Hey Teacher Friend,
If you’ve already written a studio policy, or even pieced one together from old notes and borrowed templates...well shoot, I would call that a win. Seriously. You did the hard part. You sat down and made something that sets boundaries and keeps things clear.
This week’s podcast isn’t about tearing that down. It’s about asking a few questions that might make your next version even more effective.
Because most of us started with a policy that sounded great on paper. But over time, it got longer. More detailed. Maybe even a little... exhausting to read.
I’m sharing how I took mine from a too-long PDF to a one-page document that actually gets read and followed.
We talk about:
• What belongs in your policy and what doesn’t
• Why systems matter more than long paragraphs
• How to simplify without losing your voice or authority
If you’ve been wondering whether your policy still works for you, this episode is a chance to pause and rethink with fresh eyes.
“Your policy matters. But it’s not the whole solution. It’s one part of a bigger framework that helps your studio run well.”
Scrappy Session Updates!
Today’s the last day to use the coupon code for July’s Scrappy Session.
This is a live workshop where we’ll collaborate, share ideas, and carve out focused time to actually get things done. You’ll map out your fall studio calendar, clean up your weekly schedule, and build or polish your studio policies alongside other teachers doing the same.
And coming up Friday, August 15 at 11:30am Eastern (not Thursday, sorry I goofed in the last email) 🤷🏻♀️
The August Scrappy Session is all about Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), what they are, how to create them, and how they can support your studio systems all year long.
Upcoming Sessions
According to the latest poll, it looks like everyone is all across the board. So we will be having sessions covering all mentioned with tuition, group classes / performance classes, and website layout and SEO. Soon I will have a calendar for the year handy for you all!
A Studio Resource I’ve Been Loving Lately
Melodic Expressions Book 1 by Giulio Pietropaolo (available at www.pianosafari.com) has been on heavy rotation over here in my private lessons.
The duets are written with hands in parallel motion, which makes them perfect for quick sightreading during lessons. I’ve been using them with elementary students who need more ensemble experience.
They’re short, beautiful, recital-worthy, and easy to plug into any lesson. I’ll be using this book all year and I am looking forward to buying the additional levels at the Piano Safari Booth at the NCKP....
NCKP 2025!!
I will be there with my cat notebook and my sharpie gel pens. If you are attending, let me know! I would love to meet up ✨🎶
That’s it for today, now go re-read that policy with fresh eyes!
Jaci
