The Prosperous Piano Teacher Ashlee Young

Welcome to another episode of The Prosperous Piano Teacher! I'm Ashlee, and today I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tiffany Strong Smith, a remarkable individual with a wealth of experience in the world of piano teaching. Tiffany's journey is not just about running a successful studio; it's about following her passion, making tough decisions, and redefining what it means to work hard.
A Journey Rooted in PassionTiffany's journey began at the age of five when she started piano lessons. Like many young students, she had her moments of frustration and resistance, but her parents' unwavering support kept her on track. Little did she know that this early introduction to music would shape her life in unexpected ways.
After years of teaching private lessons from her home, Tiffany found herself at a crossroads in 2015. Feeling uninspired and frustrated with the status quo, she took a leap of faith and ventured into group lessons. This decision was unconventional at the time, but it turned out to be a game-changer for her studio.
The Evolution to a Brick-and-Mortar StudioGroup lessons proved to be immensely successful, and Tiffany quickly outgrew her home studio. In partnership with a friend, she founded KeyBox Studio in Gilbert, Arizona. The transition from a home studio to a brick-and-mortar location was not without its challenges, particularly when it came to hiring teachers and setting tuition rates.
One of the most significant hurdles was realizing that the initial financial projections fell short. Tiffany had to recalibrate and make tough decisions about tuition rates and teacher compensation. It was a learning curve, but she recognized the importance of valuing her teachers while ensuring the business remained sustainable.
The Courage to Raise PricesA pivotal moment came during the pandemic when Tiffany and her business partner made the bold decision to raise prices by thirty percent. It was a risky move, especially during uncertain times, but it paid off. The studio not only survived but thrived, proving that sometimes the most daunting decisions lead to the greatest rewards.
Working Smart, Not Just HardIn our conversation, Tiffany and I explored the concept of "working hard" in the context of building a successful studio. Contrary to the traditional narrative of long hours and constant hustle, she emphasized a different kind of hard work. For Tiffany, working hard meant making tough decisions, trusting her instincts, and being open to change.
She shared how her definition of hard work evolved over the years. It was not about teaching more hours or taking on more students but about making strategic choices that aligned with her vision. Whether it was transitioning to group lessons, raising prices, or launching new initiatives, Tiffany's journey was guided by courage and conviction.
Lessons in Business and PassionThrough Tiffany's story, we learn valuable lessons about running a successful studio:
Value Your Teachers: Finding the right teachers who align with your studio's culture is crucial. Fair compensation and clear communication are key to a harmonious working relationship.Set Your Prices Wisely: Don't be afraid to charge what your services are worth. Setting prices based on the business's needs, not fear, ensures sustainability.Embrace Change: Tiffany's willingness to try new approaches and pivot when necessary led to growth and success. Be open to new ideas and opportunities.Follow Your Passion: Above all, Tiffany's journey is a testament to the power of following your passion. When you love what you do and believe in your vision, the hard work becomes a labor of love.
Tiffany shared her excitement about a new project on the horizon. Despite the challenges and uncertainties she faced, her journey as a piano teacher has been one of fulfillment and joy. She...

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of social media metrics and uncovering the truth about likes, shares, and follows. Host delves into the myth of vanity metrics and sheds light on what truly drives income in your business.
Understanding the distinction between vanity metrics and actionable metrics is crucial for making informed decisions aligned with your business goals. Vanity metrics, such as follower counts and video views, often deceive us into thinking success is within reach, when in reality, they don't directly translate to revenue.
For instance, having a large Instagram following or YouTube subscriber count doesn't guarantee sales or ad revenue. The real measure of success lies in engagement and conversion rates. Host shares insightful examples, illustrating how focusing on actionable metrics like workshop attendance and course purchases yields tangible results.
By shifting the focus from superficial metrics to meaningful indicators of success, such as workshop sign-ups and video watch time, you can make data-driven decisions that drive growth and revenue in your business. Don't fall into the trap of chasing vanity metrics—focus on what truly matters to achieve your business objectives. Tune in to learn how to navigate the world of social media metrics and maximize your business's potential.
It's time to focus on what truly matters—the metrics that drive results and help you achieve your business goals.
🎧 Ready to take your online business to the next level? Tune in now!
Cheers,
Ashlee
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Have you ever wondered about the true potential of group lessons?
I know when someone first asked me if I taught group lessons I thought to myself, “why would I do that? It’s less valuable and less effective.”
This early version of piano teacher Ashlee had a lot of preconceived ideas about what group lessons were and were not. 🤦‍♀️
I’m really glad to have evolved beyond this view point and that I now understand how powerful and effective group lessons can be for the student and the business owner.
In today’s episode of the podcast, I dive deeper into this topic with a special guest, Jess Homewood from Not Your Mother’s Piano Studio.
Jess has rebuilt a studio from scratch in 3 different states, and has scaled her business very successfully with a group lesson model.
She is an advocate of teachers creating sustainable businesses that don’t lead to burnout and exhaustion.
So OBVIOUSLY we get along. 😉
In today’s episode, we talk about where she was when she started, what the transition to group lessons was like for her and her studio (and the parents!), and everything she learned along the way.
She shares some practical insights, the vulnerable parts of her journey, and so much more.
🎮 AND she talks about how she uses games to keep lessons fun, educational, and the power behind creating positive lesson experiences for your students.
I had so much fun talking with Jess and I can’t wait for you to hear the episode.

