Are you an educator or an entertainer?

Do you get the sense that kids or parents in your studio expect you to “entertain” them?

Do students or parents make demands for special treatment, special music?

Are they abusing the fact that you are in a “hostage” situation? You need them to stay so that you can maintain your enrollment numbers?

This came up in a conversation I had recently with a member of my Successful Group Lessons program.

Neil wrote:

“After your students are done with Faber do you always move them into [popular intermediate / advanced series]? I have a few students who need more advanced songs but also don't like classical...Yet they aren't decisive on choosing songs they would like to play! It's very frustrating.”

He was ecstatic with my response to him… so I thought I would share it with you:

“If a student doesn’t like the repertoire program I put them into, I don’t care. I’m not bending over backwards for a student who can’t find things to enjoy in amazing repertoire.

I’ve found that the students (and parents) who complain the most are rarely satisfied when I bend to their wishes.

They tend to quit pretty easily, and don’t practice all that much.

So... in general, I don’t organize my studio around my weakest students. I organize it around the kind of student I want.

These “casual” students might quit, but I don’t care.

On the other hand, if a student does want different styles of music, I’ll tell them to find books that they enjoy, bring them in, and we’ll work out of them.

Some students actually do this! I love it when this happens! They took initiative!

But, for a student who can only complain about the books I choose... and then is too lazy to go find a book they would enjoy... I have no pity and I take ZERO responsibility for “entertaining” them.

Hope this makes sense!”

So. That’s my advice.

So, should you just go about firing every student that is too demanding? Firing everyone that doesn't fit your "ideal" profile?

I’ve heard objections from owners of both large and small studios.

And - that’s where the solution comes into play.

Marketing.

I can be this demanding because I can predict the number of calls and emails and Facebook messages and leads that I’m going to get each month.

When I know I can replace a student for whatever reason… it does two things. One is obvious and the other is much more subtle.

Effect #1
The Obvious. If I can replace a student within 24 - 48 hours, it gives me leverage and power in the relationship. I’m no longer in a “hostage” situation.


Effect #2
The Subtle. That power has changed me. For a decade, this is the situation I’ve been in - one of being completely in control and in charge of the marketing wing of my business. Knowing that I’m shaping my own destiny

Because of this… it’s made me far more confident. It’s made me a better leader.

I’m no longer a “victim” of forces outside of my control.

I’m a leader.

And people are attracted to leadership.

They respect you more - and it shows.

They revere your work. They appreciate you.

Parents become your “practice ally”... not someone who is complaining to you about the lack of results.

When you possess this confidence, students just… do the work.

It’s astounding to me what happened when this power dynamic changed….

All because I improved the marketing of my business.

Feedback

Have you felt taken advantage of? What situations have made you feel powerless?

I don’t care what size of studio you are… I would love to hear back from you.

Have a great day!

Very best,
Daniel

PS> I will be sending you a number of emails throughout the month of December in advance of the January class of Studio Marketing Masterclass. Registration will begin midway through December.

More details about the class and what it can do for you are forthcoming!