How to Keep Students for 10 Years [7FMS Ep. #23]

by Daniel Patterson

 

School owners go to great lengths to get new students in the door.

So, it is supremely frustrating when students leave just as quickly and easily as they arrive.

While much is said about growing a studio…

We all know that keeping current students is just as important – if not MORE important – than getting new students.

So, how do we do that? How do we keep students for the long-term?

We’re going to make the suggestion that focusing directly on retention is the wrong move!

Nate and Daniel have a LOT to say about this topic… and in this episode, Nate gives an in-depth look at the philosophy school owners should have that will drive student retention.

Not only that, he gives a lot of practical advice that you can adapt and use for your teaching business – whether you have 30 students, 300 students, or 3,000 students!

 

 

Or, check out the video version of the podcast:

 

 

Here’s what we cover in the episode:

  • Student retention strategies: how much time does BMF actually talk about this topic? Is it important for every studio owner?
  • Pain point: It’s easy to get students through the door, but it’s easy to see them out, too!
  • BMF’s strategy for retention – invest in the teachers first
  • The deeper principle behind the “tactical” side of this: spreadsheets vs. relationships
  • What causes one of your teachers to have a lower retention rate?
    How important is the teacher’s relationship with the parent? Whose job is that to manage?
  • You do NOT teach music lessons… you transform lives!
  • BMF’s “Songwriter’s Journey” workshop and how it helps their teachers succeed
  • What you should be measuring for retention (& why): Technique, Passion, Music Theory, and Community
  • A thought exercise that will aid you in successfully building your student retention rate

We’d love to hear from you… what was your big takeaway this episode? What questions do you have?

We won’t know unless you reach out and tell us!

You can do so by contacting us here.

Very best,
Daniel and Nate

 

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Daniel Patterson is a private teacher, writer, and marketing consultant for music schools. He began teaching in 2004. He co-founded and led marketing operations for a summer music camp that sees over 200 children each summer.

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2 Comments
  1. LeAnn Halvorson

    This was a great topic and video. Absolutely, yes, we need to build great relationships with the parents and the students to have retention in our piano studio. I’m using a lot of email in my studio. Each lesson, the lesson assignment is emailed. Announcements of studio events are emailed. Not all of it is being read by the parents. How do you deal with this breakdown in the communication? Have you found a better way to communicate with parents?

    Reply
    • Daniel Patterson

      LeAnn, have you polled parents to see what medium they prefer? Are you using all available channels? Text and / or popular messengers?

      Reply

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