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Managing A Multi-Teacher Studio Doesn’t Have To Be Hard

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 Doesn’t Have To Be Hard

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:

  1. Multi-Teacher Studio Owners Succeed If They…
  2. Staying Calm When Things Go Wrong
  3. Let Your Teachers Fly
  4. Tara’s Tips on Being There For Your Teachers
  5. Joyce’s Tips on Creating A Good Culture in Your Multi-Teacher Studio
  6. For More Help

Multi-Teacher Studio Owners Succeed If They…

There are five qualities of a successful multi-teacher studio owner.

  1. Confident
  2. Supportive
  3. Honest
  4. Understanding
  5. Friendly

But why do these qualities matter?

And what do they look like in action?

Staying Calm When Things Go Wrong

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 made Mike a drink and we chatted about the situation.”

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

Let Your Teachers Fly

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.

“She thrashed everyone at bowling”

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.

Tara’s Tips on Being There For Your Teachers In Your Multi-Teacher Studio

  1. Listen First. Let your teacher vent, share their perspective, and feel heard. Sometimes, just knowing you’re in their corner makes all the difference.
  2. Assess the situation. Is this a one-off incident, or is it part of a bigger pattern? Understanding the context helps you make better decisions.
  3. Collaborate on Solutions. Work with your teacher to brainstorm next steps. Whether it’s adjusting the lesson plan, switching teachers, or having a tough conversation with parents, let them know you’ve got their back.
  4. Follow Through. Once you’ve agreed on a plan, execute it. Whether it’s making a phone call, scheduling a meeting, or simply checking in, your action shows that you’re invested in their success.
  5. Learn and Improve. Every tough situation is a learning opportunity. Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how you can handle things even better next time.

Related: Growing Creative Cultivation Studio

Joyce’s Tips on Creating A Good Culture In Your Multi-Teacher Studio

  1. Be upfront about payments from the first interview. It’s important for them to know where they stand from the very start.
  2. Encourage them to build their own thing. When they get to the stage of building their own private student base, or into a position within another school, be behind them.
  3. Be supportive of their relationships with students. Being a good teacher involves having a bond with your students. A student wants private lessons with that teacher? Expect it and accept it. It doesn’t mean they’re stealing your students. It means you’ve helped shape an exceptional teacher. Be proud!
  4. Build strong relationships with your teachers. Get to know them and encourage camaraderie among all your teachers. Arrange training sessions. Book activity days out together. If teachers feel they’re working in a friendly and supportive environment, they’ll be more likely to be loyal and put their all into their work.

For More Help

For more advice on managing a successful multi-teacher studio, check out Joyce’s webinar, “How To Scale Your Studio and Hire Hero Teachers.”

Joyce Ong, creator of “How To Scale Your Studio and Hire Hero Teachers”

This is available to Studio and Studio Plus members.

Tim Topham

Tim Topham is the founder and director of TopMusic. Tim hosts the popular Integrated Music Teaching Podcast, blogs regularly at topmusic.co and speaks at local and international conferences on topics such as integrated teaching, creativity, business, marketing and entrepreneurship. Tim has been featured in American Music Teacher, The Piano Teacher Magazine, California Music Teacher and EPTA Piano Professional. Tim holds an MBA in Educational Leadership, BMus, DipEd and AMusA.

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