All posts by Adam Bram

How much should I charge to give music lessons?

August 5, 2023Music Teacher Marketing, Music Teacher TipsAdam Bram

How much to charge for music lessons Private music teachers often struggle with pricing their music lessons, especially when starting a music school or becoming a private music teacher. The temptation to charge less than the competition to attract students can lead to unintended consequences. This article aims to show why undercharging is a detrimental strategy and tips for pricing and managing your music lesson studio.

Why undercharging for music lessons is a detrimental strategy

It’s a Race to the Bottom

If you undercut a music teacher’s prices, there is a good chance they will do the same if you succeed. Eventually, you’ll stop getting students via this strategy, and as your students inevitably leave, you will have difficulty replacing them. This is sometimes called the “race to the bottom” because it ruins the business for everyone. It’s a vicious cycle that perpetuates itself, leading to a downward spiral in the quality and value of music lessons being offered in the market.

Ultimately, a race to the bottom serves no one’s best interests. It undermines the reputation of the music education sector and compromises the livelihood of dedicated music teachers. Instead, focusing on delivering exceptional quality and maintaining a competitive yet fair pricing strategy will benefit music educators and their students in the long term.

You Will Eventually Suffer Burnout

Lowering your fees might appear as an attractive strategy to attract a larger student base initially, but it can ultimately lead to burnout and cause negative consequences for your music teaching career. While it may seem like a quick solution to increase student enrollment, it can create a vicious cycle that negatively impacts your overall effectiveness as a music teacher.

Attracting low-paying students can result in a schedule filled with numerous lessons, leaving you with little time for other crucial aspects of running your music teaching business. Essential tasks such as marketing your services to reach a wider audience, managing bookkeeping to keep track of your finances, and investing in your personal growth as a music educator might take a back seat. This lack of balance and the overwhelming workload can lead to exhaustion and stress, potentially affecting the quality of your teaching and student interactions.

You’ll Struggle to Attract Serious, Long-Term Students

Charging a higher rate attracts students genuinely interested in learning music and committed to their musical journey. Conversely, students who choose a teacher based primarily on cost are more likely to give up when something interferes, such as other activities or unexpected expenses. Music lessons aren’t cheap, but serious students and parents know that and have already accepted a higher cost; price is generally not the most significant factor. Yes, it’s a factor, but availability, personality, and skill as a music teacher are considerably more important.

Your Professional Image Will Suffer

Charging low prices might give the impression that your teaching quality is also low. Students and parents may question the value they will receive from your lessons, leading them to choose a higher-priced teacher with a perceived higher level of expertise.

Establishing a competitive rate as a music teacher communicates professionalism and confidence in the value of your lessons. This sends a strong message to potential students and the community that you take your career seriously and are committed to delivering high-quality education. A relatively high but still competitive rate helps position you as a reputable and trustworthy teacher, attracting students who are serious about their musical journey. It also contributes to a positive reputation within the community, leading to word-of-mouth referrals and increased student interest. Setting a competitive rate demonstrates your dedication to providing valuable music lessons, ultimately fostering a more prosperous and fulfilling teaching experience.

Strategies to consider when pricing your music lesson business

Provide Longer Lessons: To improve clarity and coherence, consider offering longer lessons, such as 45 or 60 minutes, instead of the standard 30-minute sessions. The 45-minute duration strikes a balance, as 30 minutes can feel rushed, while 60 minutes might be too lengthy, especially for younger students. With a 45-minute lesson, you’re providing 50% more teaching time than a 30-minute one, which justifies charging approximately 25% to 50% more per lesson. This approach helps you to achieve your revenue goals with fewer students, ultimately reducing your workload and creating a more sustainable teaching practice.

Price According to the Competition: Some studies have been performed to get an idea of what music lessons cost. However, music lesson prices change, so you’ll need to research pricing in your area to get an accurate, up-to-date idea. Conduct thorough research on other music schools and teachers in your area to determine the prevailing rates. Charge at or above their prices to position yourself as a reputable and professional music teacher. Don’t be afraid to be at the higher end of the spectrum.

Offer a Unique Selling Point: You can offer a unique experience as a newer music teacher. Emphasize qualities such as being friendly, available, effective, and convenient. Consider providing in-home lessons, which can be a significant advantage over larger music schools. Students and parents often appreciate the convenience and are willing to pay more for this personalized service.

Consider Charging Higher Fees for Peak Times: Recognize that some time slots are more in demand than others. Students and parents often prefer after-school hours, particularly from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Don’t undervalue these peak hours; charge appropriately for their convenience. By doing this, you will still likely fill up your peak times, but you might fill up some off-peak times with students who have a little more flexibility and want a lower price.

Focus on Efficient Scheduling: When offering in-home lessons, schedule students who live close to each other to minimize travel time and expenses. If you provide online lessons, try to schedule them during your off-peak times. You could target students in other time zones. Wherever you live, it’s later when you look to time zones to the east of you. Your 1:00 pm is a student’s 4:00 pm if that student lives three timezones eastward of yours. By targeting other locations to market online music lessons, you could seek places where music lesson prices are generally higher than where you live.

This efficient scheduling allows you to maximize your teaching hours and increase your income.

Offer Discounts Strategically: Charging a reasonable rate enables you to offer attractive discounts to new students, which can be an effective music lesson marketing strategy. Consider providing discounted trial lessons or promotional packages to entice potential students to try your music lessons. Partnering with platforms like Groupon can also help attract new students, although they may take a cut of the revenue. If you charge too little to begin with, offering discounts may be difficult or impossible.

Conclusion

Setting the right price for your music lessons is crucial for the success of your teaching career. The appropriate fee for music lessons depends on factors such as your experience, location, and the demand for your services. Research competitors’ rates in your area and consider offering competitive pricing while valuing your expertise and time. Aim to balance attracting students and ensuring fair compensation for your teaching.

You can establish a successful and sustainable music teaching business by charging a fair and competitive rate, emphasizing your unique selling points, and efficiently scheduling lessons. Remember, your expertise is valuable, and students and parents are willing to invest in their musical education when they experience the value of your lessons. By offering a superior experience and tangible results, teachers can build a loyal and satisfied customer base willing to pay a fair price for the value they receive

How do I Start Teaching Private Music Lessons?

July 10, 2023Music Teacher TipsAdam Bram

Piano teaching teaching young boy to play piano

For passionate musicians who desire to share their knowledge and inspire others, embarking on a career as an independent private music teacher can be fulfilling and rewarding. While it may seem daunting, knowing that anything worth pursuing has its challenges can be encouraging. This article aims to provide guidance and insights into starting a successful career as an independent private music teacher. From setting up your studio and establishing a teaching philosophy to marketing strategies, we will explore the key steps to help you create a thriving and sustainable music teaching studio.

Define Your Teaching Philosophy and Goals

Before diving into your career as an independent private music teacher, take the time to define your teaching philosophy and goals. Consider the musical genres, instruments, or techniques you specialize in, and identify your unique teaching approach. Reflect on your values, teaching style, and the type of students you wish to attract. This clarity will serve as a foundation for developing your curriculum, teaching materials, and marketing strategies.

Define your music teaching philosophy: Defining your music teaching philosophy is essential in developing a clear and coherent approach to imparting musical knowledge and skills. It involves reflecting on your beliefs, values, and goals as an educator and understanding how they shape your teaching methods and student interactions. Your music teaching philosophy is a guiding framework that influences your instructional strategies, classroom management, and overall approach to fostering a positive and enriching learning environment. Articulating your music teaching philosophy helps you communicate your educational values to students, parents, and colleagues and serves as a foundation for continued professional growth and development as a music educator.

Define your music teaching goals: Defining your music teaching goals is crucial for setting a clear direction and purpose in your role as a private music teacher. These goals serve as a roadmap for planning and implementing effective music instruction. They can encompass various aspects, including student achievement, skill development, artistic expression, and personal growth. Music teaching goals include:

Fostering a love and appreciation for music in students.
Nurturing their technical proficiency on instruments.
Promoting ensemble collaboration.
Encouraging creativity and improvisation.
Enhancing music literacy.
Instilling a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.

By establishing specific and measurable goals, you can create meaningful learning experiences and track progress, ensuring that your teaching remains focused, impactful, and tailored to meet the unique needs and aspirations of your students.

Define what you’ll teach: What instruments or lesson types do you plan to offer? As you think about this, consider both what you’re skilled at and what types of lessons most people are searching for. The piano is the most common type of private music lesson people search for. However, it’s also the most competitive. Don’t let that scare you. Surprisingly, there is a shortage of private piano teachers in most areas. Many parents and students cannot find a piano teacher and give up on finding one. If you teach piano and follow the tips in our guide to market your music lesson business, you’ll get piano students if that is what you teach. Suppose you teach an uncommon instrument. In that case, you might want to supplement other lesson types to ensure you get enough students for your music lesson business.

Define who you’ll teach: What age groups do you plan to focus on? What experience levels do you want to attract? Do you plan to teach in a studio, at people’s homes, or online? These are all questions you’ll want to answer early. There are trade-offs with everything. For example, if you teach at people’s homes you won’t need a studio, but you will need a car and extra time to travel between students’ homes. You’ll want to price your services accordingly. If you’re too cheap, you’ll get burned out and lose money. We can’t cover everything you’ll need to consider during this step, but we do want to convey that you’ll need to visualize how you’ll provide the lessons you offer.

Define your unique selling proposition (USP): What differentiates you from other music teachers in the area you plan to teach? You might notice a big school or experienced music teacher nearby and think, ‘I can’t compete.’ Don’t be deterred. You can specialize in something they aren’t. You can be more convenient. If you’re new, you likely have more availability. Don’t let the competition discourage you. Competition means there is demand for music lessons in your area, and it’s likely a lot more demand than you think.

Do you want to get more students and grow your music teaching business?

MusicTeacherNotes is music teacher software that helps music teachers get more students and manage all aspects of their music teaching business! Every teacher who registers for a free account gets a Music Teacher Directory listing, even if they never upgrade. There is no risk in joining.

Free Music Teacher Directory listing when you register.

Set Up Your Teaching Space

Creating a conducive learning environment is vital for private music teachers. Designate a dedicated space in your home, or consider renting a studio where you can conduct lessons comfortably. Ensure the space is well-equipped with the necessary instruments, accessories, and teaching materials. Set up a professional-looking and inviting area that inspires creativity and engagement.

In-person lessons at your studio: If you open a studio, consider how many students you’ll need to cover your overhead. You’ll likely need 15-25 weekly students to cover the cost of renting a music studio. Therefore, beginning music teachers may want to travel to students’ homes or provide online music lessons until a large student base emerges. If you’re fortunate enough to provide lessons out of your own home, you can save a lot of money and possibly even write off part of the cost of your home from your taxes.

In-person lessons at students’ homes: Providing music lessons a students’ homes is a good way to market yourself as a music teacher. More established music schools are unlikely to provide at-home lessons, giving you a big competitive advantage. The trade-off is time and money spent going from one student’s house to another. You’ll probably want to invest in a fuel-efficient car, possibly an EV, to cut costs. Additionally, you’ll likely want to charge a premium for the cost of providing music lessons at people’s houses. Consider batching your at-home students by days and locations. For example, if you have a few students who live close to each other, schedule their music lessons on the same day so you only have to drive a short distance to get to the next student. Batching at-home music lessons by location helps you get more music students by targeting underserved neighborhoods away from where you live.

Online music lessons: Online music lessons are another excellent option for new music teachers to get students. One significant benefit is that teachers can expand their reach to other locations and time zones. Most music students are children, and after school is a coveted time. This means you might need help filling time before schools let out. You can fill these times by providing online music lessons to students in time zones to the East of where you live because their time is ahead of yours.

Determine Your Pricing and Policies

Establishing clear pricing and policies is essential for running a successful independent teaching practice. Research the market rates in your area and consider factors such as your qualifications, experience, and demand. Decide on your lesson duration, payment structure (per lesson or monthly), and cancellation policy. Transparently communicate these details to potential students, to help students and parents understand your expectations from the outset. Here are a few tips you should follow when determining your music lesson pricing and policies.

Don’t undervalue your services: Avoid undervaluing your services by pricing them too low. While it may seem tempting to compete on price, it can lead to burnout and a loss of enjoyment in teaching music. Instead, consider pricing on the higher end and focus on providing exceptional value to your students. By delivering additional benefits and a high-quality experience, you can retain students and cultivate a thriving teaching practice.

Have a clear cancellation policy: A clear cancellation policy is essential for maintaining professionalism and managing expectations in your music teaching practice. Clearly outlining your policy helps ensure that you and your students are on the same page regarding cancellations, rescheduling, and associated fees. A well-defined cancellation policy sets boundaries, establishes a respectful approach to scheduling changes, and helps you maintain a consistent teaching schedule while providing flexibility when necessary.

Define how and when payment should occur: Defining upfront how and when payment should occur is crucial for a smooth and transparent relationship with your students. By clearly communicating your payment expectations, you establish trust and avoid misunderstandings. It sets a professional tone and ensures both parties know their payment responsibilities. Clearly defining payment methods, due dates, and any late fees or discounts helps create a mutually beneficial arrangement and contributes to your music teaching business’s overall success and sustainability.

To assist you in addressing pricing considerations comprehensively, we have compiled a list of additional factors to consider when determining how to charge for the music lessons you provide. By reviewing these considerations upfront, you can ensure you have thought through the various aspects of setting your pricing structure effectively.

Lesson Duration: Determine the length of each lesson based on the age and skill level of your students. Standard options include 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 1 hour. If you teach in people’s homes, you must allot time to leave one student and travel to the next student. While 30-minute lessons are common, they can lead to issues where one student is late, causing a domino effect for other students. Additionally, it can feel rushed when transitioning between students.

