inBachs / Lessons from MTNA 2026

I’m really excited to share with you all my experience from the Music Teachers National Association conference in Chicago this past weekend. I’m writing this on the train ride home and this week was full of takeaways. But if I were to summarize things, it would be this: musicians are no longer just teachers, they’re building sustainable, modern studios and putting together really awesome, professional portfolio careers.

It feels like community building within our industry is important more than ever and I want to thank everyone who came out to our Outside The Bachs hang on Sunday. It was so much fun to see everyone, get updates and celebrate accomplishments!

The State of Independent Studios (Backed by Data)

One thing I really appreciate about this organization is the attention to detail when it comes to data that can really support how we all move within the industry. From the 2024 MTNA Member Survey: 

• Many teachers report challenges with student retention and consistent enrollment
  

• A significant portion still rely on manual systems or basic tools
  

• Growing curiosity around technology and alternative teaching formats
  

  Even before 2026, the data was pointing in this direction. Teachers are ready for change but oftentimes, unsure how to implement it.

Hot Takes On Music Education 🔥

My hot take: musicians that adapt for a portfolio career will be more successful overall. Here’s some more music education hot takes from people I met this week:

Removing Friction from Student Signups

• This is a pain point when there is a new student inquiry → enrollment is too slow, unclear, or manual
  

• Teachers might lose students before they even start because of fit/onboarding

• There are plenty of inefficiencies in different admin systems

Studios that simplify onboarding are growing faster with:

• Online registration
  

• Clear trial lesson/consultation communications
  

• Fast responses to interest

Spreadsheets Aren’t The Answer Anymore

If your studio runs on spreadsheets, you’re not running a system, you’re probably just holding one together.

• Many teachers still using outdated tools

• Modern studios = integrated systems

Billing Has Gone Professional

I was noticing a shift from per-lesson payments and cash/check chaos to automated billing and writing/enforcing clear policies.

Huge shout out to Eric Branner who presented on how to run your private studio and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset as a studio owner. His new book “Lessons: A Modern Guide to the Business of Teaching Music” debuted at the conference. So awesome!

Flat Monthly Tuition Wins

This is simply the standard now for private music lessons because:

• Predictable revenue
  

• Simpler communication
  

• Aligns with long-term student commitment
  

Teachers are seeking stability and tuition payers appreciate it. Even the survey results from 2024 align with this, too.

My eyes got bigger when I heard this multiple choice moment:

At one of the sessions I attended the presenters posed this question.

“Which of the following is the most effective way to recruit new students?”

List options:

• Local newspaper ads
  

• Donating free lessons
  

• Social media
  

• Bulletin board postcards
  

• Yellow Pages
  

• “Word of mouth” THE MAJORITY ANSWER!

But what exactly does “word of mouth” mean for your business? Doesn’t it feel like crossing your fingers and hoping for the best?

“Word of Mouth” is creating your own luck.

It’s not something you “hope” for. I believe it’s something within your control. You can have an awesome client experience. You can ask your customers to write reviews and submit testimonials. You can communicate with clear outcomes/results for your potential students, enroll them, deliver on those promises and people with talk about your in a positive light. You can make moments shareable. You can communicate in a professional way so that people take you seriously as a musician.

“Word of mouth” is in your hands, if you decide to work on it, instead of just hoping for something to happen. That’s how I see it. The best studios don’t wait for referrals, but they engineer them.

At Outside The Bachs, we believe that “word of mouth” is something within your control and it should be part of your overall studio strategy. If you’re ready to build a studio that grows consistently (without relying on chance), book a free strategy session today.