What if your music school wasn't just a business, but a life-changing community? In this episode, we explore how small, thoughtful gestures turn everyday interactions into lasting connections. Learn how generosity can grow your music school, deepen relationships, and create raving fans — all without a big marketing budget. davesimonsmusic.com
Parents quietly judge lessons by three things: pleasure, practice, and progress. When one slips, doubt creeps in and retention drops. In this episode, Dave breaks down how to make progress visible, make practice doable, and keep joy high—so families stay enrolled longer. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Spot the early warning signs of parent doubt and stop churn before it starts Turn "practice battles" into simple, repeatable routines kids can follow at home Make weekly progress obvious to non-musician parents between recitals Use quick communication rituals that build trust without adding teacher workload Reframe lessons so parents see them as an investment, not an expense Align your school around the 3 Ps—pleasure, practice, progress—to lift lifetime value Perfect for: music school owners who want higher retention, happier parents, and a calmer home practice culture. davesimonsmusic.com
Running a music school is a constant juggle—marketing, staff management, parent communication, and daily fires to put out. What if you could have a strategist, systems expert, and creative partner on call anytime you need one? In this episode, we explore four simple but powerful ChatGPT prompts that can completely shift how you think, plan, and make decisions for your school. These aren't just "AI tricks". They're conversation starters that help you uncover insights you didn't know you had. Here's what you'll learn: The one prompt that helps ChatGPT act like a true business partner, not just a chatbot How to get smarter, more personalized results from AI by asking the right questions A two-word prompt that can instantly reveal the blind spots in your plans A creativity booster that gets you unstuck when brainstorming promotions or program ideas How to integrate these prompts into your weekly workflow to save time and make better decisions Tune in to start simplifying your systems, clarifying your strategy, and running your school with more ease.
Parents do not stay in your music school because of curriculum alone. They stay because they feel connected, seen, and part of something bigger. In this episode, you'll discover how to transform uncertainty into long-term loyalty through intentional experiences. Here's what you'll learn: Why trust, not discounts, is the foundation of retention How small gestures from your staff and teachers create loyalty The role of policies when paired with empathy Why community keeps families enrolled long term The 5-step "Loyalty Loop" framework that turns parents into advocates Listen in and learn how to design parent experiences that go beyond lessons and build lasting belonging. davesimonsmusic.com
Parents don't buy music lessons. They buy transformation. In this episode, you'll learn how to use storytelling as your most effective sales tool. What you'll discover: Why stories resonate with parents more than facts or sales pitches How storytelling highlights transformation, not just lessons The social power of music—identity, confidence, and status How to build and use a "story bank" for calls, emails, and posts Simple ways to match stories with parents' hopes and fears By the end, you'll know how to shift your marketing from "selling lessons" to showing parents what's truly possible for their child. davesimonsmusic.com
Marketing doesn't fail because Facebook ads don't work. It fails because the message isn't clear. In this episode, we dig into the biggest marketing myths holding music schools back—and how to fix them. You'll discover: Why parents aren't buying lessons—they're buying transformation. How to craft a story that resonates with families in your community. The #1 shift that makes your ads, posts, and emails actually work. Why consistency beats intensity in every marketing channel. A simple exercise to uncover the words parents really want to hear. If you've been frustrated with marketing that feels like a money pit, this episode will help you create a strategy that actually connects—and converts. davesimonsmusic.com
This episode is your go-to checklist for making the most of fall's natural enrollment surge. Whether you've got 20 students or 200, you'll learn practical, fast-to-implement tactics to increase sign-ups and re-engage past families. Here's what you'll take away: If you want this fall to be your biggest enrollment season yet, this episode will give you the tools and the timing to make it happen. How to make your homepage irresistible to parents in seconds. The exact question to ask in first calls that uncovers their "why." A simple calendar trick to catch families right after sports season. How to use instrument-specific ads with deadlines for more clicks. Ways to turn your dropout list into your best free marketing source. The fastest way to follow up with your warmest leads. Why you should talk about your school way more than you think. If you want this fall to be your biggest enrollment season yet, this episode will give you the tools and the timing to make it happen. davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I get real about something every music school owner feels in their gut: your school is more than a business—it's your baby. But just like raising a child, you eventually need to prepare it to thrive without you. I share what I've learned from working with school owners across the country, the emotional journey of selling my own school, and the mindset shift that changed everything: thinking like a seller, even if you never sell. This episode is for any owner who feels tired, stuck, or unsure how to scale beyond themselves. Plus, I invite you to a powerful free webinar on Wednesday, July 31 at 1:00 PM ET: "How to Build a Music School That's Sellable—Even If You're Not Planning to Sell" with special guest Jeff Homer, CEO of Ensemble Performing Arts. Reserve your spot: welovemusicschools.com/webinar