Payment Options: Decide the payment methods you will accept, such as cash, checks, or online payments. Consider using platforms like PayPal or Venmo for convenience. You’ll want to avoid payment hassles. It is better to have one or two payment methods for all of your students than having some pay in cash, some with a check, some via PayPal, and others with a credit card. Doing so can become a bookkeeping nightmare.

Lesson Packages: Offer different package options, such as a set number of lessons paid in advance, to incentivize commitment and save student costs. To get new students, consider offering a lesson or two for free.

Scheduling Flexibility: Consider your availability and determine if you will offer flexible scheduling options or have set lesson slots. Decide how far in advance students can schedule or reschedule lessons.

Studio Policies: Establish guidelines on attendance, tardiness, and make-up lessons. Clearly communicate your expectations to ensure a smooth and consistent learning experience.

Student Assessment: Determine how you will assess student progress, whether through periodic evaluations, recitals, or other performance opportunities.

Refund Policy: Outline your policy for refunding prepaid lessons in case of student withdrawal or unforeseen circumstances.

Communication Channels: Decide on the preferred method of communication with students and parents, such as email, phone calls, or a dedicated online platform. Using MusicTeacherNotes as your music teaching platform, you can easily communicate with all your students, as needed.

Considering these additional factors, you can ensure that your pricing and policies section comprehensively addresses the various aspects necessary for a successful and well-structured private music teaching business.

Market Your Music Lesson Business

Marketing your new music lesson business is a never-ending process that requires a lot of thought and persistence to get it right. We recommend reading our Music Teacher Marketing Guide to grasp what is involved fully. We also encourage you to read other marketing material from sites like Hubspot. We’ll explain some key concepts you should consider when developing your marketing strategy for the types of music lessons you plan to offer.

Create a Website: Create a professional website that showcases your qualifications, teaching philosophy, and testimonials. A music teacher’s website doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be well-designed and designed to attract students.

Utilize Social Media Platforms: You can perform social media marketing for music lessons simply by sharing content, such as practice tips, performance videos, and student success stories.

Leverage Online Music Teacher Directories: MusicTeacherNotes allows you to create a free Music Teacher Directory listing when registering an account. But don’t just use ours. Add yourself to every directory you can, especially free ones.

Offer free lessons: Consider offering trial lessons to entice new students. A new student might pay you over $1000 per year in revenue. Don’t hesitate to offer a few free lessons to new students because it helps you recruit them for the long term.

Define Your Target Market: Identify the ideal demographic for your music lessons (e.g., age group, skill level, musical genre preference). Consider the local community, schools, and music organizations as potential sources for your target market. Analyze your competition and understand what makes you unique.

Craft Your Brand Identity: Develop a unique brand name that reflects your teaching style and values. Create a compelling logo and visual identity to enhance brand recognition. Write a clear and concise mission statement communicating your teaching approach and the benefits students can expect.

Utilize search engine optimization (SEO): Using SEO for music lessons means using techniques that help search engines rank you higher when a potential student types a query about the music lessons you offer.

Leverage Online Advertising: Use paid advertising platforms such as Google Ads and social media ads to target your desired audience. Design compelling ad copy highlighting your unique selling points and encouraging potential students to inquire about or book lessons.

Use Print Advertising: Marketing methods like Direct Mail and Door-Hanging Flyers aren’t dead, and in fact, they work extremely well for music teachers who teach in a studio or at people’s homes.

Get Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage satisfied students to provide testimonials and online reviews to build credibility. Every new student wants to read reviews and testimonials before contacting a music teacher. MusicTeacherNotes has a feature called the Testimonial Autopilot, which automates the process of getting testimonials and eliminates the headache of you having to ask and remind your students to provide them.

Encourage Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Word-of-mouth referrals can be invaluable, so cultivate positive relationships with students and their parents. Go over and above as a teacher, and students and parent will naturally share their experience with others.

Network: Collaborate with local music stores, schools, and organizations to expand your network and reach.

Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly track the effectiveness of your marketing efforts using analytics tools. Analyze website traffic, conversion rates, and student acquisition channels to identify areas for improvement. Adjust your marketing strategies based on the insights gained from your analysis.

This article covers many things you’ll want to consider when starting a new music lesson business, but it’s far from complete. To learn more, we highly recommend reading our article called, 16 Music School Marketing Strategies to Get New Students. That article does a deep dive into the world of music teacher marketing and links to other articles about specific marketing topics.

Music Education Research: A Timeline of Studies Showing the Benefits

May 4, 2023Benefits of Music LessonsAdam Bram

1995-June

KL DEBOER, RT SHEALY

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY GRADUATE STUDENTS SHOW IMPROVED CLINICAL AND PERCEPTUAL SKILLS FROM VOICE LESSONS

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to determine if voice lessons could have an effect on their clinical and perceptual skills.

Details about the study

Two groups of 10 speech-language pathology graduate students were each given 7 weeks of singing lessons to determine whether voice lessons could have an effect on their clinical and perceptual skills. Pre-, mid-, and post-tests to measure various skills were designed and implemented.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that the singing lessons were effective in improving pitch perception, breath control, and legato production or easy onset. This study suggests that it makes sense to integrate curricula vocal training with speech-language pathology.

Citation

DeBoer, K. L., & Shealy, R. T. (1995). The effect of voice lessons on the clinical and perceptual skills of graduate students in speech-language pathology. Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation, 9(2), 118–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0892-1997(05)80244-9

1997-February

F H RAUSCHER, G L SHAW, L J LEVINE, E L WRIGHT, W R DENNIS, R L NEWCOMB

SPATIAL-TEMPORAL REASONING IN CHILDREN ENHANCED BY MUSIC LESSONS

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to test the hypothesis that music training enhances young children’s spatial-temporal reasoning.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on 78 preschool children. 34 students received piano keyboard music lessons, 20 students received private computer lessons, and 24 children provided other nonspecified controls. Four standardized, age-calibrated, spatial reasoning tests were given before and after training; one test assessed spatial-temporal reasoning and three tests assessed spatial recognition.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that this suggests that music training produces long-term modifications in underlying neural circuitry in regions not primarily concerned with music. The researchers reported that there was a significant improvement on the spatial-temporal test portion for the group that received keyboard musical training, but there was not a significant improvement for the keyboard group, or any other group, on the spatial recognition test. The magnitude of the spatial-temporal improvement from keyboard training was greater than one standard deviation of the standardized test and lasted at least one day, a duration traditionally classified as long-term.

Citation

Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., Levine, L. J., Wright, E. L., Dennis, W. R., & Newcomb, R. L. (1997). Music training causes long-term enhancement of preschool children’s spatial-temporal reasoning. Neurological research, 19(1), 2–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616412.1997.11740765

1999-January (est)

JM CHEEK, L R SMITH

IMPROVED MATHEMATICAL TEST SCORES RESULTING FROM STUDENTS TAKING MUSIC LESSONS

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers studied mathematic test scores from Iowa basic skills tests. There were two sub-studies conducted. The first sub-study compared the mathematics test scores of students who were given private music lessons versus those who were not given private music lessons. The second sub-study compared the scores of students who received keyboard music lessons versus those who did not receive keyboard music lessons.

Details about the study

The researchers in this article studied the test results from students on the Iowa test of basic skills. They studied the test scores of 8th graders. Their main focus was on mathematic test scores.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that students who had private lessons for two or more years performed significantly better on the composite mathematics portion of the ITBS than did students who did not have private lessons. They also concluded that students who received lessons on the keyboard had significantly higher ITBS mathematics scores than did students whose lessons did not involve the keyboard.

Citation

Cheek, J. M., & Smith, L. R. (1999). Music training and mathematics achievement. Adolescence, 34(136), 759–761.

2000-January

FRANCES H. RAUSCHER, MARY ANN ZUPAN

CHILDREN’S SPATIAL-TEMPORAL PERFORMANCE IS ENHANCED BY MUSIC LESSONS

What the study wanted to learn

The study wanted to learn if keyboard music lessons resulted in improved performance on spatial-temporal tasks and memorization skills for young children.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on 62 kindergartners. The children were assigned to one of two conditions, keyboard or no music. All children were pretested with two spatial-temporal tasks and one pictorial memory task. The keyboard group was provided with 20-min lessons two times per week in groups of approximately ten children. Children were then retested at two 4-month intervals.

Conclusion

The study showed that kindergarten children that received keyboard instruction scored significantly higher than the children who received no instruction on both spatial-temporal tasks after four months of lessons, and the difference was even greater after eight months of lessons.

Citation

Frances H Rauscher, Mary Anne Zupan. (2000). Classroom keyboard instruction improves kindergarten children’s spatial-temporal performance: A field experiment. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 215-228,
ISSN 0885-2006.

2000-November (est)

THE JOURNAL OF AESTHETIC EDUCATION

STUDY SHOWS THAT LEARNING TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT ENHANCES SPATIAL REASONING

What the study wanted to learn

The study wanted to find how music lessons affect spatial reasoning, which is the ability to think about and manipulate objects in three dimensions.

Details about the study

This meta-analytic review analyzes 15 studies that concluded improved spatial reasoning skills resulted from music instruction in preschool and elementary children. The studies were conducted on preschool and elementary children over several years, with multiple findings.

Conclusion

This analysis provides support for the hypothesis that not only spatial-temporal, but also other spatial tasks requiring spatial memory, spatial recognition, mental rotation, and/or spatial visualization may be enhanced by music instruction. It concluded that music instruction does appear to enhance spatial-temporal performance for preschool and elementary-age children, at least while instruction occurs and at least up through two years of instruction.

Citation

Hetland, L. (2000). Listening to Music Enhances Spatial-Temporal Reasoning: Evidence for the “Mozart Effect.” Journal of Aesthetic Education, 34(3/4), 105–148. https://doi.org/10.2307/3333640

2006-January

COSTA-GIOMI, EUGENIA

FINE MOTOR ABILITIES IMPROVED IN CHILDREN WHO TOOK MUSIC LESSONS

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to determine if practicing a musical instrument would lead to improved fine motor skills.

Details about the study

The researchers divided children into two groups (number of children not given). One group received two years of piano instruction, and the other group did not receive any music instruction.

Conclusion

The researchers discovered that the group of children who took piano lessons for two years significantly improved fine motor skills. The study stated, “Music performance requires accurate and quick motor reactions to visual, aural, and kinesthetic stimuli. When performers practice their instruments, they receive immediate and consistent aural feedback about their motor response to such stimuli.”

Citation

Costa-Giomi, Eugenia. (2006). Does Music Instruction Improve Fine Motor Abilities? Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1060. 262-4. 10.1196/annals.1360.053.

2006-February

PUHAN, M. A., SUAREZ, A., LO CASCIO, C., ZAHN, A., HEITZ, M., & BRAENDLI, O

PLAYING THE DIDGERIDO HELPS ALLEVIATE THE SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to study the effects of didgeridoo playing on daytime sleepiness and other sleep-related issues by reducing the collapsibility of the upper airways in patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and snoring.

Details about the study

The researchers used a randomized control trial in this study. Twenty-five sleep apnea patients, all over 18 years of age, were the participants in this study. The participants were divided into two groups. The first group received didgeridoo lessons for four months. The second group was on the waiting list for didgeridoo lessons. Participants in the didgeridoo group practiced an average of 5.9 days a week for 25.3 minutes.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that regular didgeridoo playing is an effective treatment alternative well accepted by patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The reason appears to be related to how didgeridoo playing exercises the upper airways.

Citation

Puhan, M. A., Suarez, A., Lo Cascio, C., Zahn, A., Heitz, M., & Braendli, O. (2006). Didgeridoo playing as alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: randomised controlled trial. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 332(7536), 266–270. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38705.470590.55

2006-May

E. GLENN SCHELLENBERG, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO AT MISSISSAUGA

THE MANY BENEFITS MUSIC LESSONS HAVE ON SCHOOL GRADES AND OVERALL IQ

What the study wanted to learn

The study wanted to learn if long-term music lessons significantly affected IQ and academic performance in different age groups (young children and young adults).

Details about the study

The study was conducted on two groups of students: College freshmen, and children ranging in age from 6 to 11 years of age. The children were evaluated on their academic achievements, school grades, and an IQ test. In the children’s group, more than half had taken music lessons in some fashion. The college freshmen group was given an IQ test and also presented their high school grades. The college freshmen group also disclosed the number of years they had received music instruction, and how many years they consistently played an instrument.

Conclusion

The study results for the younger group showed that for every month of music instruction, there was an increase in IQ of one-sixth of a point. The study implied that six years of music lessons was associated with an increase in IQ of 7.5 points compared to children who never received music lessons. The results for the college students showed that six years of playing music regularly as a child predicted an increase of two points in IQ over their peers. For the college freshmen who received music lessons, there was an increase in perceptual organization, working memory, and average high school grades.

Citation

Schellenberg, E. G. (2006). Long-term positive associations between music lessons and IQ. Journal of educational psychology, 98(2), 457.

2008-November

JAYNE M. STANDLEY

BENEFITS OF MUSIC LESSONS ON READING IMPROVEMENT

What the study wanted to learn

The researcher wanted to study whether or not music lessons help children with reading and comprehension.

Details about the study

This article highlighted the meta-analysis of 30 studies using a variety of music interventions to affect reading skills.

Conclusion

The researcher found that the music activities that pair alphabet recognition with phonetic patterns, incorporate word segmentation and sound blending skills, and promote rapid decoding skills are effective in enhancing reading instruction. Benefits are greater when the special music reading activities are added to an existing music education curriculum. The research concluded that all schedules of intervention are equally effective regardless of whether daily, intense, short-term, or weekly periodic interventions spread across the school year.

