Music Lessons and Marketing
Business & Finance
About
Are you a music school owner eager to grow your teaching business and attract more students? This podcast is your go-to resource for applying proven marketing strategies and business fundamentals tailored to music schools. Learn how to enroll more students, keep them longer, and take your music school to the next level with actionable insights and expert advice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this podcast will empower you to build a thriving music teaching business.
Episodes
- Great Teaching Isn't Enough: The Parent Confidence Problem Quietly Killing Your Retention | EP 280
This episode of Music Lessons and Marketing explores the "parent confidence problem" as the primary reason for student retention issues, rather than solely external factors like busy schedules. It details how parents evaluate lessons, iden…
- The Real Retention Problem Isn't Your Teaching | EP 279
This episode of Music Lessons and Marketing discusses why student retention in music lessons is often a visibility problem rather than a teaching problem. It explains how parents may use a child's mood as a signal for lesson value and how…
- Why Students Really Quit Music Lessons (And Why It's Not What You Think) | Ep 278
This episode of Music Lessons and Marketing explores the primary reasons students discontinue music lessons, identifying a "visibility gap" where parents lose confidence in progress. It details how to address parental perception and demons…
- Parents Don't Just Quit: This Happens First | Ep 277
This episode analyzes the reasons parents withdraw children from music lessons, highlighting the gap between actual progress and parental perception. It discusses the "30-second filter," the importance of visible progress, and early warnin…
- How to Get More Value from Events (with Tim Topham) | EP 276
This episode with Tim Topham discusses how music school owners can gain real value from events. It addresses why inspiration fades, the shift from information overload to conversion problems, and how to ensure event takeaways lead to tangi…
- Stop Worrying About Your Competition. Start Worrying About This Instead | Ep 275
Most music school owners spend a lot of time watching their competitors. What they charge. What programs they offer. What their website looks like. But the schools that grow the fastest rarely obsess over competitors. They obsess over thei…
- The Hidden Reason Music Schools Stop Growing | EP 274
At first glance, most music schools look the same. Private lessons. Recitals. Qualified teachers. And yet, some schools quietly stall at 120–150 students… while others keep growing year after year. In this episode, we unpack the real reaso…
- The #1 Hiring Mistake Music Schools Make With Luisa Rodriguez-Haag | EP 273
Hiring isn't about filling a teaching slot. It's about protecting your culture. In this episode, I sit down with Luisa Rodriguez-Haag, Recruitment Manager at Ensemble Performing Arts , to unpack the biggest hiring mistake music schools mak…
- How One Music School Built Loyalty That Lasts | EP 272
This episode is a heartfelt tribute and a powerful reminder of what truly makes a music school memorable. After the passing of Greg Hipskind, founder of QC Rock Academy , Dave reflects on the quiet but profound impact Greg had on his stude…
- How to Turn January Enrollment Into Year-Round Retention | Ep 271
January isn't just another enrollment push. It's your launchpad for the entire year. In this episode, Dave breaks down how music school owners can turn January sign-ups into long-term, emotionally connected families who stay through summer…
- The Holiday Playbook for Turning Gifts Into New Students | EP 270
Holiday season isn't just recital season… it's decision season. In this episode, you'll learn how to turn the "new instrument" moment (Christmas/Hanukkah gifts) into a powerful enrollment boost without sounding salesy or generic. If you wa…
- How to Get More Done in Less Time: Part II | Ep 269
This episode digs into a challenge many music school owners quietly struggle with: feeling like everything depends on you. Dave walks you through the mindset shifts and simple systems that help you step out of that bottleneck role and buil…
- The 3 Metrics Parents Use to Define Music Lesson Success | EP 268
Parents quietly judge lessons by three things: pleasure, practice, and progress. When one slips, doubt creeps in and retention drops. In this episode, Dave breaks down how to make progress visible , make practice doable , and keep joy high…
- 4 ChatGPT Prompts That Could Transform Your Music School in Minutes | EP 267
Running a music school is a constant juggle—marketing, staff management, parent communication, and daily fires to put out. What if you could have a strategist, systems expert, and creative partner on call anytime you need one? In this epis…
- The Secret to Student Retention: Tiny Moments That Make Students Stay for Years | Ep 266
Parents do not stay in your music school because of curriculum alone. They stay because they feel connected, seen, and part of something bigger. In this episode, you'll discover how to transform uncertainty into long-term loyalty through i…
- Why Parents Remember Stories (Not Sales Pitches) | Ep 265
Parents don't buy music lessons. They buy transformation. In this episode, you'll learn how to use storytelling as your most effective sales tool. What you'll discover: Why stories resonate with parents more than facts or sales pitches How…
- Why Parents Don't Respond to Your Marketing (And How to Fix It) | EP 264
Marketing doesn't fail because Facebook ads don't work. It fails because the message isn't clear. In this episode, we dig into the biggest marketing myths holding music schools back—and how to fix them. You'll discover: Why parents aren't…
- The 7-Step Fall Marketing Checklist for Music Schools | EP 263
This episode is your go-to checklist for making the most of fall's natural enrollment surge. Whether you've got 20 students or 200, you'll learn practical, fast-to-implement tactics to increase sign-ups and re-engage past families. Here's…
- Your Music School Is Your Baby. But One Day, It Has to Fly | Ep 262
In this episode, I get real about something every music school owner feels in their gut: your school is more than a business—it's your baby. But just like raising a child, you eventually need to prepare it to thrive without you. I share wh…
- How to Tap Into Parents' Unspoken Fears (And Build Instant Trust) | EP 261
What M&M's Taught Me About Music School Marketing In this episode, we're looking at one of the most iconic marketing campaigns of all time—M&M's "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands"—and how the same psychology can transform the way you…
- Group Classes That Sell Themselves (and Keep Kids Hooked) | Ep 260
