Growing a music studio requires more than great teaching. It also takes systems, leadership, and a willingness to adapt as your business evolves. In this episode, I’m chatting with Leah Drake to talk about building a thriving group piano program, using technology to streamline operations, and creating a studio that supports both meaningful musical experiences and sustainable growth.
Leah Drake is the owner of Vibrant Valley Music Studio in San Jose, California, with over 120 students and multiple teachers. Her studio focuses on recreational music-making for all ages and primarily offers group piano classes. The studio also offers Music Together® classes for preschoolers, supporting early childhood development through joyful music-making and family involvement.
Leah’s piano-teaching approach blends strong pedagogical foundations with thoughtful use of technology, allowing her to streamline learning, enhance communication, and create an organized, welcoming studio environment. Her group piano classes are designed for ages 4+ using same-level and multi-level programs. Most of her teaching material comes from Piano Safari and Piano Pyramid.
Leah is particularly passionate about building systems that support both educational excellence and sustainable business growth. In the last 2 years, Leah added Practice Space to her studio’s resources, hired both a virtual assistant and her first teacher, and she also signed her first commercial lease. Even now, Leah is planning more growth in the next exciting chapter for her business.
Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.
Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.
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