and inspire continued dedication to mastering the instrument.
2. Communicate Effectively with Parents
In the world of teaching music to kids and teens, effective communication with parents is paramount. Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s musical journey, and keeping them informed is key to fostering a positive learning environment. Establish clear channels of communication through regular updates, progress reports and constructive feedback.
I send lesson notes after every music lesson to my students’ parents via WhatsApp to keep them informed as to what we’re working on in guitar class. It includes what we did during the lesson and 2 actionable steps for music students to play throughout the week with special challenges for more advanced students.
Encourage parents to attend occasional lessons or progress meetings, allowing them to witness their child’s growth firsthand. Open dialogue ensures that everyone is on the same page, working together to provide the best possible learning experience for the young guitarist.
3. Provide Exceptional Value and Support
Guitar Workshops - Songwriting activities, guitar gear, music theory for guitarists
Setting your music teaching business apart involves going beyond traditional lessons. Consider offering workshops, masterclasses, or themed group sessions to add value to your students’ experience. Workshops can cover a range of topics, from music theory to songwriting or even specialised techniques.
I run special workshops that my students can attend every month to learn something new. By doing these workshops, I get to teach guitar students the fun subjects that we don’t have time for in regular lessons (how to use guitar pedals, niche genres, songwriting, advanced music theory concepts, etc.)
These sessions not only enhance your students’ skills but also create a sense of community among your students. Additionally, consider providing supplementary resources such as video tutorials, practice guides, or online support. Offering these extra services not only adds value but also showcases your commitment to your student’s overall musical growth.
4. Tailor Lessons To Individual Interests
Tailoring music lessons to students - Teaching Rock, Pop, Indie, Blues music
Personalisation is key when teaching students how to play the music. Tailor your lessons to their individual interest, incorporating music genres and songs they love. By aligning the learning experience with their preferences, you make lessons more enjoyable and relatable.
Use a variety of teaching materials, including songs they choose to keep them motivated and invested in their musical journey. This approach not only fosters a love for playing the guitar but also ensures that each student feels a unique connection to their learning process.
Creating a successful private music teaching business involves a combination of effective communication, personalised instruction, and additional services that enhance your student’s learning experience. By implementing these strategies, you not only contribute to their musical growth but also create a positive and enriching environment that fosters a lasting love for playing the instrument.
