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Music Lessons and Marketing

Are you a music studio owner or instructor looking to grow your music teaching business? This podcast will teach you how to apply marketing and business fundamentals so you can get more music students for longer.

Tracks

As music school owners, we often turn to each other for advice and strategies—but what if the best ideas for growing your business came from outside the music world? In this episode, I share my own experience of learning from different industries, from hair salons to dance studios, and how these insights helped elevate my music school.   We’ll talk about the importance of creating low-barrier entry points for students, and I’ll introduce today’s guest, Misty Lown, a leader in the dance world who’s mastered the art of positive first experiences. Tune in to discover how stepping outside the music education bubble can bring fresh ideas and new growth to your school.   Key Takeaways:   How to learn from industries outside of music The value of a positive first experience for students Insights from Misty Lown on creating a successful studio program   davesimonsmusic.com

9/27/24 • 48:45

In this episode, Dave dives into crafting memorable stories that fuel word-of-mouth marketing for your music school. Learn how to create standout moments beyond the lesson room that make your clients excited to share. Tune in to hear inspiring real-world examples and practical tips to boost your school’s reputation.   davesimonsmusic.com

9/2/24 • 13:49

In Episode 239, Dave dives into the success stories behind the Kidzrock program with music school owner John Kozicki. Why do some schools thrive while others falter with group classes? This episode uncovers the crucial role that marketing, mindset, and instructor selection play in filling group classes and driving revenue.   Whether you’re already running group classes or considering adding them to your offerings, you’ll gain actionable insights that will make them a core part of your music school’s success. Learn how to effectively market your group classes, educate parents, and create a passionate, belief-driven culture that resonates with both staff and students.   davesimonsmusic.com

8/20/24 • 20:30

In this episode, Dave explores why many music schools fail to maximize Instagram’s potential. Discover practical tips to engage your audience, create shareable content, and turn your social media strategy into a lead-generating machine. Don't miss this essential guide to transforming your Instagram feed from a passive newsletter into a dynamic tool for growth!   davesimonsmusic.com

8/9/24 • 08:03

Explore why some music schools succeed with group programs like Kidzrock and others don't. Join Dave Simon and Kelly Bennett, from Valencia School of Music, dive into top marketing strategies, effective parent communication, and practical advice for launching and maintaining Kidzrock programs. Whether you're a music school owner or instructor, this episode is packed with insights to help you elevate your group classes. Tune in and learn how to make your music school stand out!   davesimonmusic.com

8/8/24 • 33:18

In this episode, Dave delves into the surprising power of using pain in marketing. Discover how this strategy can capture attention, build trust, and drive sales. Learn from real-world examples and get practical tips for applying this technique in your marketing and sales calls. Don’t miss these valuable insights to enhance your music school's marketing effectiveness!   davesimonsmusic.com

7/24/24 • 05:31

In today’s episode, we’re gearing up for an exciting webinar titled “The Number One Way to Fill Your Group Classes,” happening on July 11th at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. If you haven’t reserved your spot yet, now is the perfect time! Can’t make it? No worries—replay will be available. Sign up at davesimonsmusic.com/webinar. Key Points Covered: No Paid Ads Needed: Learn how phone calls and emails can effectively fill your group classes without the need for paid advertising. Parental Perception: Understand how parents' past experiences with private lessons influence their decisions and how to leverage this in your marketing. Value Explanation: Discover the importance of clearly explaining the benefits and value of your group classes to parents. Overcoming Risks: Learn strategies to make unfamiliar group classes feel like a safe and valuable choice for parents. Sales Training Role Play: Hear a role play of a sales call for programs like Kidzrock, Jr. Rockerz, and Piano Jam, complete with commentary and strategy breakdowns. Building Relationships: Explore how to build rapport, trust, and present yourself as a likable expert to foster long-term relationships with new families. Sales Framework (RPCO): Get a simple outline for any sales call—Reveal, Present, Close, Objections (RPCO)—and tips for handling objections effectively. Listen in as we dive into the nuances of selling group classes and how to position them as the best choice for parents and their children. Don’t forget to sign up for the webinar to learn more in-depth strategies! davesimonsmusic.com

