In this episode of The Scrappy Piano Teacher, I’m joined by Eric Branner for a practical and honest conversation about one of the biggest questions independent music teachers face:

How do we structure our tuition, raise rates, and actually get paid in a way that supports a sustainable studio?

Eric brings such a helpful mix of real teaching experience and business perspective. He breaks down actual tuition models music teachers are using, why some pricing structures work better than others, and how teachers can think through raising rates without spiraling, apologizing, or guessing.

We also talk about what it means to build a music teaching business that is professional, sustainable, personally fulfilling, and rooted in community. Basically, this episode is packed. It is a little longer than normal, but it is full of the kind of real talk independent teachers need when they are making big decisions about their studios.

If you are planning for the next school year, reviewing your lesson rates, rethinking your studio policies, or wondering if your current tuition model still makes sense, this conversation is going to give you a lot to think about.

● Different tuition models for independent music teachers● Why “charging by the lesson” can create problems over time● How to think about raising your rates● Why teachers need to understand the value of their time● Building a studio model that supports your real life● The business side of teaching music● Why policies, pricing, and sustainability all connect● What teachers often misunderstand about getting paid● How music teachers can build stronger, more professional studios

● Listen to my episode with Eric Branner on The 440 Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jaclyn-mrozek-of-the-scrappy-piano-teacher/id1836525682?i=1000766496600

● Check out Eric’s book, Lessons: A Modern Guide to the Business of Teaching Music:
https://amzn.to/4uKR2IR

● Visit The Scrappy Piano Teacher website and join the email list for workshop updates:
https://www.scrappypianoteacherpodcast.com

I also shared a few summer opportunities coming up for teachers who are ready to start putting some of these ideas into action.

Asynchronous Lesson WorkshopMay 29 at noon Eastern
A practical workshop for teachers who want simple, useful asynchronous lesson options for weather days, illness, travel weeks, summer flexibility, or those “now what?” moments when a regular live lesson does not make the most sense.

Policy Triangle and Calendar WorkshopJune 19 at noon Eastern
This workshop will help you connect your teaching philosophy, time and capacity, and financial needs so your studio policies actually support the studio you are trying to build. We will also look at your calendar, because policies only work when your calendar backs them up.

Studio Reset CohortJuly 17, July 24, and July 31
This summer cohort will be a focused three week version of the Studio Reset process. We will look at the bigger pieces of your studio, including philosophy, time, money, policies, calendar decisions, and systems, so you can move into the next school year with more clarity.

Registration details will be sent to my email list and posted on the website. If the links are not live yet when this episode airs, head to the website and join the list so you do not miss them.

Recitals are not just a celebration. They are one of the most powerful marketing opportunities you have all year.

In this episode, I’m sharing simple, scrappy ways to turn your recital into a natural marketing cycle without adding more to your plate. From collecting reviews to capturing meaningful content, you will learn how to use what you are already doing to support both studio growth and retention.

We’ll cover● Why recitals naturally create the best marketing moments● How to set up a Google Business Profile (no website required)● How to make it easy for families to leave reviews● What to capture during your recital and how to delegate it● How to reuse content for future marketing● What to do if your recital has already passed

This episode is all about keeping things simple, practical, and sustainable so your studio can grow without burnout.

Resources:
Want a free Recital Budgeting Spreadsheet and more? www.scrappypianoteacher.com/resources/p/recital-budgeting-spreadsheet-timeline-prep-snapshotRecital Reflection for the AFTER moments of your recital?www.scrappypianoteacher.com/resources/p/recital-reflection-toolkitWant support with policies, photo releases, and studio systems?www.scrappypianoteacher.com/resources/p/calendar-policy-scrappy-session-toolkit-replay-workbook-templates

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with a teacher who needs a scrappy, doable approach to marketing.

Not every music student learns the same way. Most teachers already know that.

But what if you had a simple way to name what you are seeing and make more intentional teaching decisions?

In this final episode of the Working Genius series, I connect the dots between how students respond in lessons and how we can adjust our teaching without overcomplicating things.

This episode covers:

Why some students feel unsettled when a piece is not finishedWhy others are ready to move on even if everything is not perfectHow the same teaching decision can lead to completely different reactionsHow to use this framework as a tool, not a label

This is not about testing students or changing everything you do. It is about refining what you are already noticing and giving it language.

Resources

The 6 Types of Working Genius book:
https://amzn.to/your-affiliate-link-here

Working Genius Assessment:
https://www.workinggenius.com/assessment

Scrappy Piano Teacher website:
https://www.scrappypianoteacher.com

Coda Piano Camp Bundle:
https://www.scrappypianoteacher.com/resources/p/codas-piano-camp-bundle-camp-coda-the-mysteriously-moving-ball

Next Step:

Choose one student this week and make one small adjustment based on what energizes them.