Hooray for June! School is winding down for our students and everyone is looking forward to the summer break. Busy families are scheduling vacations and summer camps. Many families take a break from music lessons over the summer with the promise that they will return in September.
Will They Be Returning in the Fall?
It is not wise to assume that because a student did really well in their lessons that they will automatically continue in the fall. Kids change. Schedules change. Family finances change. Music Teachers compete with other music teachers – and every other after school program and activity too! Families have so many fun and stimulating programs available to them. Will they be choosing your teaching studio?
How you handle the next few lessons may determine whether or not a student will return.
The Fortune is in the Follow-Up
Now is the time to provide families with unsolicited, positive feedback. This is an investment in your business. (If they have earned it, of course!) When we take the time to reach out and let families know some “good things” about their child, we are making it easier for families to choose to return to music lessons in the fall.* Non singers/musician parents may not recognise the progress their child has made over the year. Let them know so they will continue to invest in their child’s musical education.
Planning Ahead
Let families know about the activities and performance opportunities you have planned for the new year. This can keep students motivated over the summer and looking ahead to the fall.
New Repertoire Ideas
Before they go on vacation – I like to introduce some of the new music that we will be studying in the fall. I also encourage my young singers to check out the latest musical or discover some new or classic singers over the summer.
Set a Confirmation Date
If families are on the fence – give them a deadline date so that you will have time to book a new student in their place. It is nothing personal – just business.
Wishing all teachers an amazing summer!