7/2/24 • 43:59

For a deeper dive into these topics, join Dave's webinar on July 11th at davesimonsmusic.com/webinar, where you'll receive in-depth strategies, participate in a live Q&A, and access exclusive resources. Tune in and transform how you market and sell group music classes, inspiring young musicians along the way. In this episode:   Discover why group classes are an ideal solution for music schools facing instructor shortages, allowing them to serve more students efficiently. Delve into parents' beliefs about music lessons, their impact on a child's development and social status, and address common fears about failure. Learn how to design engaging group classes that retain students, communicate their unique benefits like teamwork and leadership, and present them as a valuable step towards private lessons. Gain insights on effective communication strategies, marketing tactics, and practical solutions for music schools. Understand the power of offering guarantees to build confidence and reduce perceived risks for parents.   davesimonsmusic.com

6/28/24 • 07:54

Unlock the secrets to making your music school more profitable. Discover how group classes can significantly boost your margins and optimize your limited teaching hours. In this episode, Dave delves into common misconceptions parents have about group versus private lessons and how to reposition your offerings to meet their needs.   Join Dave in his upcoming webinar, “The Number One Way to Fill Your Group Classes,” on July 11th at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Don’t miss this chance to transform your business strategy and increase your student enrollment. Sign up now at www.davesimonsmusic.com/webinar.   davesimonsmusic.com

6/20/24 • 05:35

In this episode, Dave's guest, Nate Shaw shares his unique method of gamified learning. Nate has revolutionized music lessons by making them fun and relevant through the use of pop music and games, moving beyond traditional methods. Tune in to hear about his creation, Big Music Games, and its impact on music education. davesimonmusic.com

6/17/24 • 66:06

Join Dave as he delves into the essentials of effective leadership in the music education business. He explores the importance of mentorship, both in having a mentor and being one.   Discover how these relationships can transform your business approach and provide deeper insights. Dave shares a personal story about making tough decisions with a mentor’s guidance and introduces a rare opportunity to work with him directly. Tune in to learn how to establish strong systems and a robust marketing plan to drive growth in your music school.   davesimonsmusic.com

6/6/24 • 10:18

Many music schools prefer hiring instructors with advanced degrees, but U-Rock Music School’s focus on mentoring and hiring teenager stands out. In this episode, I speak with Daniela Guglieta, a parent from U-Rock. She shared her positive experience with teenage instructors and her initial reaction to her child’s 17-year-old teacher.   davesimonsmusic.com

6/5/24 • 30:06

Join Dave as he explores the innovative solution to music teacher shortages with Cathy Hallessey and Brian Brodersen from U-Rock Music School. Discover their unique approach to staffing their school with teenage teachers and the challenges and rewards they encounter along the way.   davesimonsmusic.com  

5/31/24 • 36:40

Join Dave as he delves into the essentials of effective leadership in the face of adversity. He explores how to navigate crises with composure and clarity. Discover the pivotal role of leadership in business, especially during crises.   From weathering the storm of recession to navigating the uncharted waters of a global pandemic, Dave uncovers valuable lessons on staying emotionally detached, making informed decisions, and empowering your team. Tune in to learn practical strategies for honing your leadership skills and leading your business through turbulent times.   davesimonsmusic.com

5/22/24 • 09:34

Join Dave as he shares the top challenges music school owners face and how to overcome them. Based on insights from a recent Music Lessons and Marketing Facebook group poll, Dave identifies five common limiting beliefs among music school owners, such as not enjoying the business side or feeling inadequate with technology. Reflecting on his own experience, Dave breaks down each belief and offers practical strategies for tackling them.   Discover why disliking the business aspect doesn’t have to hold you back and how to delegate tasks effectively to focus on growth. Learn how to afford an assistant even on a tight budget and why investing in help can propel your school forward. Dave also discusses overcoming tech challenges and getting started with marketing, providing actionable steps for school owners to boost their marketing efforts effectively.   Tune in to gain valuable insights into overcoming common hurdles in running a music school and learn how to thrive in the competitive landscape of music education.   davesimonsmusic.com  

5/8/24 • 18:09

Ready to dive into the world of Instagram advertising with Danny Thompson? In this episode, he's spilling all the secrets on how to rock Instagram ads and supercharge your advertising game. We'll talk about fixing those pesky advertising problems and using what you learn to make your campaigns shine in today's fast-paced digital world.   So, Danny's really getting into the nuts and bolts of digital advertising. It's not just about catchy words; there's a whole science to making ads and hitting the right people. Sure, you could hire someone else to handle it, but knowing how it works gives you the power to steer your campaigns like a pro. Level up your advertising game today!   davesimonsmusic.com

