inBachs / How School Outreach Helped Me Build a Full Studio

When I first started my private clarinet lesson studio, I knew I had to find a way to stand out in my local music community. I didn’t have a big advertising budget or a strong referral base yet. What I did have was a connection to local schools and the willingness to show up. So I started visiting band rooms.

At first, it was simple. I offered to give free clinics, sectionals, or even just observe rehearsals and provide feedback to students. I didn’t walk in trying to sell lessons. I showed up to help. Over time, students got curious, directors started recommending me, and parents began reaching out. These school visits became the single most effective way I grew my studio to capacity.

Now, through the Outside The Bachs programs, I help other studio owners do the same. You don’t need to be a charismatic public speaker or have years of teaching experience to make a strong impression at a school. You just need to show up prepared and with the mindset of being useful.

Here are a few tips for making school outreach part of your enrollment strategy:

1. Start with a relationship, not a pitch
Reach out to band or orchestra directors with the intent to serve, not to sell. Ask what kind of support their students need right now. Maybe it’s help preparing for solo and ensemble, working on fundamentals, or leading a masterclass on tone or rhythm.

2. Keep it focused and short
Your first visit doesn’t have to be a full clinic. Even 15 to 20 minutes in front of a class can leave an impression. Come in with a simple concept, demonstrate it, and make the students sound better before you leave.

3. Bring something for students to take home
Whether it’s a practice checklist, a mini warm-up routine, or just your contact info, make it easy for interested families to remember you and follow up.

4. Follow up with directors
After a visit, send a thank you email and ask if you can come again later in the semester. The more familiar you become, the more trust you build and that often leads to referrals.

School outreach works because it positions you as a resource, not a salesperson. And when families see you in action, they already trust that you can help their child grow. I built my studio one school visit at a time, and I now help studios across the country do the same through Outside The Bachs.

If you're ready to grow by showing up where your students already are, I’d love to invite you to take the next step by scheduling your first session with our team at Outside The Bachs and we can share how school outreach can fit into the larger gameplan for your studio goals.