Business Resources Library

We often assume someone’s potential is based on levels of talent or giftedness. In his book Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, Adam Grant defies this myth and shows how anyone can rise to achieve greater things. Through powerful storytelling and diligent research, Grant’s New York Times bestseller delivers insightful and timely advice for music students, teachers, entrepreneurs, and school administrators.

What do members report as the most important challenge to independent music teachers? How much have average lesson rates increased since COVID? Keep reading to learn what the “survey says…”

How old are you? Why would I ask, you may wonder. Because the younger you are, the more value you will get from this article. The older you are, the more essential this information will be. Self-care is a broad topic, fit for all of us. For example, you might have great studio policies and marketing strategies but have ignored saving money and are headed down the slippery slope of financial insecurity.

When it comes to falling victim to scams, the best defense is education to identify and avoid them. After a scam is complete, recovering funds and catching the scammer can be a slow process. This article provides useful tools to help readers better identify scams when they encounter them.

Attending conferences can be one of the best investments you make in your teaching career. Not only do you gain new ideas, skills, and connections, but many of the costs can also be deducted on your taxes.

As an independent music teacher, you’ve likely encountered situations where the rules around music licensing felt unclear. I once attended a conference session with a room full of music professionals, and despite their expertise, there was no consensus on when an (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) license is required. Even worse, misinformation spreads quickly, underscoring just how important it is to clarify this topic.

When launching a music studio, it is important to understand the requirements for local business licenses and zoning regulations. Following zoning laws and acquiring a business license when necessary protects a private studio or commercial school from unwanted fines or closure for noncompliance, so it is wise for us all to be educated on this important topic.

A website is essential to every business. But, simply going online isn’t enough to be successful. You also need to provide an excellent User eXperience. In this article, you’ll learn the key principles of UX web design through industry examples and how to apply them to achieve your objective, whether that’s selling your sheet music or filling your music studio.

We owe a great deal to Beth Klingenstein for the many business columns she has written for the AMT. Her knowledge, research, and insights have contributed greatly to our profession. Thanks, Beth! In her last column (April/May 2007), Beth provided a list of essential elements of a professional studio. If you haven't read it, I urge you to do so. It is an excellent summary of professional tasks that we should embrace, and then revise and enhance as we start a new year of teaching. All are equally important; this column will explore only the first one, "Professional Attitude."