Citation

Standley, J. M. (2008). Does Music Instruction Help Children Learn to Read? Evidence of a Meta-Analysis. Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, 27(1), 17–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/8755123308322270

2009-January

GRUNWALD ASSOCIATES LLC

THE MANY BENEFITS OF SINGING IN A CHOIR

What the study wanted to learn

The study examined the perceived benefits of singing for adults, including mental health and civic engagement. The study was built on a 2009 Chorus Impact Study focused on children and adults. This specific study pertained to the lives of older adults.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on over 2,000 singers in choruses of all kinds, 500 members of the general public, 500 parents, and 300 K-12 educators from throughout the United States using online surveys.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that there are four main takeaways from this study. 1. Choral singing continues to be the most popular form of participation in the performing arts. 2. Adults who sing in choruses are remarkably good citizens. 3. Children who sing in choruses have academic success and valuable life skills. 4. The decline in choral singing opportunities for children and youth is a key area of concern.

Citation

Grunwald Associates, LLC. (2009). The Chorus Impact Study: How Children, Adults, and Communities Benefit from Choruses.

2009-January

DARBY E. SOUTHGATE, VINCENT J. ROSIGNO

CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT ENHANCED BY MUSIC LESSONS

What the study wanted to learn

The study sought to determine whether or not there was an association between music involvement and academic achievement for school-aged children.

Details about the study

The study used three measures of music participation: in school, outside of school, and parental involvement with concert attendance.

Conclusion

The study concluded that music participation, both inside and outside of school, is associated with improved academic achievement for children and teenagers.

Citation

Southgate D. E., Roscigno V. J. (2009). The impact of music on childhood and adolescent achievement. Social Science Quarterly, 90(1), 4–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00598.x

2011-May

BRENDA HANNA-PLADDY AND ALICIA MACKAY

BETTER BRAIN FUNCTIONING AT ANY AGE FROM LEARNING TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT

What the study wanted to learn

The study sought to identify whether music instruction could enhance successful cognitive aging. Cognitive aging is the decline in cognitive processing as people age.

Details about the study

Seventy older healthy adults (ages 60–83) varying in musical activity completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. The groups (nonmusicians, low and high activity musicians). Nonmusicians were grouped on age, education, and history of physical exercise. Musicians were grouped by age of instrumental acquisition and formal years of musical training. Musicians were classified in the low (1–9 years) or high (>10 years) activity group based on years of musical experience throughout their life span.

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed that elderly participants with at least ten years of musical experience performed better in nonverbal memory and other mental processes than non-musicians. The study suggested that music lessons appear to cause an increase in verbal working memory and improved brain functioning at any age. The studies also demonstrate that the benefits of learning and playing an instrument are not completely dependent on the level of education the musician has achieved. Various benefits of learning an instrument occur at any age in life.

Citation

Hanna-Pladdy, B., & MacKay, A. (2011). The relation between instrumental musical activity and cognitive aging. Neuropsychology, 25(3), 378–386. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021895

2012-January

BENJAMIN RICH ZENDEL, CLAUDE ALAIN

MUSIC LESSONS HELP REDUCE THE DECLINE IN HEARING AS WE AGE

What the study wanted to learn

People may have a harder time hearing small details in sounds when they get older. This makes it harder for them to understand people when there’s a lot of noise around. The researchers wanted to see if people who learn music when they’re young have an advantage and don’t lose as much of their hearing abilities as they age.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on two groups of individuals: 74 lifelong musicians, and 89 nonmusicians ranging in age from 18 to 91.

Conclusion

The study found that musicians have an advantage in certain listening tasks, even as they age. This means that they can still hear things well even as they age. Musicians also have an advantage in understanding and processing sounds in their brains. The study showed that both musicians and non-musicians had similar declines in hearing sensitivity as they got older, but musicians had less decline in how their brain processes sound.

Citation

Zendel, B. R., & Alain, C. (2012). Musicians experience less age-related decline in central auditory processing. Psychology and aging, 27(2), 410–417. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024816

2012-August

NINA KRAUS, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

EVEN A FEW YEARS OF MUSIC LESSONS MAKES YOU A BETTER LISTENER IN ADULTHOOD

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to learn if just a few years of music lessons early in life could improve listening skills later in life.

Details about the study

The researchers in this study compared the benefits of three groups: those with some music lessons, those with many years of music lessons, and those with no music lessons. Many prior studies looked at the benefits of long-term musical instruction, but they didn’t analyze the benefits of just a few years of music instruction. For both of the groups with experience, the average age at which they started playing an instrument was roughly nine years old. Participants were placed in a soundproof booth, and electrodes were placed on their heads that could read signals emitted by their auditory brainstems.

Conclusion

By measuring signals emitted by the auditory brainstems of the participants, the researchers found that although the signals detected from the most experienced musicians showed the most robust response to the sounds, participants with just one to five years of music lesson experience showed significantly greater cognitive ability as compared to the group with no music instructional experience. The researchers concluded that playing music for just a few years as a child seems to be linked with better listening skills much later on.

Citation

A Little Goes a Long Way: How the Adult Brain Is Shaped by Musical Training in Childhood

Erika Skoe, Nina Kraus, Journal of Neuroscience 22 August 2012, 32 (34) 11507-11510; DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1949-12.2012, https://www.jneurosci.org/content/32/34/11507.abstract

2012-September

SWATHI SWAMINATHAN, JINI K. GOPINATH

THE BENEFITS OF MUSIC LESSONS ON ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers in this study wanted to determine whether or not music lessons had an effect on learning a second language, and more specifically, English as a second language.

Details about the study

In this study, primary school children were divided into two groups: Those taking music lessons, and those who did not. The participants in the study were tested on the verbal subscales of the Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC) and an English word-reading test.

Conclusion

The results showed that the musically trained participants performed significantly better on the tests of comprehension and vocabulary. The researchers concluded that this result is in line with the hypothesis that music and language share processing resources, as a result of which transfer of learning takes place.

Citation

Swaminathan, S., Gopinath, J.K. Music Training and Second-Language English Comprehension and Vocabulary Skills in Indian Children. Psychol Stud 58, 164–170 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-013-0180-3

2013-February

PÄIVI-SISKO EEROLA, TUOMAS EEROLA, UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ, FINLAND

EXTENDED MUSIC EDUCATION ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL LIFE

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to learn how music lessons affected children socially.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on children ranging from the age of 8 to 17. Outcomes were measured at age 17 and include cognitive skills, school marks, personality traits (conscientiousness, openness, agreeableness, and perceived control), time-use, ambition, and optimism about future success.

Conclusion

The researchers in this study found that musical instruction did provide measurable social benefits. They concluded that pupils in the classes with extended music education were generally more satisfied with school life than pupils in the classes with a normal music education curriculum. They also discovered that students in the EM classes also found that school provided them with achievement and opportunity more often than the pupils in the N classes. The most striking differences between these groups were found in the classroom climate, a novel factor designed for this study.

Citation

Päivi-Sisko Eerola & Tuomas Eerola (2014) Extended music education enhances the quality of school life, Music Education Research, 16:1, 88-104, DOI: 10.1080/14613808.2013.829428

2013-June

EUGENIA COSTA-GIOMI

MUSIC LESSONS AND THE POSITIVE EFFECT ON SELF-ESTEEM

What the study wanted to learn

The study wanted to measure how music lessons affect children’s self-esteem.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on 117 fourth-grade children attending public schools in Montreal. They were divided into two groups. The first group (63), received individual piano lessons weekly for three years. The second group (54), did not receive any music instruction. Participants were administered tests of self-esteem, academic achievement, cognitive abilities, musical abilities, and motor proficiency at the beginning of the project and throughout the three years of piano instruction.

Conclusion

The study found that piano instruction had a positive effect on children’s self-esteem and school music marks. The study demonstrated that there are specific benefits associated with piano instruction. The increase in self-esteem in the children who completed three years of piano instruction was significant while the changes in self-esteem of those who never participated in piano instruction or who dropped out of the lessons were negligible.

Citation

2013-September

THE GERMAN SOCIO-ECONOMIC PANEL STUDY AT DIW BERLIN

HOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF COGNITIVE SKILLS IS ENHANCED BY LEARNING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to learn if children who take music lessons at an early age experienced neurological benefits from music lessons.

Details about the study

The longitudinal study was conducted on children who received music lessons as compared to those who did not. The study was not measuring one specific benefit. Rather, it was looking at a wide array of possible benefits from music lessons. This study examines how long-term music training during childhood and youth affects the development of cognitive skills, school grades, personality, time use, and ambition using representative data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP).

Conclusion

This extensive longitudinal study showcases the many neurological benefits for children from taking music lessons at a young age. The study found that kids who take music lessons have improved cognitive skills and school grades and tend to be more conscientious, open, and ambitious.

The following is a list of the many benefits of taking music lessons at a young age:

Improved reading and verbal skills
Improved mathematical and spatial-temporal reasoning
Improved grades
Improved IQ
Improved language acquisition
Improved listening skills
Slows the effects of aging
Strengthens your motor cortex
Improved working memory
Improved long-term memory for visual stimuli
Better anxiety management
Enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem
Improved creativity

Citation

Hille, Adrian. “How learning a musical instrument affects the development of” 25 Sept. 2013, www.diw.de/documents/publikationen/73/diw_01.c.429221.de/www.diw.de/documents/publikationen/73/diw_01.c.429221.de/diw_sp0591.pdf. Accessed 28 May 2023.

2013-October

MASOUD AZIZINEZHAD, MASOUD HASHEMI, AND SOHRAB DARVISHI

ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH MUSIC AND ITS EFFECT ON INTELLECTUAL, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

What the study wanted to learn

The aim of this paper is to consider what we know about the ways that transfer can occur in relation to the skills developed through active engagement with music and how they may impact on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people.

Details about the study

The paper is a synthesis of many studies conducted on the effects of musical training and lessons on the development of young people. No new individual study was conducted.

Conclusion

The various benefits of music lessons on the brain are summarized as follows: In early childhood, there appear to be benefits for the development of perceptual skills, which affect learning a language and impact literacy. Music lessons appear to help people develop rhythmic coordination. Music lessons were shown to enhance fine motor skills. Those who took music lessons had improved spatial reasoning, which is related to some of the skills required in mathematics. Musical training enhanced people’s self-perception, self-esteem, and self-confidence.

Citation

Azizinezhad, Masoud & Hashemi, Masoud & Darvishi, Sohrab. (2013). Music as an Education-related Service to Promote Learning and Skills Acquisition. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences. 93. 142-145. 10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.09.167.

2013-November

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

STUDY SHOWS MUSIC LESSONS EARLY IN LIFE HELPS OLDER PEOPLE PROCESS SPEECH BETTER LATER IN THEIR LIVES

What the study wanted to learn

Researchers wanted to learn how music lessons in early life affected people later in their lives. A person’s nervous system deteriorates as they age, resulting in elderly people having difficulty understanding and picking up on fast-changing speech. The researchers wanted to find out if people who took music lessons during their lives performed better in understanding speech, especially in challenging environments.

Details about the study

Forty-four older adults, ages 55–76, were used in the study. All subjects had normal hearing. The participants were divided into three groups based on the amount of music training they had in their lives. To compare groups’ neural representations of speech, scalp electrodes were used to measure auditory brainstem responses to different sounds.

Conclusion

A greater amount of music training early in life was associated with the most efficient auditory function, even decades after music lessons stopped. The researchers believe it may be that early music instruction instills a fixed change in the central auditory system that is retained throughout life. This study shows that children who accomplish as little as 20 days of music training will experience improved verbal IQ scores and enhanced executive function of the brain.

Citation

Older Adults Benefit from Music Training Early in Life: Biological Evidence for Long-Term Training-Driven Plasticity, Travis White-Schwoch, Kali Woodruff Carr, Samira Anderson, Dana L. Strait, Nina Kraus, Journal of Neuroscience 6 November 2013, 33 (45) 17667-17674; DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2560-13.2013

2013-November

ARNAUD CABANAC, LEONID PERLOVSKY, MARIE-CLAUDE BONNIOT, MICHAEL CABANAC.

STUDYING MUSIC RESULTS IN BETTER GRADES IN ALL SUBJECTS

What the study wanted to learn

The study wanted to find out if students’ grades improved if they chose to take a music elective.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on students from a secondary school in the province of Québec, Canada. The students were members of the International Baccalaureate program. They were selected in their first year of secondary school based on their high grades in previous years. Music was compulsory during the first two years of their secondary school curriculum, with two courses taking nine days per period.

Conclusion

The study showed that the students’ average grades who had chosen a music course in their curriculum were higher than those who had not chosen music as an optional course. It also demonstrated that students taking music lessons achieve better performance in many academic subjects. The study stated that students who studied music performed better, even if those who had not studied music had equally high initial achievements.

Citation

Perlovsky, L., Bonniot-Cabanac, M., & Cabanac, M. (2013). Music and academic performance. Behavioural Brain Research, 256, 257-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2013.08.023

2014-June

JENNIFER ZUK, CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN, ARNOLD KENYON, & NADINE GAAB

THE LINK BETWEEN MUSICAL TRAINING AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS SKILLS

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to investigate the relationship between musical training and executive function (EF) in children and adults. Executive functions encompass several cognitive processes that allow for independent and self-regulated behavior, such as inhibition, problem-solving, goal-directed behavior, maintenance of information in working memory, and cognitive flexibility.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on 30 adults between 18 and 35 and 27 children between 9 and 12. Half of the participants were “musical.” The adult musicians either were seeking or had obtained a performance degree and practiced at least eight hours a week. The children had been taking private instrumental lessons for an average of 5.2 years.

