Managing a multi-teacher studio seems like a big deal. You’re in charge of lots of teachers who are teaching lots of students. The success is all down to you. But it doesn’t have to be hard. Table of Contents: Multi-Teacher Studio Owners Succeed If They… There are five qualities of a successful multi-teacher studio owner.
Managing a multi-teacher studio seems like a big deal. You’re in charge of lots of teachers who are teaching lots of students. The success is all down to you.
But it doesn’t have to be hard.
Table of Contents:
There are five qualities of a successful multi-teacher studio owner.
But why do these qualities matter?
And what do they look like in action?
As the studio manager or owner, it’s up to you to put out any fires.
Tara, a confident and supportive successful studio manager, shared this story:
Mike had been teaching a 9-year-old non-verbal student for several weeks.
They’d been getting on reasonably well with the student communicating via an iPad and Mike trying his absolute best.
One lesson, I heard a commotion from down the hall. Something had triggered the girl to fall into a tantrum, with tears and stamping feet.
The mom was sitting in the lesson. She snapped at Mike, “Well? Do your job.”
This was the moment I walked in to see what was going on.
Sensing Mike’s distress, I told the mom we’d finish the lesson early this week. I assured her I’d settle things with her later, but for now, the best thing would be for her to take her daughter home.
I made Mike a drink and we chatted about the situation. He said he didn’t feel he’d be able to continue teaching the girl – not because of her, but because of the dynamic with the mom. For a couple of weeks, he’d thought they weren’t the right fit for each other but wanted to give it a fair chance.
I agreed, and made arrangements for the student and her mom to meet another teacher in the studio. They all got on really well, and everyone felt much better moving forward.
Tara’s confidence in stepping into this situation and ensuring everyone (teacher, student, and parent) felt supported and comfortable was vital.
It’s not micromanaging. It’s creating a safe and supportive environment where teachers can thrive.
Related: How To Scale Your Studio Without Losing Your Sanity
If you’re hiring new teachers fresh out of college or university, there’s a high chance that your studio will be a stepping stone for them.
It’s your role to support their development and create a friendly and understanding culture in your studio.
Joyce is an honest, understanding, and supportive music academy owner.
She shared this story with us:
When Karli applied to teach at the academy, I told her from the first interview that she would be getting 35% of the lesson fee. I told her she wouldn’t be getting paid nearly as much as she would if she were to open her own studio.
She told me she was aware of that, but was still eager to join. She’d just graduated university, and was keen to get work experience and training in a supportive network. She had no clue about marketing or finding students for herself, so she knew that the academy would be the best place for her.
Karli settled in straight away, joining us on our monthly activity days. She thrashed everyone at bowling, and we learned she was a die-hard Potterhead at movie night.
I watched Karli flourish. She went from a slightly apprehensive teacher to announcing at our recitals, throwing in jokes and bantering with the teenage students.
I wasn’t surprised at all when Karli told me she was leaving the academy to start teaching private lessons from her home. She said that a few students had asked if they could go with her, and she wanted to be upfront with me about it. I told her I was fully behind her. I know that our teachers won’t be around forever, and I’m glad to have been a part of their journey!
Because Joyce was honest from the initial interview with Karli, they built a relationship of trust and understanding.
This led to many happy years (and happy students) and no bad feelings when Karli spread her wings.
Related: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio
For more advice on managing a successful multi-teacher studio, check out Joyce’s webinar, “How To Scale Your Studio and Hire Hero Teachers.”
This is available to Studio and Studio Plus members.