Beyond Lessons:
Top 5 Business-Savvy Ways to Enrich Your Studio Offerings
Marie Lee
MTNA Business Digest, Volume 5, Issue 2
January 2026
Most of us build our studios around depth—helping students reach the highest levels of musicianship possible. But in today’s fast-paced world, keeping students long-term also requires breadth.
Think of your studio like a subscription service. In video games, players renew their “membership” because there’s always something new to discover. In our studios, we can do the same by offering varied, exciting experiences that keep students engaged year-round.
A thriving studio doesn’t just teach lessons; it creates reasons to stay. Here are five business-savvy ways to broaden your studio’s impact, strengthen retention, and build a vibrant musical community.
1. Perform in Unexpected Places.
Traditional recitals are important, but performing in unexpected locations can elevate your studio’s visibility and create buzz.
In Las Vegas, my students love our annual Halloween Driveway Recital, where a digital piano and speakers transform my front yard into a mini concert stage. Students drop by between 6–8 P.M.to perform solos or Halloween duets while trick-or-treaters stop to listen. It’s festive, casual, and a great marketing tool—neighbors remember “the piano house.”
We’ve also played at senior centers, parks, and even at a lion habitat. These experiences nurture confidence, showcase community spirit, and turn performing into an adventure rather than an obligation.
2. Develop a Culture of Service.
When students use their music to serve others, they stay motivated and feel part of something meaningful.
Our studio has hosted fundraisers such as a Play for Ukraine sight-reading marathon supporting World Central Kitchen, collected cereal for a childhood cancer pantry, and organized Bringing Smiles summer tours performing at senior centers.
This culture of giving back has inspired students to take initiative: one founded a JustServe club at her high school, and another launched her own nonprofit to empower young women. Parents consistently express gratitude that their children are learning not only to play well, but to use their gifts for good.
3. Hire It Out—Empower Your Teens.
One of the most practical ways to scale your business and mentor future leaders is to hire your older students.
Teens in my studio earn money by helping with administrative work, recital setup, photography, video editing, and social media content creation. Some assist with classes, by circulating among students and modeling strong musicianship for younger peers.
This not only saves me time but also provides teens with meaningful first job experience—and motivation to stay. As one parent told me, “The only reason my son still takes lessons is because he wants that assistant position!”
Delegating tasks builds efficiency, loyalty, and leadership—a true win-win.
4. Incorporate Technology Thoughtfully.
Positioning your studio as tech-forward is both a marketing advantage and a time-saver.
We use apps like Piano Maestro, SproutBeat, and Practice Space. I highlight this in my marketing materials:
“Each family receives a Piano Maestro subscription—$120 in annual value—already included in tuition.”
Students use Practice Space to access assignments and tutorial videos I record between classes. This “flipped-classroom” approach allows me to spend lesson time making music together instead of explaining basics.
SproutBeat’s online games replace dry theory drills and help me differentiate within group classes. These small integrations communicate value, innovation, and care—qualities that resonate strongly with modern families.
5. Connect Through Professional Events.
Your MTNA membership opens doors not only for you, but also for your students.
Our local association sponsors unique performance opportunities: Students have played Kevin Olson’s Rattlesnake Rag (with the composer himself), performed pop songs with the Raiders NFL House Band, and joined 100-piano ensembles for Make Music Day in partnership with MTNA and NAMM.
Participation in MTNA and local events builds your studio’s reputation, keeps students excited, and connects families to the broader music-teaching community. Parents see that their children are part of something larger than one studio; they’re part of a thriving, national network.
The Takeaway
Studios that thrive long-term continually evolve. By diversifying what you offer—through service, technology, performance, mentorship, and professional connection—you create an ecosystem where students grow musically, socially, and personally.
When the inevitable “plateau” hits, they’ll have many new paths to explore within your studio rather than reasons to leave. That’s the business of retention—and the art of building a community that lasts.
Marie Lee, past president of Nevada Music Teachers Association and producer of the Group IlluminatED online conference, directs Musicality Schools in Las Vegas, empowering music educators to grow thriving, community-centered studios through group teaching innovation.