Conclusion

In this study, researchers found that there were differences in brain activation between child musicians and non-musicians. They found more activation in areas of the brain called the “CEO regions.” These are the frontal regions of the brain associated with executive function. The study revealed that musicians exhibited higher cognitive flexibility than non-musicians. The study also showed that adult musicians showed a more proficient working memory. The child musicians exhibited faster processing speed than their non-musician peers.

Citation

Zuk J, Benjamin C, Kenyon A, Gaab N (2014) Behavioral and Neural Correlates of Executive Functioning in Musicians and Non-Musicians. PLoS ONE 9(6):
e99868. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0099868

2014
September

JAMES J. HUDZIAK, MD, MATTHEW D. ALBAUGH, PHD, SIMON DUCHARME, MD, ALAN C. EVANS, PHD

MUSICAL LESSONS AIDE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAIN

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to assess the extent to which playing a musical instrument is associated with cortical thickness development among healthy youths. Cortical thickness is positively associated with general intelligence.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on 232 youths, ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old. Age, gender, total brain volume, and scanner were controlled for in analyses. Participants underwent MRI scanning and behavioral testing on up to 3 separate visits, occurring at 2-year intervals.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that playing a musical instrument was associated with more rapid cortical thickness maturation within areas implicated in motor planning and coordination, visuospatial ability, and emotion and impulse regulation. Brain matter increased through music lessons. The researchers also concluded that there were benefits in anxiety management and emotional control.

2014
September

NINA KRAUS

MUSIC LESSONS IMPROVE PROCESSING OF SOUND AND IMPROVE SPEECH

What the study wanted to learn

The study set out to analyze the effects of music lessons on sound and speech recognition.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on 50 children, ranging from 6 to 9 years old. The children were put into two groups: 1) children with one year of music lessons and 2) children with two years of music lessons.

Conclusion

The researcher discovered that learning to play an instrument strengthens the brain’s ability to capture the depth and richness of speech sounds. She also shows that music lessons improve the brain’s ability to process pitch, timing, and timbre, which helps children comprehend and process language much more efficiently.

2014
November

HEEKYEONG PARK, JAMES SCHAEFFER, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS – ARLINGTON

MUSICIANS HAVE MUCH MORE WELL-DEVELOPED LONG-TERM MEMORIES THAN NON-MUSICIANS

What the study wanted to learn

The study sought to discover the link between musical expertise and long-term memory by studying the brains of professional musicians.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on 15 non-musicians and 14 trained musicians. The trained musicians had been playing classical music for more than 15 years. The researchers used electroencephalography (EEG) technology to measure electrical activity of neurons in the subjects’ brains and noted processing differences in the frontal and parietal lobe responses.

Conclusion

The study found that the classically music trained participants performed far better than non-musicians on working memory tests. They also discovered that on long term memory tests, musicians registered increased sensitivity with regards to memory for pictures. Non-musicians did not demonstrate this.

2014
December

NINA KRAUS, JANE HORNICKEL, DANA L. STRAIT, JESSICA SLATER AND ELAINE THOMPSON NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

MUSICAL TRAINING HAS A BIOLOGICAL EFFECT ON CHILDREN’S DEVELOPING NERVOUS SYSTEMS

What the study wanted to learn

The study sought to discover if community music programs enhance brain function, especially for at-risk children.

Details about the study

The researchers teamed up with the Harmony Project, a community music program serving low-income children in Los Angeles. Children between the ages of 6 and 9 participated in the study. The research team traveled to Los Angeles to evaluate them as they enrolled in Harmony Project’s programs and returned each summer for the following two years to evaluate them longitudinally. Researchers use a neural probe that allowed them to gauge speech processing.

Conclusion

The researchers found that students who played instruments in class had more improved neural processing than the children who attended the music appreciation group. This demonstrated that children who took music lessons had a biological effect on their developing nervous systems. The effects were not the same for children who just listened to music without taking music lessons.

2014
December

SUSAN HALLAM, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

THE MULTITUDE OF BENEFITS FROM TAKING MUSIC LESSONS THROUGHOUT AN INDIVIDUAL’S LIFETIME

What the study wanted to learn

The paper wanted to analyze empirical evidence relating to the effects of active engagement with music on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people.

Details about the study

This article highlights many studies and research conducted over many years. It draws on research using the most advanced technologies to study the brain, in addition to quantitative and qualitative psychological and educational studies. No new research was conducted.

Conclusion

The article is a broad report of many studies and research that show the multifaceted benefits of receiving music instruction over the course of one’s life. The many benefits include:

Development of perceptual skills that affect learning a language and impact literacy
Improved rhythmic co-ordination
Improved fine motor co-ordination
Improved spatial reasoning

2015
January

AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS

STUDENTS WITH 4 YEARS OF ARTS AND MUSIC LESSONS SCORE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER ON SAT SCORES

What the study wanted to learn

The study wanted to determine if children who took music lessons in high school scored higher on SAT tests.

Details about the study

The study looked at data from The College Board from 1999-2015. The students in the study belonged to one of two groups. The first group comprised students who took music lessons for 4 years in high school. The second group consisted of students who took a half year or less of music instruction.

Conclusion

The researchers found overwhelming evidence that students who took 4 years of high school music lessons outperformed the nonmusic lesson students on their SAT scores. The critical reading and mathematics portion of the SAT were included, and the writing section of the SAT was excluded. Every year from 1999-2015 demonstrated the SAT score advantage for students taking music lessons.

2015
April

CLÉMENT FRANÇOIS, JENNIFER GRAU-SÁNCHEZ, ESTHER DUARTE, ANTONI RODRIGUEZ-FORNELLS

THE MANY BENEFITS OF MUSICAL LESSONS FOR NEURO-EDUCATION AND NEURO-REHABILITATION

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to learn the effects of musical training on neuro-education and neuro-rehabilitation by analyzing previous studies.

Details about the study

This report is a comprehensive review of multiple studies done over many years. The researchers have summarized several studies with a couple of themes in mind. No individual study was conducted by the authors. The researchers in this article focus on the recent gains in the fields of cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience and their contributions to our knowledge of brain function.

Conclusion

The researchers created a report that highlighted several studies that all showed the positive effects of music lessons on various areas of brain functioning. In the first section of their report, they highlighted several studies showing that learning to play a musical instrument can induce substantial neuroplastic changes in cortical and subcortical regions of motor, auditory and speech processing networks in a healthy population. In the second section of their report, they provided an overview of the evidence showing that musical training can be an alternative, low-cost and effective method for the treatment of language-based learning impaired populations. In the third section of their report, they provided the results of studies showing that training with musical instruments can have positive effects on motor, emotional, and cognitive deficits observed in patients with non-communicable diseases such as stroke or Parkinson’s Disease. All of these studies and results help favor the idea that the structural, multimodal, and emotional properties of musical training can play an important role in developing new, creative, and cost-effective intervention programs for education and rehabilitation in the near future.

2015
October

E. GLENN SCHELLENBERG, KATHLEEN A. CORRIGALL, SEBASTIAN P. DYS, TINA MALTI

GROUP MUSIC TRAINING AND CHILDREN’S PROSOCIAL SKILLS

What the study wanted to learn

The researcher wanted to investigate if group music training in childhood is associated with prosocial skills.

Details about the study

Children in 3rd or 4th grade who attended 10 months of music lessons taught in groups were compared to a control group of children matched for socio-economic status.

Conclusion

Music group training in childhood is associated with increased prosocial skills. Results show that children who took 10 months of group music lessons had larger increases in sympathy and prosocial behavior compared to a control group matched for socio-economic status. The effect was only seen in children with poor prosocial skills initially and was evident even with compulsory lessons, suggesting group music training can improve prosocial skills.

2016
June

BELGIAN RESEARCHERS MARIE-EVE JORET, FILIP GERMEYS, YORI GIDRON

STUDY REVEALS THAT CHILDREN WITH MUSICAL TRAINING TEND TO FOCUS AND TUNE OUT DISTRACTIONS BETTER

What the study wanted to learn

The study wanted to find out if musical training affects a person’s (specifically children’s) ability to focus.

Details about the study

This study measured and compared “cognitive inhibition” in children who did and did not have music training. Cognitive inhibition is a person’s ability to concentrate and tune out distractions. The study was conducted by Belgian researchers and was performed on 9 to 12-year-olds with and without musical training.

Conclusion

The study showed that children with musical training performed significantly better in tasks that required focus. The likely reason is music practice requires focus, and practicing a musical instrument daily trains a child to focus on other tasks, as well.

2017
January

JOHN DANI

LEARNING TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT IS MUCH MORE BENEFICIAL THAN JUST LISTENING TO MUSIC

What the study wanted to learn

The study was conducted to verify the hypothesis that receiving music lessons is more beneficial than merely listening to music.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on people ranging from 60 to 85 who began taking piano lessons.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that after six months, those who had received piano lessons showed more gains in memory, verbal fluency, the speed at which they processed information, planning ability, and other cognitive functions, as compared with those who had not received music lessons.

2017
February

XIA GUO, CHIE OHSAWA, AKIKO SUZUKI, KAORU SEKIYAMA

SHORT TERM INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING IMPROVES WORKING MEMORY IN CHILDREN

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers in this study wanted to analyze the effects of short-term musical training, versus all of the previous studies that have focused on long-term instrumental training.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on 40 children, ranging in age from 6 to 8 years old. The children were placed in one of two groups: One group received a 6-week (12-session) keyboard harmonica curriculum, and the other received no training. One interesting note – the musical training did not use traditional instrumental training, the curriculum did not use musical scores to emphasize creating an association between sound (auditory modality) and finger movement (somatomotor system). The researchers used cognitive measurements including verbal ability, processing speed, working memory, and inhibitory control, which were administered before and after the curriculum in both groups.

Conclusion

After the 6-week-study, the researchers reported an improvement in working memory. The working memory results were very evident, suggesting that even a short period of instrumental training will improve working memory.

2017
October

M. ELLIOT, P. GARDNER, M. NARUSHIMA, L. MCCLEARY

THE ROLE AND MEANING OF MUSIC FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA

What the study wanted to learn

From an insider’s perspective, this multiple case study explored the role and meaning of music for individuals with dementia who are aging in place.

Details about the study

The study was conducted using semi-structured interviews, observations, and videos of older adults with dementia. The study’s central theme is a connection, with three types of “connectors” – self, partner, and music – as subthemes. Connection to self involves present moment awareness, accessing memories, and self-expression. Connection to partner builds on self-connection and spending time together with music. Lastly, the connection to music builds on the previous two subthemes and the desire to keep things normal. This study provides insight into the growing body of interdisciplinary literature dedicated to dementia, music, aging in place, and contemplative practices, as well as implications for aging and caring for someone with dementia.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that music offers organization of thoughts, and acts as an anchor to the present moment for individuals with dementia. Music also acts as a catalyst for connection between the person with dementia and their partner, through embodied selfhood. Lastly, our findings support the positive aspects of the experience of music and dementia (enhanced feelings of well-being, increased social interactions, heightened sense of empowerment and control).

2018
February

ARTHUR C. JASCHKE, HENKJAN HONING, ERIK J. A. SCHERDER

IMPROVEMENTS IN EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BRAIN FROM TAKING MUSIC LESSONS

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to study the effects of long-term music education on cognitive abilities and academic achievement in children.

Details about the study

The study was conducted on 174 primary school children. Participants were randomized into two music intervention groups, one active visual arts group, and a no arts control group. Neuropsychological tests assessed verbal intelligence and executive functions. Additionally, a national pupil monitor provided data on academic performance.

Conclusion

The study’s results indicate a positive influence of long-term music education on cognitive abilities such as inhibition and planning. This study supports a far transfer effect from music education to academic achievement mediated by executive sub-functions. Test scores on inhibition, planning, and verbal intelligence increased significantly in the children who received music instruction.

2018
June

Study shows that speech benefits from music lessons

MIT (MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY)

STUDY LINKS MUSIC LESSONS WITH BETTER LANGUAGE SKILLS

What the study wanted to learn

The study wanted to determine whether music lessons improve general cognitive ability, leading to better language proficiency, or if the effect of music is more specific to language processing.

Details about the study

This study was conducted in Beijing, China. The children were 4 or 5 years old. Their native language was Mandarin. The 74 children participating in the study were divided into three groups: one that received 45-minute piano lessons three times a week; one that received extra reading instruction for the same period of time; and one that received neither intervention. After six months, the researchers tested the children and analyzed the results.

Conclusion

The study found that learning music helps to improve language skills. The study concluded that music lessons are as useful (perhaps more useful) than additional reading lessons. Researchers have found that piano lessons have a specific effect on kindergartners’ ability to distinguish different pitches, which translates into an improvement in discriminating between words.

2019
June

GUHN, M., EMERSON, S. D., & GOUZOUASIS, P.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO TAKE MUSIC LESSONS PERFORM BETTER ACADEMICALLY THAN THOSE WHO DO NOT TAKE MUSIC LESSONS

What the study wanted to learn

Researchers wanted an extensive look into the positive effects of music lessons and their correlation to enhanced academic achievement.

Details about the study

The study corrected for prior performance and socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted on over 100,000 students at public high schools across the province of British Columbia. The students graduated between the years of 2012 to 2015. More than 15,000 were taking music lessons during their years in high school.