4/27/24 • 37:18

Discover effective strategies to boost sales and enhance student retention in your music school. In this episode, Dave unveils two proven methods to keep students engaged and coming back for more. Say goodbye to churn and hello to growth with these actionable insights!   Jonah Berger’s onto something: keeping your music school on people’s lips is key. Word of mouth’s a game-changer, and staying memorable doesn’t have to eat up your time. Two main strategies got your back—one for your current kids and another for those who’ve hit pause. Generosity’s your secret weapon. Drop a friendly email now and then, and watch your brand buzz. It’s all about keeping those connections strong, whether they’re fresh faces or old pals.   davesimonsmusic.com

4/23/24 • 09:21

Ready to unlock the secrets of a powerful word-of-mouth marketing strategy? Dive into this eye-opening episode with Dave. Despite its undeniable effectiveness, too many music schools are missing out on the potential of word-of-mouth marketing. Discover why it's crucial to shift your focus from offering discounts to showing genuine gratitude, a tactic proven to build trust and reputation.   Explore how simple, personalized gestures can work wonders in nurturing strong relationships and staying on the radar of both current and former students. Dave will guide you through the art of subtle engagement and authentic connection, going beyond the confines of music lessons.   Don't miss out on valuable insights and unveil practical strategies that ensure consistent engagement and harness the full potential of referrals. Tune in now and transform your word-of-mouth marketing strategy today.   davesimonsmusic.com

4/3/24 • 20:29

In this episode, Dave shares insights into the psychology behind pricing and customer perception, particularly in the context of music lessons. People often have a vague idea about the cost of music lessons, influenced by factors like convenience, reputation, and social validation. Music school owners sometimes mistakenly set prices based on their own financial perspective rather than their customers' ability to pay. Dave emphasizes the importance of understanding that clients may value music lessons differently, seeing them either as a commodity or as a transformative experience for their child. Dave advises music school owners to price confidently, reflecting the quality and value of the lessons they offer, and to use pricing as a tool to communicate this value. He argues that small price increases generally do not deter customers if they understand the value they're receiving, suggesting that effectively communicating the benefits and quality of music education can justify higher prices and attract clients who prioritize their child's development. davesimonsmusic.com

3/26/24 • 17:08

In this episode, Dave speaks with two members of Jonny Wilson’s Build a Music School program and how it helped them grow their music school.   davesimonsmusic.com

3/15/24 • 46:59

Learn how to create a music summer camp experience that keeps kids returning year after year.   davesimonsmusic.com

3/5/24 • 26:53

In this episode, Dave explores different ways to avoid the summer slump and make summer your most profitable season.   davesimonsmusic.com

2/8/24 • 19:13

Camps can be a great way to offset student drops during the summer. In this episode, I speak with the King of Camp, Andy Brown, on how to structure a camp program parents and kids love.   davesimonsmusic.com

1/27/24 • 39:10

In this episode, Dave shares 8 lessons he learned about leadership, business, and marketing during COVID.   davesimonsmusic.com

1/18/24 • 20:41

Internationally renowned music educator Tim Topham shares how to improve student engagement and retention in his new book, “No Book Beginners.”   davesimonsmusic.com

1/3/24 • 33:45

In this episode, I share a 10-step summer camp marketing strategy that stretches from January to August.   davesimonsmusic.com

12/27/23 • 61:48

In this episode, Dave outlines a simple system for putting a marketing strategy together in just minutes.   davesimonsmusic.com

12/19/23 • 14:35

Making a promotional video for your music school doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. In fact, it doesn’t have to cost a dime. In this episode, Dave shares a simple, 6-step framework you can apply to any marketing video.   davesimonsmusic.com

11/23/23 • 24:58

In this episode, Dave shares 14 different ways to optimize your website so that it ranks #1 on Google.   davesimonsmusic.com

11/16/23 • 28:52

Dave takes a look at how the ever-evolving world of pop culture and technology can impact a music school. Dave speaks with a music school owner who has not only embraced the digital revolution but has built his entire business around electronic music.   davesimonsmusic.com

10/27/23 • 41:39