What M&M's Taught Me About Music School Marketing In this episode, we're looking at one of the most iconic marketing campaigns of all time—M&M's "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands"—and how the same psychology can transform the way you market your music school. You'll learn how to move beyond surface-level promotion and tap into the unspoken fears, doubts, and curiosities that parents are already carrying—whether they've said them out loud or not. In this episode, you'll discover: Why pointing out a hidden problem builds immediate trust with parents Real-world messaging examples that speak to concerns parents didn't know they had How to create ads that stir curiosity and spark action The subtle shift from selling lessons to connecting with emotions How to reframe your next campaign to make parents say, "This is exactly what we need." If your marketing isn't converting the way it should—or if it just feels like it's missing something—this episode will show you why. davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, I share why group classes can be the most valuable and profitable part of your music school. When structured around ensemble performance, they don't just match private lessons, they offer more: teamwork, leadership, and full engagement from day one. I'll break down how The Band Builder Program makes this easy to launch, and you'll hear how other school owners are using it to boost revenue and retention. davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, we break down why group lessons could be the best opportunity for your music school—not a fallback plan. You'll discover how to rethink group education and unlock real growth for your students and your business. Key takeaways: Why group lessons aren't a "cheaper alternative"—they're a better experience for many kids How to shift your belief so families see real value in your group programs Why ensemble learning keeps kids motivated, excited, and sticking with music longer How to position private lessons as the next level rather than the starting point The business upside: better scalability, stronger community, and higher retention Tune in to reimagine your school's future with group classes that energize your students, families, and bottom line! davesimonsmusic.com
What's really holding your group classes back? (Spoiler: It's not your curriculum.) In this episode of Music Lessons and Marketing, Dave peels back the curtain on what makes group classes truly thrive—and why some music schools struggle to fill even one class while others build scalable, high-impact programs that run like clockwork. Whether you're wrestling with DIY curriculum or considering a license program like Kidzrock or Piano Jam, this conversation will help you clarify your next move. Listen to learn: The hidden cost of building your own group program from scratch How belief, not curriculum, drives parent buy-in and enrollment Why most DIY programs stall after the first few signups How licensed programs can unlock faster growth (without hiring unicorn teachers) What parents really want—and how to position group classes as the premium choice Why great marketing (not great music) is the real enrollment engine If you're stuck, overwhelmed, or wondering if group classes are really worth it… this episode is for you. davesimonsmusic.com
Your systems matter—but your energy drives them. In this episode, I share why your mindset, leadership habits, and clarity as an owner are often the biggest levers for growth. Before you add another strategy, start here. You'll learn: How your leadership style shapes your school culture Why burnout is a business issue, not just a personal one Simple mindset shifts that reignite focus and momentum How to lead with energy—and why it matters more than you think This one's for the school owner who's been overworking, under-inspired, and ready for real change. davesimonsmusic.com
This episode flips the script on summer slumps for music school owners. Learn how to transform your sales conversations into insight-driven marketing gold. Discover how to shift your message, methods, and mindset to meet families where they are this season—and turn summer into your most magnetic offer yet. davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, we flip the script on sales. Discover how to turn your music school enrollment calls into powerful marketing tools—without ever feeling pushy. Learn how to sell the transformation, ask the right questions, and build trust that lasts beyond the first lesson. davesimonsmusic.com
Are you stuck in the daily grind of running your music school—answering emails, fixing schedules, solving problems? In this episode, Dave challenges the idea that more hustle equals more growth. Learn why doing less—and thinking bigger—is the smartest move you can make. We'll unpack the power of strategic thinking, how to build your "War Room" routine, and why vision work is your true job as a school owner. davesimonsmusic.com
In this episode, Dave uncovers what baseball, Banana Ball, and your music school's marketing have in common. Learn how reimagining tradition and listening to sales calls can spark marketing gold—while keeping students (and their parents) obsessed with your program. Key takeaways include: How to identify and eliminate friction in your lessons Why group classes can feel like premium experiences The power of rethinking your approach to music education And how your sales conversations can be the secret sauce to better marketing! Tune in and learn how to take your music school's marketing to the next level! davesimonsmusic.com
Running a music school without business knowledge can feel like composing a symphony without knowing how to read music. In this episode, we break down the three essential pillars of business growth that every music school owner needs to master—without spending hours buried in textbooks. Here's what you'll learn: The 3 essential daily habits that will help you scale your music school with confidence. How AI tools like ChatGPT and Notebook LM can fast-track your business learning. A smarter way to absorb key business concepts—without reading endless books. How to turn knowledge into actionable strategies that fuel long-term success. Tune in now and start building a music school that thrives! davesimonsmusic.com
AI is changing the way music schools operate, but is it a friend or a threat? In this episode, Dave breaks down how AI can help you save time, market smarter, and make better business decisions—without losing the personal touch that makes your school unique. Key Takeaways: How AI can handle the busywork so you can do what you love—teaching music. The secret to using AI in your marketing—so students come to you (without the extra hustle). How AI can size up your competition and help your music school stand out. Writing scroll-stopping sales copy and Facebook ads in seconds—no stress, no overthinking. Why AI will never replace human connection—but it can make it even stronger. Tune in now and discover how AI can be your most powerful business partner. davesimonsmusic.com
Unlock the true potential of your music school with the power of a well-crafted mission statement. In this episode, Dave explores why a mission statement is more than just words on paper—it's your school's compass for growth, unity, and purpose. Learn how to write a statement that reflects your vision, guides decisions, and inspires everyone who walks through your doors. davesimonsmusic.com
Sean Young
What date and year was this released?