Conclusion

The study concluded that high school students who take music lessons perform much better academically in English, Science, and Math. The researchers also discovered that those who took music lessons outperformed those students who just sang in a choir. Possible explanations for this cause and effect were given, but the study did not specifically address the cause for the increase in academic achievement, just that the results showed a strong correlation.

2020
June

THOMAS E. KLOSS, DONGKUK LIM

FINANCIAL BENEFITS FOR COLLEGE FROM TAKING MUSIC LESSONS IN ADOLESCENCE

What the study wanted to learn

The researchers wanted to explore the relationship between the costs of private music lessons and college scholarships received.

Details about the study

The researchers controlled for three socioeconomic factors – parent income level, parent education level, and parent’s music background. The study was conducted by administering a survey to 126 music ensemble students at two state universities. The students were asked to describe the costs and benefits of music lessons and report how much music-related college scholarship money they were receiving.

Conclusion

The researchers report in this study that there is a positive correlation between the total amount spent on music lessons prior to college and the total amount a student receives for financial assistance for college. The data showed that for every dollar spent by the student on pre-college music lessons, they received 11 cents for music merit-based scholarship in their freshmen year at college.

Get More Students by Listing on Music Teacher Directories

April 30, 2023Music Teacher MarketingAdam Bram

Piano teacher - music teacher directory listings Music teachers who want to get new students are missing out if they aren’t listing their music lesson services on music teacher directories. Music teacher directories allow music teachers to showcase their abilities, education, and teaching experience to many potential music students. No music teacher marketing campaign is complete without listing in directories.

This article will explore the many benefits of using music teacher directory listings, the importance of increasing online visibility, the value of listing on multiple directories, and how to create your first music teacher directory listing on MusicTeacherNotes.

Why Music Teacher Directory Listings Help Music Teachers Get More Students

Students typically begin searching for a new music teacher via a search engine. You must have a solid online presence if you wish to be discovered by potential students. By listing on multiple directories, teachers can increase their chances of being found by potential students and improve their online visibility overall. Some potential students may not visit a teacher’s website, but they will find a music teacher on a directory.

Additionally, a music teacher directory listing conveys credibility. When students see a music teacher in a directory, it gives them some assurance that the music teacher has the skills to be considered a music teacher.

The Benefits of a Music Teacher Directory

A music teacher directory is an online platform that connects music teachers with potential students. These directories provide a comprehensive list of music teachers, their specialties, qualifications, and contact information, making it easy for students to find the right teacher for their needs. As a music teacher, listing your music teaching services in directories will offer the following benefits.

Improved Search Engine Visibility

Listing on a music teacher directory enhances search engine visibility. When a music teacher lists their services in a directory, their name and contact information become more noticeable on search engine results pages (SERPs). With numerous music teachers competing for business, it can be difficult to stand out. It can also be difficult for students to identify the right teacher for their specific needs. A music teacher directory listing makes it easier for students to find a teacher and learn about their teaching style.

Reach a Wider Audience

Using music teacher directory listings provides an additional advantage of reaching a broader audience. When teachers list their services in a directory, they can expand their reach beyond their local area and connect with potential students from other regions or even countries. This is especially beneficial for teachers who offer online lessons. By reaching a wider audience, music teachers can increase their chances of finding students who are a good fit for their teaching style and expertise.

Enhanced Credibility and Professionalism

Music teacher directory listings can boost a teacher’s credibility and professionalism. Most directories have a requirement for teachers to provide comprehensive information about their qualifications, experience, and teaching approach. This detailed information helps potential students to have more confidence in their choice of teacher and trust that they will receive high-quality instruction. By providing evidence of their expertise and teaching philosophy, music teachers can establish themselves as credible professionals and differentiate themselves from less qualified competitors. This enhanced credibility can result in a higher volume of inquiries and referrals, ultimately leading to a more successful music teaching career.

Tips for Listing Music Lessons in Music Teacher Directories

With several directories available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some tips on how to list on music teacher directories effectively:

Find the best directories for your needs: There are numerous music teacher directories available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Evaluate various directories based on their audience, reach, and listing fees. Some directories may have a broader reach and attract a more diverse student base, while others may specialize in a particular music genre or instrument. Some directories might require payment for listing, while others offer free or low-cost options. By researching and comparing different directories, music teachers can choose the ones that align with their teaching goals, preferences, and budget.

Provide detailed information: Ensure you provide detailed information about your qualifications, teaching experience, and teaching approach. This can help potential students learn more about you and make an informed decision about whether you are the right fit for them.

Use keywords to attract new music students: Use relevant keywords in your listing to help potential music students find you when they search for music teachers in their area. Include information about the instruments you teach, the genres you specialize in, and any other relevant information. Most potential students will type a search query, like “piano lessons [name of town or city]” or “piano lessons near me” into Google. For that reason, use the names of the towns or cities you teach at if you provide in-person music lessons.

Highlight your unique selling points: Consider what sets you apart from other music teachers and highlight those points in your listing. In marketing, these points are called your unique selling proposition (USP). For example, if you have a particular teaching approach or have received recognition or awards for your teaching, make sure to mention it. If you specialize in teaching piano to certain age groups that others don’t, that is a USP.

Provide a clear call-to-action: Ensure your listing includes a clear call-to-action, such as “contact me to schedule a lesson” or “visit my website to learn more.” This can encourage potential students to take action and get in touch with you.

Keep your listing up-to-date: Regularly review and update your listing to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date. This can help to maintain your visibility on the directory and ensure that potential students can find you when they need a music teacher. Check your listings regularly and make any necessary updates to ensure potential students have accurate and up-to-date information.

Create unique content for each listing: To avoid having duplicate content that can negatively affect your search engine rankings, it’s important to create unique content for each directory listing. That means no two web pages from different websites should have the same content. Don’t copy the content from your web page word for word to your directory listing. Paraphrase it and make it unique.

Use visual and audio media: Include pictures, videos, and audio samples to showcase your teaching style and skills. Adding visual and audio content to your profile can be an effective way to showcase your teaching style and skills. Include pictures of your teaching space and instruments, as well as videos and audio samples of your teaching in action.

What are some specific directories to list on?

List in all applicable free music teacher directories: Every music teacher directory listing is like a raffle ticket that could lead to a new student. There is no reason not to list in free ones. List your services in all of them, and make sure the content in each is unique to avoid duplicate content from diminishing your chances of showing up in the search engine results (SERPS).

Adding your services to high-value, industry-specific paid directories: Some directory listings are worth paying for. They might offer greater exposure and can be a very affordable way to advertise music lesson services to potential students. It may be useful to research directories specific to your country or region to reach potential students in your area. A Google search can help you identify directories that align with your teaching style and location.

List in applicable music teacher association directories: It may be advantageous to join music teacher associations that offer directory listings as part of their membership benefits. The Music Teacher National Association (MTNA) includes a directory where teachers can list their services, and you can mention on your website that you are an MTNA member, giving you more credibility.

Use sites that act like directories but aren’t: Finally, it is worth considering platforms such as LinkedIn. While not a music-specific directory, LinkedIn can still help to boost your online exposure and attract potential students, just like a directory can.

Use the MusicTeacherNotes Music Teacher Directory

MusicTeacherNotes offers a free music teacher directory. To add your listing, click the link below:

Create your free music teacher directory listing on MusicTeacherNotes

When you click the link above, you will be guided through a form to start creating your directory listing.

How do I update my MusicTeacherNotes directory listing?

When you create your listing, you are also creating a MusicTeacherNotes account. Don’t worry. It doesn’t cost anything for a directory listing. A free account is all that is needed, although a paid MTN account offers many additional features. Click here to learn what those features are.

To update your listing, log in to your account and click the directory link in your profile on your dashboard. You can edit anything you’d like to edit. Note that each listing is optimized for Google Search. Additionally, each listing also includes a music lesson Availability Calendar, so students can review times you are likely available to teach and then request lessons from you.

Conclusion

Music teacher directories are a powerful marketing tool for music teachers. By following these tips, you can maximize the effectiveness of your listing and attract more students to your business. Remember to keep your profile up-to-date, respond promptly to messages, ask for reviews, and consider upgrading to a premium listing to gain even more exposure.

Music Teachers Online: Tips for Private Online Music Lessons

April 19, 2023Online Music LessonsAdam Bram

As the world becomes increasingly digital, online music lessons are becoming more popular. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits for music who online music lessons. We’ll share tips on how to teach remote music lessons and answer the question, “Can music teachers make money by teaching music online?” If teaching virtual music lessons is something you’ve considered doing, read on!

What are the benefits of teaching music online?

Teaching music online has a range of benefits for both music teachers and students. Online music lessons provide more flexibility and the ability to reach a wider audience than traditional in-person lessons. Many potential students cannot find a suitable music teacher locally and therefore turn to music teachers online. Music teachers can connect with students worldwide by offering web-based lessons, expanding their market significantly. Overall, teaching music online provides an excellent opportunity for both teachers and students to broaden their reach and achieve their goals. Below are just some of the benefits you’ll discover as you begin providing online music lessons.

Reach a Wider Audience

One of the biggest advantages of teaching music online is the ability to reach a wider audience. With online lessons, you’re not limited to students in your local area – you can teach students from all over the world. This means you can expand your student base and connect with people who may not have had access to music lessons otherwise.

Continue Teacher Students who Move

According to the U.S. Census, children between the ages of 6 and 17 have a 14.5% chance of moving. If you only teach in-person, you will likely lose those students when they move. However, if you teach music online, you can transition students who move from traditional face-to-face music lessons to online music lessons.

Enjoy More Flexibility

Another advantage of teaching music online is the flexibility that it offers. You can set your schedule and work from the comfort of your home. This means you can fit your teaching around other commitments, whether that’s another job or family responsibilities. You can teach while you travel. Even if you can’t bring an instrument with you on a trip, you can still conduct a music lesson remotely because you can teach theory or listen to the student play and offer suggestions. Additionally, online music lessons eliminate the need for a physical space to hold lessons, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Fill in Hard-to-Fill Time Slots

If you solely concentrate on finding local students, you may discover that most of them prefer lessons during the late afternoon and early evening, leaving you with unoccupied time slots before kids get out of school and during the later evening hours. However, teaching online allows you to fill those gaps by catering to students in different time zones. You can market your services to cities located two or three time zones away from your own, where students get out of school just before or after your local students finish their music lessons.

Lower Overhead Costs

Teaching music online can significantly lower overhead costs when compared to traditional in-person music lessons. Online music lessons eliminate the need for physical classroom or studio space, which can lead to significant expenses for music teachers. Rent, construction, utility bills, equipment, and permits can be expensive for music teachers who own music class studios. If you provide music lessons in a student’s home, you are likely spending a lot on gas and mileage. Teaching music lessons online eliminates those expenses.

Recorded Music Lessons

If you teach a music lesson using Zoom, you have the option to record it. Recording a music lesson enables the student to review the material covered later on. This is a useful way for students to recall what was taught during the lesson and to practice music more efficiently.

More Productive Music Lessons

Online music lessons can be more productive and efficient than in-person lessons because they eliminate the time spent setting up and cleaning up. You can quickly transition from one student to the next, especially as you become more proficient with using Zoom and MusicTeacherNotes to connect with your students. In less than a minute, you can complete a lesson and move on to another.

Weather is not a factor

If you have a bad snowstorm or another weather event that makes it unsafe to drive, holding lessons online is ideal. Neither you nor your students have to drive through treacherous weather conditions to get to a music lesson if the lesson is remote.

Reduce the chances of getting sick

If a student has a cold or flu, you don’t want them to risk infecting you or other students during a music lesson. Doing so is a health risk and is also likely to cause a domino effect of missed lessons as others get sick. Online music lessons are a great option for when you or your students are sick but still feel good enough to play music.

Diversified Income

When the COVID lockdowns happened, many music teachers were financially devastated because they relied on in-person lessons. Those who taught online tended to fare better during the pandemic. Whether something like that could happen again is debatable, but it’s always safer to diversify.

How do I teach music online?

Getting started with online music lessons can seem daunting. Below, we’ll cover some of the key steps you can take to get started with teaching music online.

Choose your platform

The first step in teaching music online is choosing the right platform. There are a range of options available, from video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype to dedicated music teaching platforms like Lessonface and TakeLessons. When choosing a platform, consider the following factors:

Audio and video quality: You’ll need online meeting software that can deliver high-quality audio and video for music lessons. Zoom is one of the most common online meeting applications that music teachers use for remote music lessons.
Interactive features: Use MusicTeacherNotes or a similar type of music teacher management software solution to share music files, saved videos, notes, and other resources. MusicTeacherNotes has many features to help music teachers with online music lessons and in-person music lessons.
Payment and scheduling options: Consider how students will pay you. Using PayPal, Stripe, or Venmo are just a few options that music teachers use to collect payments from online music lessons.

Plan your lessons

Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s time to start planning your lessons. When teaching music online, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

Be prepared: Make sure you have all the materials and resources you need for each lesson. MusicTeacherNotes lets you quickly see what you worked on during previous lessons so you always know what to focus on for the current lesson.
Keep lessons engaging: Find ways to keep your lessons interactive and engaging, even in the absence of in-person interaction.
Use multimedia: Incorporate video and audio recordings, as well as interactive online tools, to enhance your lessons. If you use MusicTeacherNotes, you can save all of your online music teacher resources in your library and share them with students during the lesson.

Adapt your teaching style

Teaching music online requires some adjustments to your teaching style. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Communicate clearly: Make sure you’re speaking clearly and at an appropriate volume, and encourage your students to do the same.
Use visual aids: Use visual aids like music notation software and screen sharing to help your students follow along.
Provide feedback: Offer constructive feedback to your students and encourage them to ask questions.