In this episode, we delve into the three major mistakes that can hinder your progress towards earning a six-figure income. By recognizing and addressing these pitfalls, you can pave the way for greater success and financial stability in your endeavors.
1. Not Valuing Your Time:
It’s essential to recognize the value of your time beyond just the monetary exchange per hour.Consider other forms of currency such as time and energy, which are equally important.Failure to account for all the hours spent outside of direct lessons can lead to underestimating the true investment of time.Be mindful of the time required for tasks like creating content and providing customer service, as these can significantly impact your workload and energy reserves.
2. Getting Stuck in a Scarcity Mindset:
Avoid the trap of solely focusing on immediate financial gains, which can foster a scarcity mindset.Making decisions based solely on the need for immediate income may lead to compromising your boundaries and goals.Example: Accepting new students out of desperation for quick cash can deplete both your time and energy reserves, ultimately hindering your long-term growth.
3. Not Thinking Ahead for Scalability:
Take a proactive approach to scalability by implementing efficient systems and processes.Consider aspects like client onboarding, where creating templates can streamline communication and save time.When creating courses or products, avoid including elements that may need frequent revisions, which can hinder scalability.Utilize tools like CRM systems to effectively manage and organize customer information, ensuring smooth operations and growth.
By recognizing and addressing these common mistakes, you can overcome barriers to reaching a six-figure income. Valuing your time, avoiding a scarcity mindset, and planning for scalability are crucial steps towards achieving financial success and stability in your endeavors.

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Prosperous Piano Teacher! I'm your host, Ashlee, and today we're diving into the inspiring journey of Becky Brewer, a multi-talented violin, viola, and piano teacher who has transformed her home studio into a thriving hub of musical learning.
Becky's story is a testament to the power of strategic decision-making and thoughtful studio management. Despite facing unexpected career shifts, including a stint in real estate, Becky remained steadfast in her commitment to music education. Starting with piano and violin, she later incorporated viola into her teaching repertoire, demonstrating adaptability and a keen understanding of market demands.
As a fellow music educator, I understand the challenges of balancing work and personal life. Becky found inspiration in my podcast, resonating with my experiences in managing work-life balance. By reevaluating her studio practices and implementing strategic changes, Becky was able to streamline her operations and reclaim valuable time for teaching and personal pursuits.
Through insightful discussions, Becky shares her journey of overcoming common challenges faced by music teachers, such as lesson rescheduling and payment management. By introducing innovative policies, such as a no makeup lesson policy and automated billing systems, Becky transformed her studio into a well-oiled machine, allowing for greater efficiency and focus on student engagement.
One of Becky's most courageous moves was doubling her teaching rates, a decision rooted in recognizing her own worth and the value she provides to her students. Additionally, she introduced value-added services, such as monthly newsletters and group classes, further enhancing the student experience and solidifying her studio's reputation for excellence.
By prioritizing quality over quantity and adopting a strategic approach to studio management, Becky achieved a healthier work-life balance. With a reduced student load and flexible studio policies, she now enjoys more time for family activities and personal interests without sacrificing income or student satisfaction.
Becky's journey serves as a valuable case study for music teachers seeking to optimize their studio operations and achieve greater success. By implementing strategic changes and prioritizing quality teaching, educators can create fulfilling and prosperous careers in music education.
Join us in the next episode for more educational insights and inspiration on The Prosperous Piano Teacher podcast. Don't forget to subscribe and share your feedback to help others benefit from the show's valuable content. Until next time, let's continue to strive for excellence in music education!

In our previous episode, I shared seven key takeaways from my recent $60,000 launch. Today, we're diving deeper into the strategies behind this success and exploring actionable steps to replicate it in your own studio.
Mastering Sales Strategies
One of the most crucial aspects of growing your studio is mastering the art of selling effectively. It's not just about creating exceptional products; it's about knowing how to market and sell them to your audience. Let's break down the essential steps in this process:
Having a Product or IdeaTo kickstart your journey, you need a product or idea to sell. Take the time to plan your sales strategy and ensure alignment with your overall business goals.Creating Content That ConvertsEngaging content is key to attracting and retaining your audience. Experiment with different content types and formats to understand what resonates best with your audience. Encourage interaction through likes, shares, and comments to build engagement.Growing Email ListsBuilding an email list is essential for nurturing leads and driving sales. Offer valuable resources or incentives in exchange for email sign-ups, and communicate the benefits effectively to entice your audience.Planning Launch Events and Sales SequencesLaunch events and sales sequences play a crucial role in promoting your products or services. Utilize insights from your content creation efforts to inform your launch strategies and refine your sales messaging for maximum impact.
By prioritizing the creation of content that converts and mastering essential sales strategies, you can set your piano teaching studio up for sustainable growth and success. Remember, consistency and learning from audience feedback are key to refining your approach and achieving your business goals.
Ready to take your piano teaching studio to new heights? Download our free PDF resource on improving studio policies by visiting ashleyjyoung.com/levelup. And don't forget to share your feedback and suggestions for future episodes – I'd love to hear from you!

Thank you for joining me on this journey of growth and empowerment. As you continue to pursue your passion for piano teaching, remember that you have the knowledge and resources to succeed. Here's to a fantastic week ahead filled with progress and prosperity!