inBachs / The Smartest Questions We’ve Heard This Week

This week we answers your most asked studio questions so you can recruit the right students, communicate with clarity, build a musicianship culture, coach elite performers, and position your value without racing to the bottom on price.

How do you approach asking for student testimonials?

Treat testimonials like referrals. They’re a natural part of the process. After a student achieves a goal, performs in a recital, or wraps up a semester, you could say, “You’ve made so much progress. Would you be willing to share a few words about your experience so I can help more students like you?”

Then send a short, simple form or a link to your Google business profile or wherever you are collecting reviews. Timing matters. When students or parents feel proud, they’re eager to write about it. Bonus if you can follow up with a thank-you note. It strengthens the relationship and builds long-term trust!

When you are following up, include a clear and direct call to action in your email. Studies show that emails with a single, specific CTA perform up to 160% better than those with multiple links or vague language. Keep your link prominent and use straightforward text like: “Share your testimonial here.”

How do I recruit students when posters, cold emailing, and Facebook groups aren’t working?

If those methods aren’t getting results, it’s because they’re one-way conversations. You’ll get more traction when you show up where your ideal students already are and start connecting.

Get visible in local parent or community spaces. Host a workshop or free mini-lesson. Partner with other teachers or organizations. Share short videos showing your teaching style or success stories. People commit to working with you once they feel like they already know you.

When you promote these opportunities by email, make your CTA benefit-driven:

“Schedule a free mini-lesson.” or “Reserve your spot for the next parent Q&A.”

Emails with clear, action-oriented language and a visible button above the fold can double response rates.

Do you recommend keeping all communication through email or text as well?

Use both strategically. Keep official communication like scheduling, policies, and payments in email. It’s organized and professional. But text messages work well for reminders and quick check-ins. Parents are more likely to see and respond to a short text.

The key is setting boundaries early. Be clear about when and how you respond. Clear structure builds trust and prevents burnout.

How do I help students understand that playing an instrument is more than just a one-hour lesson each week?

This is about studio culture! You can make musicianship part of every lesson. Try to talk about what musicians do outside of lessons, listening, performing, journaling, and creating. Remind students that lessons are where we plan, but growth happens when they follow through during the week.

When onboarding, you can give each student a guide on how to practice like a musician and celebrate consistent habits, not just end results.

How do I convince an elite student that I can help them reach their elite-level goals?

You probably won’t be able to convince with words. You show it through structure, confidence, and clarity. Present a roadmap with your plan, your metrics, and your expectations. Speak like a coach, not just a teacher.

Share results, past student achievements, and your process. Elite students want a mentor who matches their ambition!

I’ve gotten students from online marketplaces who ask for rates, but I don’t want to list mine publicly. Am I losing students by not being on them?

You’re not losing your students by removing the marketplaces as a lead source for your studio. It’s more like filtering for better ones. Marketplaces often attract price-shoppers. They work for filling spots, not for building lasting relationships.

The best students are searching for the right fit, not the lowest rate. Instead of listing prices, share your process and outcomes. For example:

“I help students go from inconsistent practice to confident performance. Let’s set up a consultation to see if it’s the right fit.”

When you position yourself as the guide with a clear transformation, people might think less about “how much?” and start asking “when can we start?”

Want to turn this week’s insights into a clear plan for your studio?

These questions came straight from our live session, “How to Plan Your Studio Like a Professional” where attendees built personalized action plans for their studios.

Now it’s your turn. Build your free action plan with our team and get clear next steps for your studio! Just reply to this email to schedule yours.