Market yourself

Finally, it’s important to market yourself effectively when teaching music online. In another article, we go deep into music teacher marketing tips, but here are some tips to get started:

Build a professional website: Create a professional website that showcases your experience and expertise.
Use social media: Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with potential students and share your teaching philosophy.
Offer a trial lesson: Offer a free trial lesson to new students to give them a taste of what you have to offer.
Find markets in other timezones to consider targeting: You can market to neighborhoods in timezones other than where you live. Use Facebook, Google, EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail), or Groupon to target those neighborhoods.

Teaching music online can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both teachers and students. By following these steps, you can get started with online teaching and reach a wider audience than ever before.

Can you make a living teaching music online?

Music teachers who are considering teaching online may wonder if it is possible to make a living from this type of work. The answer is yes, but it will require some effort and strategic planning. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for making a living as an online music teacher.

Teach Locally and Online

One of the best ways to make a living as an online music teacher is to combine your online lessons with teaching locally. This approach can help you to maximize your earning potential and build a strong reputation in your local community. By teaching locally and online, you can ensure that you have a steady stream of students and a diverse range of income sources.

Schedule Your Lessons Strategically

When teaching music online, you can be more flexible with your schedule than you might be with traditional teaching. For example, you can use online lessons to fill in the gaps between your local students. Ideally, use the few hours after school ends for local students. If you want to provide online music lessons a couple of hours earlier than your local area, look one to two time zones to the East of your location. If you want to fill the time slots just after your local lessons, look one to two time zones to the West of your location. Perhaps consider networking with music teachers in those time zones.

Keep Your Expenses Relatively Low

When starting as an online music teacher, keeping your expenses relatively low is important. You’ll need to invest in equipment like a good-quality microphone, a webcam, and headphones, but beyond that, you can keep costs low. By minimizing your expenses, you can ensure that you are making a profit from your lessons.

Effective Ways to Market Your Online Music Lessons

Marketing is crucial to making a living as an online music teacher. Here are some effective ways to market your music lessons:

Create a website: A professional website can help to establish your credibility and showcase your experience and expertise.
Use social media: Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great for promoting your music lessons and connecting with potential students.
Offer a free trial lesson: Offering a free trial lesson can help to attract new students and give them a taste of what you have to offer.
Network with other teachers: Find teachers at music schools in the time zones you want to target and let them know you have availability when they are likely full, and vice versa.
Consider using Groupon in areas you want to target: You could pick cities where you want to provide music lessons and create a Groupon deal to attract new students.
Consider Google Ads: You can geotarget an area with Google ads. Google ads can be a great advertising method if you do it right, but it can waste a lot of money if you do it wrong. We wrote an article that thoroughly explains how to advertise with Google Ads for music teachers.

Do online music lessons work?

As we mentioned, there are many benefits to teaching online music lessons. There are negatives, too. Many music teachers dislike online music lessons for a variety of reasons.

The Cons of Online Music Lessons

Technology issues: Technical issues such as poor internet connectivity or hardware problems can interfere with the quality of the lesson.
Lack of personal interaction: Online music lessons can lack the personal interaction and feedback that comes with in-person lessons. This can make it difficult for the instructor to gauge the student’s progress and offer personalized feedback.
Equipment limitations: Some instruments require specialized equipment or a certain skill level to play properly. Online music lessons may not provide access to this equipment or the necessary level of guidance to use it effectively.
Distractions: Getting distracted during an online music lesson can be easy, especially if the student is not in a quiet environment.

The Verdict:

When considering whether online music lessons work, it’s important to recognize that the answer will vary depending on the individual student’s needs and circumstances. However, online lessons can be effective for students who are dedicated and have access to an organized and dedicated music teacher.

Whether lessons are conducted online or in person, what matters most is the teacher’s ability to motivate students and teach them new skills. MusicTeacherNotes can help with this through its built-in motivational tools.

For music teachers, online lessons offer benefits such as an increased student base, greater flexibility, and reduced costs, but it’s important for individuals to weigh the pros and cons and determine if it’s the best option for their specific needs.

Let’s compare the most popular online music lesson platforms

April 16, 2023Music Teacher Tips, Online Music LessonsAdam Bram

With the rise of online music lessons, several platforms are available for music teachers to use. Each platform offers unique features and benefits that cater to different needs. Here, we compare the best online music lesson platforms. We will outline the pros and cons of each one so you can make the best decision about which online meeting software to use for your music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using Zoom for Music Lessons

Zoom is a video conferencing platform that has become very popular for online music lessons. Here are some pros and cons of using Zoom for music lessons.

Pros:

Easy to Use: Zoom is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. It is available for free to anyone with a Zoom account and can be accessed through a web browser or by downloading the app on mobile devices.
Good Audio and Video Quality: Zoom has good audio and video quality, which is essential for music lessons. The platform also has noise-cancelling features and allows users to adjust audio and video settings.
Compatibility with Different Devices: Zoom is compatible with different devices such as Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. This can help private music teachers to reach a wider audience.
Collaboration Features: Zoom has collaboration features such as virtual whiteboards, breakout rooms, and screen sharing. These features can be helpful for music lessons that require group work or collaboration.
Scheduling: Zoom lets you save invitations for recurring meetings, which is perfect for music lessons.
Free Plan: Zoom has a free plan that allows teachers to conduct one-on-one lessons and group lessons for up to 40 minutes. This can be a great option for private music teachers who are just starting out.

Cons:

Security Concerns: Zoom has faced criticism for its security and privacy practices, which may be a concern for music teachers who are dealing with sensitive information. However, Zoom has made efforts to improve security measures.
Technical Issues: Zoom may experience technical issues such as connection problems or software glitches, which can disrupt music lessons.
Limited Free Plan: Although Zoom has a free plan, it has limitations on the number of participants and features. This can be a disadvantage for teachers who want to have larger classes or access to advanced features.

In conclusion, Zoom can be a great platform for music lessons, especially for private music teachers who are just starting out. It is easy to use, has good audio and video quality, and is compatible with different devices. However, it may have limitations such as security concerns, technical issues, and limited free plan. Private music teachers should carefully consider the needs of themselves and their students when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using Google Meet for Music Lessons

With the rise of online music lessons, private music teachers have various video conferencing platforms to choose from, such as Google Meet. Here are some pros and cons of using Google Meet for music lessons.

Pros:

Free and Easy to Use: Google Meet is a free platform that is relatively easy to use. Teachers and students can access it through a web browser or download the app on their mobile devices. There are no additional costs for using the platform.
Screen Sharing: Google Meet has a screen sharing feature that allows teachers to share their screen with students. This can be useful for displaying sheet music, demonstrating techniques, and illustrating musical concepts.
Integration with Other Google Services: Google Meet integrates seamlessly with other Google services, such as Google Calendar, Gmail, and Google Drive. This can help streamline lesson scheduling, sending invitations, and storing lesson materials.

Cons:

Limited Recording Capabilities: Unlike other video conferencing platforms, Google Meet has limited recording capabilities. Teachers can only record meetings to Google Drive, and the recordings are only available for 30 days. This can be a drawback for students who want to review lesson material at a later time.
Limited Features: Google Meet has fewer features compared to other video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom. There is no virtual whiteboard, chat, or breakout rooms, which can be helpful for music lessons.
Audio Quality: Google Meet’s audio quality can be affected by various factors, such as internet connectivity and device compatibility. This can be a disadvantage for music lessons, where clear audio quality is essential.
Limited Support for Multiple Devices: Google Meet does not support all devices, such as some older Android devices. This can be a disadvantage for students who do not have access to a compatible device.

In conclusion, Google Meet can be a cost-effective and straightforward video conferencing platform for music lessons. However, it may have some limitations, such as limited features and recording capabilities, that may not be suitable for all music lessons. It’s important to consider the needs of both the teacher and student when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using Skype for Music Lessons

Skype is one of the most well-known video conferencing platforms, and it is commonly used by private music teachers for online lessons. Here are some pros and cons of using Skype for music lessons.

Pros:

Easy to Use: Skype is an easy-to-use platform that many people are familiar with. It is free to download and use, and teachers and students can access it through a web browser or download the app on their mobile devices.
Good Audio Quality: Skype is known for having good audio quality, which is essential for music lessons. The platform has noise-cancelling features, and users can adjust the audio settings to improve sound quality.
Chat and File Sharing: Skype has a chat feature that allows teachers to communicate with students during lessons. Additionally, teachers can share files such as sheet music, audio files, or videos with students through the platform.
Screen Sharing: Skype has a screen sharing feature that can be useful for music lessons. Teachers can use this feature to display sheet music, demonstrate techniques, and illustrate musical concepts.

Cons:

Limited Features: Skype has fewer features compared to other video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom. There is no virtual whiteboard, breakout rooms, or other advanced features that can be helpful for music lessons.
No Recording Feature: Skype does not have a built-in recording feature, which can be a disadvantage for students who want to review lesson material at a later time.
Security Concerns: Skype has faced criticism for its security and privacy practices. Although Microsoft has made efforts to improve security measures, some users may be hesitant to use the platform for sensitive or confidential information.
Device Compatibility: Skype may not be compatible with all devices, such as older mobile devices or operating systems. This can be a disadvantage for students who do not have access to a compatible device.

In conclusion, Skype can be a reliable video conferencing platform for music lessons, especially for teachers and students who are familiar with the platform. However, it may have limitations such as limited features, no recording feature, and security concerns. Private music teachers should consider the needs of both themselves and their students when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using FaceTime for Music Lessons

FaceTime is a video conferencing platform that is exclusive to Apple devices. Here are some pros and cons of using FaceTime for music lessons.

Pros:

Good Audio and Video Quality: FaceTime is known for its high-quality video and audio, which is essential for music lessons. The platform also adjusts to the network conditions, which helps maintain a stable connection.
Easy to Use: FaceTime is simple to use, especially for people who are familiar with Apple devices. Teachers and students can use the platform without the need to download additional software.
Integration with Apple Services: FaceTime integrates seamlessly with other Apple services, such as iMessage and iCloud. This can is a pro if the other user has an Apple device because the connection is easy.

Cons:

Limited Device Compatibility: FaceTime is exclusive to Apple devices, which means that students who do not have an Apple device may not be able to use the platform. This can limit the reach of private music teachers.
Limited Features: FaceTime has limited features compared to other video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom. There is no screen sharing, virtual whiteboard, or breakout rooms, which can be helpful for music lessons.
Limited Recording Capabilities: FaceTime does not have a built-in recording feature, which can be a disadvantage for students who want to review lesson material at a later time.
Limited Availability: FaceTime is not available in all countries, which can limit the reach of private music teachers who have students in other parts of the world.

In conclusion, FaceTime can be a useful platform for music lessons, especially for those who have Apple devices. However, it may have limitations such as limited device compatibility, limited features, limited recording capabilities, and limited availability in certain countries. It’s important to consider the needs of both the teacher and student when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Teams for Music Lessons

Microsoft Teams is a video conferencing platform that is commonly used for business and education purposes. Here are some pros and cons of using Microsoft Teams for music lessons.

Pros:

Easy to Use: Microsoft Teams is easy to use and is available for free to anyone with a Microsoft account. Teachers and students can access the platform through a web browser or download the app on their mobile devices.
Good Audio and Video Quality: Microsoft Teams has good audio and video quality, which is essential for music lessons. The platform also has noise-cancelling features and allows users to adjust audio and video settings.
Integration with Microsoft Office: Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office, which includes features such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This can be useful for sharing and storing lesson materials.
Collaboration Features: Microsoft Teams has collaboration features such as virtual whiteboards, breakout rooms, and the ability to work on documents together in real-time. These features can be helpful for music lessons that require group work or collaboration.

Cons:

Limited Device Compatibility: Microsoft Teams may not be compatible with all devices, which can limit its reach for private music teachers who have students with different devices.
Limited Free Plan: Although Microsoft Teams has a free plan, it has limitations on the number of participants and features. This can be a disadvantage for teachers who want to have larger classes or access to advanced features.
Security Concerns: Microsoft Teams has faced criticism for its security and privacy practices. Although Microsoft has made efforts to improve security measures, some users may be hesitant to use the platform for sensitive or confidential information.
Technical Issues: Microsoft Teams may experience technical issues such as connection problems or software glitches, which can disrupt music lessons.

In conclusion, Microsoft Teams can be a useful platform for music lessons, especially for those who already use Microsoft Office for other purposes. However, it may have limitations such as limited device compatibility, limited free plan, security concerns, and technical issues. Private music teachers should consider the needs of both themselves and their students when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Pros and Cons of Using Cisco Webex for Music Lessons

Cisco Webex is a video conferencing platform that is commonly used for business and education purposes. Here are some pros and cons of using Cisco Webex for music lessons.

Pros:

Good Audio and Video Quality: Cisco Webex has high-quality video and audio, which is essential for music lessons. The platform also has noise-cancelling features and allows users to adjust audio and video settings.
Collaboration Features: Cisco Webex has collaboration features such as virtual whiteboards, breakout rooms, and screen sharing. These features can be helpful for music lessons that require group work or collaboration.
Security and Privacy: Cisco Webex has strong security and privacy features, which can be important for music teachers who are dealing with sensitive information.
Compatibility with Different Devices: Cisco Webex is compatible with different devices such as Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. This can help private music teachers to reach a wider audience.

Cons:

Limited Free Plan: Although Cisco Webex has a free plan, it has limitations on the number of participants and features. This can be a disadvantage for teachers who want to have larger classes or access to advanced features.
Technical Issues: Cisco Webex may experience technical issues such as connection problems or software glitches, which can disrupt music lessons.
Complexity: Cisco Webex can be complex for some users, especially those who are not familiar with video conferencing software. This may require some additional training or support for some students.
Price: The paid plans for Cisco Webex can be more expensive than some other video conferencing platforms, which may be a disadvantage for private music teachers who are on a tight budget.