In this episode, I share why group classes can be the most valuable and profitable part of your music school. When structured around ensemble performance, they don't just match private lessons, they offer more: teamwork, leadership, and fu…
- Group Lessons Aren't Plan B—They're Your Biggest Opportunity | EP 259
In this episode, we break down why group lessons could be the best opportunity for your music school—not a fallback plan. You'll discover how to rethink group education and unlock real growth for your students and your business. Key takeaw…
- The Secret Ingredient to Successful Group Classes (It's Not Curriculum) | EP 258
What's really holding your group classes back? (Spoiler: It's not your curriculum.) In this episode of Music Lessons and Marketing, Dave peels back the curtain on what makes group classes truly thrive—and why some music schools struggle to…
- Before You Fix Your Music School, Fix Yourself | EP 257
Your systems matter—but your energy drives them. In this episode, I share why your mindset, leadership habits, and clarity as an owner are often the biggest levers for growth. Before you add another strategy, start here. You'll learn: How…
- The Summer Pivot Every Music School Needs | EP 256
This episode flips the script on summer slumps for music school owners. Learn how to transform your sales conversations into insight-driven marketing gold. Discover how to shift your message, methods, and mindset to meet families where the…
- Stop Selling Lessons—Sell the Transformation (And Watch Your Marketing Improve) | EP 255
In this episode, we flip the script on sales. Discover how to turn your music school enrollment calls into powerful marketing tools—without ever feeling pushy. Learn how to sell the transformation, ask the right questions, and build trust…
- Why Your School Needs You to Do Less, Not More | EP 254
Are you stuck in the daily grind of running your music school—answering emails, fixing schedules, solving problems? In this episode, Dave challenges the idea that more hustle equals more growth. Learn why doing less—and thinking bigger—is…
- The #1 Marketing Lesson Music School Owners Can Learn From Banana Ball | EP 253
In this episode, Dave uncovers what baseball, Banana Ball, and your music school's marketing have in common. Learn how reimagining tradition and listening to sales calls can spark marketing gold—while keeping students (and their parents) o…
- How to Supercharge Your Learning as a Music School Owner | EP 252
Running a music school without business knowledge can feel like composing a symphony without knowing how to read music. In this episode, we break down the three essential pillars of business growth that every music school owner needs to ma…
- How AI Can Revolutionize Your Music School | EP 251
AI is changing the way music schools operate, but is it a friend or a threat? In this episode, Dave breaks down how AI can help you save time, market smarter, and make better business decisions—without losing the personal touch that makes…
- Turning Happy Parents Into Raving Fans — Without Spending a Dime on Ads | EP 250
What if your music school wasn't just a business, but a life-changing community? In this episode, we explore how small, thoughtful gestures turn everyday interactions into lasting connections. Learn how generosity can grow your music schoo…
- How a Mission Statement Can Guide Your Music School's Growth | EP 249
Unlock the true potential of your music school with the power of a well-crafted mission statement. In this episode, Dave explores why a mission statement is more than just words on paper—it's your school's compass for growth, unity, and pu…
- Turn Parent Interactions into Marketing Gold | Ep 248
Learn how your sales calls can supercharge your music school marketing! In this episode, discover how real-time conversations reveal the exact words and emotions that resonate with parents. Use their hopes, dreams, and objections to refine…
- What Music School Owners Can Learn From The Super Bowl | EP 247
What can music school owners learn from the Super Bowl? A lot more than you think! In this episode, we break down how the NFL creates unforgettable experiences and how you can apply those same strategies to your recitals. Learn how to buil…
- Struggling with Facebook Ads? Here's the Fix With Ray Kirsch | Ep 246
Struggling to get results from your Facebook ads? In this episode, digital marketing expert Ray Kirsch shares proven strategies to help music school owners create high-performing ad campaigns. Learn how to refine your targeting, craft comp…
- Bridging the Gap Between Rock and Classical Music Education with John Kozicki: Ep 245
This episode features John Kozicki of the podcast Rock School Proprietor, which explores fresh insights into music education. John and his co-host, Mandy York, bridge the gap between classical and rock-based teaching, discussing how to bal…
- 3 Social Media Mistakes Music Schools Must Avoid With Sara Campbell | Ep 244
Why aren't your social media posts getting the engagement you hoped for? In this episode, Sara Campbell uncover the top three mistakes music schools often make on platforms like Facebook and Instagram—and, more importantly, how to fix them…
- Transform Your Music School With a New Revenue Stream: Lauren Bateman | Ep 243
Adding a new revenue stream can transform your business, as shown by Lauren Bateman's success with her online guitar course, the 7 Level Guitar System, which has generated over $2.5 million in sales through YouTube. Diversification offers…
- What Music Schools Can Learn From Dance Schools | EP 242
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 ind…
- How to Craft Stories That Drive Word of Mouth Marketing | EP 241
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 inspi…
- Why Some Music Schools Succeed and Others Fail With Groups Part II | Ep 239
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,…
- Why Your Social Media is Underperforming | EP 240
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. Do…
- Why Some Music Schools Succeed and Others Fail With Groups Part I | Ep 238
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…
- Why You Should Use Pain In Your Marketing | EP 237
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 tech…
- Market Your Group Classes Without Spending a Dime | EP 236
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 ma…
- Helping Parents See The Value in Group Classes | EP 235
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 marke…
- The #1 Way to Fill Your Group Classes | EP 234
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…
- Reimaging Music Lessons with Nate Shaw | EP 233
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 i…
- A Rare Opportunity to Work with Dave Simon | EP 232
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 busine…
- A Cure to the Music Teacher Shortage Part III | EP 231
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…