In conclusion, Cisco Webex can be a useful platform for music lessons, especially for those who require strong security and privacy features. However, it may have limitations such as limited free plan, technical issues, complexity, and price. Private music teachers should carefully consider the needs of themselves and their students when deciding on a video conferencing platform for online music lessons.

Music Teachers: Using Zoom to teach music lessons online?

April 16, 2023Online Music LessonsAdam Bram

Teaching music lessons online has become increasingly popular in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption. During the lockdowns, the video conferencing platform, Zoom, became widely known and is now one of the most popular online music lesson tools. Online music lesson offer flexibility and convenience that traditional in-person lessons cannot match, but this article does not aim to debate online music lessons versus in-person music lessons. What’s best for one person may not be best for another. However, if you are a music teacher who does not offer online music lessons, you’re likely missing out on potential students. If you do teach online music lessons or plan to in the future, it is essential to get familiar with Zoom.

Is it still important to have online music lessons after the COVID pandemic?

Many music teachers were forced to teach online during the pandemic due to restrictions. Although most music teachers tend to prefer in-person teaching, online music lessons still have a significant place in the music education industry and are likely to continue growing in popularity. Consider a hypothetical scenario of a typical parent with two children taking piano lessons.

With in-person lessons, the parent spends around 30 minutes just driving to and from the teacher’s studio, plus additional time for waiting and switching between their children. This results in the parent spending about 1 hour and 40 minutes for both children to receive just 30 minutes of piano instruction.

On the other hand, with online piano lessons, the parent can help one child with homework while the other has a lesson and then switch. Each child gets 30 minutes of piano instruction, and the parent doesn’t have to spend any extra time driving or waiting.

Even if music teachers prefer in-person lessons, it’s important to recognize that many busy parents prefer online lessons for their convenience. To adapt, music teachers should incorporate online lessons into their schedules, even if they prefer traditional face-to-face music lessons. With repetition, teachers will get more comfortable with online teaching and attract more music students by teaching music online.

Why choose Zoom for teaching online music lessons?

Zoom isn’t the only online meeting application used for music lessons, but it might be the best. Here are ten reasons Zoom may be the best choice for teaching remote music lessons.

Convenience: Zoom makes it easier for private music teachers to conduct lessons from the comfort of their own homes, saving them the time and effort of traveling to their student’s location. It also allows for more flexibility in scheduling lessons, which can be particularly helpful for students with busy schedules.
Increased Reach: With Zoom, private music teachers can reach students beyond their local area, expanding their potential client base and reach. Teachers could market to students in other time zones to fill up their schedules better. This can lead to increased business opportunities and revenue.
Improved Engagement: Zoom’s interactive features, such as screen sharing, virtual whiteboards, and chat, can make lessons more engaging and interactive for music students, helping them to stay focused and motivated during the music lesson.
Recording Capability: Zoom allows private music teachers to record their lessons, which can be a helpful tool for both the student and the teacher. Students can review the lesson material at their own pace, and teachers can use the recordings to evaluate student progress and adjust their teaching methods accordingly.
Reduced Expenses: Using Zoom for online music lessons can be more cost-effective for private music teachers as they can save money on transportation, rental of a teaching space, and other expenses associated with in-person lessons. This might be a great approach for music teachers to start teaching instead of trying to start a music school right away.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Zoom works seamlessly across multiple devices, including PC, Mac, iPhone, and Android devices, allowing teachers and students to connect from anywhere on any device.
Collaborative Learning: Zoom allows for interactive collaboration between teachers and students, enabling them to work together in real-time, share files, and even co-create music. This can enhance the learning experience and help music students stay motivated and engaged.
Free Plan: Zoom offers a free plan that includes essential features needed for most music lessons, such as 40-minute meetings and screen-sharing capabilities. This can be a cost-effective option for private music teachers who may not need all the advanced features of the paid plans.
Easy to Use: Zoom’s user-friendly interface and intuitive features make it easy for private music teachers to set up and conduct online music lessons. It also provides a virtual waiting room for students, allowing the teacher to control when they join the meeting, ensuring privacy and security.
Easy Scheduling: Zoom allows private music teachers to schedule recurring music lessons. The platform allows teachers to save invitations for recurring meetings, eliminating the need to send a new invitation for each lesson. This feature is particularly helpful for music teachers with regular students who must schedule multiple music lessons in advance.

Zoom alternatives for music lessons

Zoom isn’t the only online music lesson platform that music teachers can use for teaching online. We reviewed the pros and cons of popular online music lesson platforms in another article. Without getting into detail, some Zoom alternatives for online music lessons include:

Google Meet: a video conferencing tool provided by Google that allows up to 100 participants in a meeting.
Skype: a widely used platform for video calls that allows users to share their screen and record the session.
FaceTime: a video and audio calling service exclusive to Apple devices that supports up to 32 participants in a call.
Microsoft Teams: a platform for online collaboration that includes video conferencing and screen-sharing features.
Cisco Webex: a platform for video conferencing that allows up to 100 participants and includes features such as screen sharing and file sharing.

While there are several Zoom alternatives for music lessons, Zoom is probably the easiest to use. A big benefit that Zoom has going for it is that it doesn’t matter what kind of device each person has. Zoom works with Macs and PCs. You can use a phone, iPad, or other tablets, so you don’t need to worry about your student’s device. Millions of young people were educated on Zoom in 2020 when the pandemic lockdowns occurred, so students will likely know how to use it already. When this article was written, Zoom was free for a 40-minute meeting, which is typically long enough for most music lessons. If you teach more than 40 minutes, you’d need the Pro Plan, which is very affordable.

How do I teach a music lesson using Zoom?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to initiate a Zoom meeting with a music student.

Step 1: Download and Install Zoom

The first step is downloading and installing the Zoom application on your computer or mobile device. The Zoom app is available for free and can be downloaded from the Zoom website or app store. After downloading, install the app and create a Zoom account.

Step 2: Schedule a Meeting

After creating a Zoom account, schedule a meeting with your music student. You can schedule a one-time meeting or a recurring meeting for multiple sessions. When scheduling the meeting, choose the appropriate time and date that works for both you and your student. You can also choose to enable video and audio for the meeting.

Step 3: Send Invitation

Once the meeting is scheduled, Zoom will generate a unique meeting ID and password that you can share with your music student. You can send the invitation via email, text message, or any other communication method you prefer. MusicTeacherNotes provides a very easy way for teachers to share their Zoom invitations with their students. Ensure that you provide clear instructions on how to access the meeting, including the meeting ID and password.

Step 4: Prepare for the Meeting

Before the meeting, prepare your teaching materials, such as sheet music, instrument, and any other resources needed for the lesson. Ensure that your internet connection is stable and that your camera and microphone are working correctly.

Step 5: Start the Meeting

At the scheduled time, open the Zoom app and click on the “Join Meeting” button. Enter the meeting ID and password, and click on “Join.” Once you and your music student have joined the meeting, ensure that your video and audio settings are correctly configured, and begin the lesson.

Step 6: Conduct the Lesson

During the lesson, use Zoom’s interactive features, such as screen sharing, virtual whiteboard, and chat, to engage your music student. Share your screen to show your music student any teaching materials or demonstrations you have prepared. Use the virtual whiteboard to write down notes, highlight important sections of the music, or illustrate techniques. The chat feature can be used to answer any questions your music student may have during the lesson.

Step 7: End the Meeting

Once the lesson is over, end the meeting by clicking on the “End Meeting” button. You can choose to save the recording of the lesson, which can be helpful for your music student to review the lesson material at their own pace.

Tips for Teaching Music Lessons on Zoom

While teaching music over Zoom may seem daunting at first, it has proven to be an effective tool for many music teachers and students. Here are some tips for using Zoom for music lessons:

Ensure a stable internet connection

A stable internet connection is essential for a successful online music lesson. Make sure that you have a reliable internet connection and that your bandwidth is sufficient for streaming audio and video. If you experience connection issues during the lesson, try to troubleshoot the issue before the next lesson.

Use a high-quality microphone

The sound quality of your lesson is important, so make sure to use a high-quality microphone. A USB condenser microphone is a good option for most people, but a headset with a built-in microphone can also work well.

Adjust your camera position

Make sure that your camera is positioned so that your student can see you and your instrument clearly. If you’re using a laptop, try propping it up so that the camera is at eye level. This will give your student a more natural perspective of your playing position.

Share your screen

Sharing your screen is a great way to show your student sheet music, scales, or other resources. You can also use a virtual whiteboard to draw out examples and explain concepts visually.

Make use of the chat feature

The chat feature in Zoom is a great way to communicate with your student during the lesson. You can use it to send links to resources, ask questions, or provide feedback.

Use the recording feature

Zoom has a recording feature that allows you to record your lesson. This can be a great tool for students to review the material covered in the lesson, or for you to assess your own teaching.

Keep the lesson engaging

Keeping students engaged during an online lesson can be challenging, but there are ways to make it more interesting. Try incorporating games, exercises, and other interactive elements into your lesson to keep your student engaged and motivated.

Use in conjunction with MusicTeacherNotes

MusicTeacherNotes is an online platform that allows you to manage your music lessons and communicate with your students. One of its features is the ability to save your Zoom invitations in the student’s lesson view so that they don’t have to search for the email you sent. The student can see the Zoom link in their own MusicTeacherNotes account. This makes it easy for them to join the lesson without having to search for the invitation.

Conclusion

Teaching music lessons online with Zoom offers flexibility, convenience, and a valuable teaching tool for music educators. While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption, it is likely to be a part of teaching music for the foreseeable future. Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform that offers a user-friendly experience for music teachers and students alike. By following some basic setup tips and using Zoom’s scheduling feature, you can easily teach music lessons online.

In addition, using a platform like MusicTeacherNotes can further streamline your online teaching experience by allowing you to manage your lessons and communicate with your students in one place. By incorporating these tips into your online music lessons, you can create an effective and efficient learning experience for your students.

How to start a music school: Choosing your studio’s location

April 13, 2023Music Teacher MarketingAdam Bram

Opening a music school can be a rewarding and lucrative business venture. Still, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right location. A well-chosen location can attract students and make your school a success. The wrong location can make attracting students difficult and ultimately lead to failure. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the right location for your music school. In our article, 10 Tips for Starting a Music School that Succeeds, we briefly discussed choosing a suitable location. This article will detail what to think about when choosing the ideal location for your music lesson studio. Below are ten factors to consider.

10 factors to consider when choosing the right location to start a music school

Choosing the right location for a music school depends on many factors. What may be a priority for one music teacher may differ from another. Your location will become an important part of your marketing strategy and how you advertise your music lessons. While this list of factors can serve as a helpful guide, it’s important to consider which factors are most significant for your specific situation. For instance, the cost may be the most important factor for you, whereas demographics may be more important for another teacher. Ultimately, the key is to weigh each factor according to how you envision your music school evolving over time.

1. Demographics

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the location for your music school is the area’s demographics. Assuming you plan to primarily teach children, you’ll want to target an area with a high concentration of families with children, as they are the most likely demographic to be interested in music lessons. A study showed that 50% of all music students quit music lessons by age 17, while most quit between 15 and 17 [1]. This is a time when kids are starting to prepare to leave their childhood home and go off to college. As a music teacher, targeting younger kids ages 5 to 10 makes a lot of sense. Music teachers should consider the following demographic factors:

Age: Look for areas with a high percentage of families with children, as they are more likely to enroll their kids in music lessons.
Income: Make sure the area has a median income that can support the cost of music lessons.
Education: Areas with higher levels of education tend to have more parents interested and willing to provide their children with music lessons.

2. Competition

Another important factor to consider when choosing the location for your music school is the level of competition in the area. Look for areas that don’t have too many music schools or instructors offering the same type of music lessons you plan to offer. Conduct market research to determine the following:

Number of music schools/instructors: Research the number of music schools and instructors in the area. Consider how many of them offer the same type of music lessons you plan to offer.
Quality of competition: Look at the quality of the competition in the area. Consider the reputation of the existing schools and instructors and determine if you can compete with them. To evaluate the quality of competition, check the Google reviews for rival schools. If a school has negative reviews or a low number of reviews, it may suggest that you can effectively compete against them in that particular area.

3. Accessibility

When choosing the location for your music school, you’ll want to ensure that it is easily accessible to your students. Consider the following accessibility factors:

Parking: Ensure that the location has ample parking available for students and parents who may be dropping off and picking up students.
Distance: Consider the distance students and parents must travel to attend lessons. Try to choose a convenient location for most of your target audience. Note that you might be able to target two or three townships with a single music school if you choose a location conveniently located between them.
Traffic: If your music school will be located in a congested area, consider how bad traffic can be, especially around rush hour when kids are finished with school. Parents may be unwilling or unable to sit in heavy traffic to get their children to music lessons.

4. Facilities

The facilities of your music school can have a significant impact on your success. Look for a location that has the following facilities or is easily adaptable to accommodate them:

Classrooms: You’ll need adequate classroom space to accommodate your students and instructors. You’ll also want to noise-proof them to prevent music noise from one classroom from interfering with other lessons in adjacent classrooms.
Practice rooms: Look for a location that has practice rooms available for students who need to practice between lessons.
Performance space: Consider whether the location has a performance space available for recitals and concerts.
Storage: Make sure the location has adequate storage space for instruments, music stands, and other equipment.
Waiting area: Consider the activities that parents and other children can engage in while a student is taking a music lesson. For instance, a parent may be able to assist their other children with their homework while one child is taking a music lesson. Providing space for parents to do so can serve as a unique selling proposition (USP) for your music school.

5. Cost

The cost of the location is an important consideration when choosing the right location for your music school. Look for a location that you can afford while still meeting all of your needs. Determine how many lessons you’ll have to provide to break even each month. Consider the following cost factors:

Rent: Research the rental rates in the area and determine if they fit within your budget.
Utilities: Consider the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, and water when choosing a location.
Insurance: Determine the insurance cost for your music school and factor it into your budget.

6. Zoning and Permitting

Before you choose a location for your music school, it’s important to check local zoning regulations and permit requirements. Consider the following zoning and permitting factors:

Zoning: Check local zoning regulations to ensure that the location is zoned for educational purposes.
Permitting: Determine what type of permits you’ll need to operate a music school in the area. This may include business licenses, occupancy permits, and safety inspections.

7. Community Support

The local community’s support can significantly impact your music school’s success. Look for a location that supports the arts and education, with a strong community of musicians and music enthusiasts. Consider the following community support factors:

Local music scene: Look for a location that has a thriving local music scene, with opportunities for students to perform and connect with other musicians.
Arts organizations: Check for the presence of local arts organizations that can support your music school and help you connect with the community.
Community involvement: Look for a location where the community is invested in education and the arts, with a strong network of parents and community leaders who are passionate about supporting young musicians.

8. Size of the Location

When choosing a location for a school or educational institution, the size of the location is an important factor. Here are some points to consider:

Number of students: The size of the location should be suitable for the number of students that will be attending the school. A location that is too small can feel cramped and uncomfortable, while a location that is too large can feel empty and intimidating.
Classroom sizes: The size of the classrooms is also important to consider. Classrooms should be large enough to accommodate the students comfortably, while also allowing for necessary equipment and materials.
Future planning: The size of the location should also be appropriate for growth. You may want to start a music store or hire additional music teachers. You might start small and grow your music school over time. While you could move your location when you’re ready to grow, you risk losing students if the new location is far from the original location.

9. Location Visibility

Visibility is an important factor when choosing a location for an educational institution. Here are some points to consider:

Street frontage: A location with good street frontage is important as it makes the school more visible to passersby. This can attract potential students and also make it easier for parents and students to locate the school. In this way, your location becomes a form of advertising, helping you market your music school.
Signage: Good signage is also important for visibility. The school’s name and logo should be clearly displayed on the building or on a sign in front of the location.
Accessibility: The location should also be easily accessible by public transportation and have adequate parking facilities. This can make it easier for students and parents to get to the school, and can also make the school more visible to potential students who may be passing by.

10. Neighbors

A music school will make noise. Some adjacent businesses might not appreciate students practicing drum solos right next to them. Additionally, you might not want to have your music school just down the road from seedy businesses that might turn off parents. Consider these factors when thinking of neighboring businesses.

Know your neighbors: Try to meet them and develop a friendly relationship with them. It’s a lot harder to complain about someone you have a relationship with than it is about someone you don’t.
Investigate the area: Are there any neighbors in the area that might make your customers feel uncomfortable? If you wouldn’t want your kids spending time in such an area, you probably shouldn’t expect others to want to take lessons in that area either.
Listen for external noise: Is the location exceptionally noisy? Are their sirens from police cars or ambulances going off frequently? Are you blocks away from a railroad track where a train whistle is likely to blow as your students try to practice? The external noises near a music school could frustrate you and those taking lessons from you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right location for your music school is a critical decision that can significantly impact your music studio’s success. By considering the factors listed above, you can make an informed decision that will help you attract students, compete effectively with other music schools, and provide a supportive and engaging learning environment for your students.

When choosing a location for your music school, it’s important to take your time and do your research. Don’t rush into a decision based solely on the cost or availability of a location. Consider all of the factors listed above, and be sure to visit each location in person to get a feel for the community and the facilities.

Ultimately, the success of your music school will depend on a variety of factors, but by choosing the right location, you can set your music school up for success and provide a valuable service to your community.

Sources:

(Ji, J., Gao, Y., Yang, X., & Wei, Y. (2021). The Effects of Music Lessons on Cognitive Ability: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial in China. PloS one, 16(10), e0259105.)

10 Tips for Starting a Music School That Succeeds

April 8, 2023Music Teacher MarketingAdam Bram

If you are a private music teacher who is considering starting a music school, this article is for you. Setting up a music school is a fulfilling and exciting venture for anyone passionate about music education. Starting any new business can be challenging, but with the right approach, planning, and execution, it can be a rewarding experience. With the wrong approach, it could be a costly mistake and drain your love for teaching music, as well as your finances. This article will address the steps required to start a music school successfully and illuminate some of the challenges you should consider before you do.

Step 1: Research and Planning

The first step in setting up a music school is conducting thorough research and planning. This step includes defining your music school’s mission, vision, and values and conducting market research to determine the demand for music education in your area. You should also research your competition, understand what they offer, and how you can differentiate your music school from theirs.

Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Successful businesses are skilled at identifying their USP or unique selling proposition. Consider focusing on a niche that the competition isn’t focusing on. You could also focus on providing more value. For example, you could also provide supplementary online course material in addition to in-person lessons, which could help students get more out of their lessons. By brainstorming ways to offer additional value to your students, you can get more music students and keep them longer.

Consider the Overhead and Ongoing Expenses

Another critical aspect of planning is determining the financial requirements to start and sustain your music school. You need to create a budget that outlines all the costs associated with setting up and running your music school, including rent, equipment, staff, and marketing expenses. It’s crucial to factor in a contingency fund in your budget to cater to unforeseen expenses.

Step 2: Create a (Lean) Business Plan:

When creating a business plan for your music school, consider a lean approach to business planning to minimize time and resources. The lean approach is based on the book “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. It introduces a methodology for developing and managing startups, focusing on minimizing wasted time, effort, and resources. Focus on the key elements, such as your target audience, marketing strategies, revenue streams, and financial projections. The Growthink website offers a helpful guide on creating a lean business plan, which covers the essential points concisely and efficiently. By following this approach, you can create a solid business plan for your music school without spending days researching and planning.

The marketing section of your lean business plan should highlight how you intend to promote your music school, what your brand identity will look like, and how you will advertise and market your music school. Financial projections should be realistic. You don’t want to be surprised by costs that are more than you expected and revenue that is less than you planned for. Use this information to project when your music school will break even and start making profits.

Step 3: Register Your Business

The next step is to register your music school as a legal entity. Registering your music school ensures that the government recognizes it and complies with the law. You should consult a lawyer or accountant to determine the best legal structure for your music school, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation.

Certain tax implications are associated with each entity, so the decision on how to best structure your music school is reserved for another article. However, we will share some links and resources to help you think through your music school’s structure.

The following video isn’t made for music schools, but the information provided applies to music teachers and artists of any type.

Step 4: Secure Funding

Starting a music school requires a significant investment in equipment, rent, staffing, and marketing expenses. You can finance your music school through personal savings, loans from family and friends, or by securing a business loan from a financial institution. You should also explore grant opportunities from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private foundations that fund music education programs.

Step 5: Choose a Location

Choosing the right location for your music school is important to its success. You should look for a location that’s easily accessible, preferably in a commercial or residential area. It should be central to areas you want to target, such as between two or three towns that are likely to have many potential music students. Consider the competition when selecting a location; you probably don’t want to start a brand new music school in close proximity to an established one that is well respected in the community. Ensure that the location has ample parking, is secure, and has a pleasant ambiance that fosters a conducive learning environment. The location should also be spacious enough to accommodate your equipment, students, and staff.

Do you want to get more students and grow your music teaching business?

Free Music Teacher Directory listing when you register.

Step 6: Acquire Equipment and Materials

When starting a music school, you should have the right equipment and materials to provide high-quality music education to your students. This may involve investing considerable money in purchasing or leasing instruments, music books, sheet music, and other supplies.

Determine what types of instruments you will need. This will depend on the kind of music you intend to teach and the age range of your students. Some common instruments used in music schools include pianos, guitars, drums, violins, and saxophones.

Once you have a list of the instruments you need, you can research the different brands and models available to find the best options for your school. You can consider purchasing new or used instruments depending on your budget and needs.

In addition to instruments, you’ll also need to purchase music books and sheet music for your students. This will include materials for different levels of expertise, from beginners to advanced musicians. You can also consider creating your own teaching materials or curricula if you have the necessary skills and experience.

Music school management software is also extremely important because managing hundreds of music students’ lesson schedules and assignments is too difficult to do by hand. MusicTeacherNotes is online music teacher software that can help manage lessons, schedules, assignments, and more.

Finally, you’ll need to stock up on other supplies, such as music stands, metronomes, and other teaching aids. These materials will help your students learn and practice effectively.

Step 7: Hire Staff

Your music school’s success largely depends on your staff’s expertise and dedication. This can be one of the most challenging parts of running a music school. You must hire qualified, experienced music teachers who share your school’s mission and values and compensate them for their time. Ensure your staff members are certified music educators knowledgeable in various music genres and instruments. You can advertise vacancies on online job boards, local music stores, or through referrals from colleagues and friends. Additionally, you may need administrative staff to help with scheduling, customer service, and other administrative tasks.

Step 8: Develop Your Curriculum

Your music school’s curriculum should be comprehensive and cater to students of all ages and skill levels that you intend to teach. You can develop a curriculum that focuses on a particular genre or instrument or one that offers a broad range of music classes. You should also consider incorporating music theory, history, and appreciation classes into your music education curriculum.

Ensuring that your music school’s curriculum aligns with state and national music education standards is important. Consider joining appropriate music teacher associations if you haven’t already. It would help if you also encouraged your teachers to incorporate innovative teaching techniques and technology into their classes to make learning music fun and engaging for students.

Step 9: Market Your Music School

Marketing your music school is crucial to its success. You should use various marketing strategies to promote your music school, including online, social media, and traditional advertising methods such as flyers, posters, and brochures. You can also collaborate with local music stores, community centers, and other organizations to promote your music school.

We wrote a comprehensive guide to marketing music lessons, which you can check out here.

It’s essential to maintain a strong online presence for your music school. You should have a website that’s easy to navigate, includes information about your music school’s curriculum, staff, and location, and allows prospective students to enroll in classes online. You should also create social media accounts for your music school to engage with your audience and promote your classes.

Step 10: Evaluate and Adjust Your Music School’s Performance

Regularly review your music school’s finances, enrollments, and staff performance to determine areas that need improvement. You can use student feedback surveys and focus groups to assess the effectiveness of your curriculum and teaching methods.

Additionally, you should adjust your music school’s strategies and operations based on feedback and performance evaluations. You may need to modify your curriculum or marketing strategies or hire additional staff to meet demand. Regular evaluation and adjustment can help you maintain a successful and thriving music school.

Conclusion

In conclusion, setting up a music school requires careful planning, research, and execution. Not every music teacher will want to go through this process, and that’s okay. It’s not an easy path. Being a private music teacher and focusing on individual music lessons can offer much more flexibility with far fewer headaches. If you do choose to start a music school, it’s essential to:

develop a comprehensive business plan,
secure funding,
choose a suitable location,
acquire equipment and materials,
hire qualified staff,
develop a comprehensive curriculum,
market your music school effectively,
and evaluate and adjust your strategies and operations regularly.

With dedication, hard work, and passion for music education, setting up a music school can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

The Benefits of Joining a Music Teacher Association

April 3, 2023Music Teacher AssociationsAdam Bram

As a private music teacher, joining a music teacher association can provide many benefits. Let’s explore some specific examples of the benefits of membership in a music teacher association.

Professional Development Opportunities

Music teacher associations often offer a variety of professional development opportunities to their members. For example, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) hosts an annual conference with sessions on pedagogy, teaching techniques, and business management. Additionally, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) provides webinars and workshops on topics such as technology in the music classroom and diversity in music education. These opportunities allow private music teachers to continue their education and improve their teaching skills, which can ultimately benefit their students.

Networking Opportunities

Joining a music teacher association also provides opportunities for networking with other music educators. For example, the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) hosts a biennial conference where members can connect with colleagues from across the continent. The MTNA also has a networking platform for members to connect online and share resources. These connections can lead to opportunities for collaborations and partnerships, expanding the reach and impact of private music teaching businesses.

Resources and Support

Music teacher associations offer a wealth of resources and support for private music teachers. For example, the SAA provides access to online resources such as lesson plans, teaching materials, and a directory of registered teachers. The MTNA offers a mentoring program where new teachers can be paired with experienced mentors for guidance and support. Additionally, the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) provides a career center for job seekers and employers and professional development grants and awards for members.

Recognition and Credibility

Joining a music teacher association can also provide recognition and credibility within the music education community. For example, the SAA offers a certification program that demonstrates a teacher’s proficiency in the Suzuki Method, which can be a valuable credential for prospective students and their families. Additionally, membership in the ASTA and the National Flute Association (NFA) can lead to opportunities for awards, grants, and other forms of recognition.

Advocacy and Community Outreach

Many music teacher associations advocate for music education and community outreach. For example, the NAfME advocates for music education in schools and provides resources for educators to promote music in their communities. The MTNA Foundation supports music education through grants and awards and community outreach programs such as Music in Our Schools Month. By joining an association, private music teachers can become part of a more significant movement to promote the importance of music education and support the arts within their communities.

Conclusion

Joining a music teacher association can provide numerous benefits for private music teachers. By joining an association, private music teachers can continue to grow and improve as educators while positively impacting their communities. With so many benefits available, joining a music teacher association is worth considering to enhance your teaching and grow your business.