Mom Ashley Built A Music School Working Just 25 Hours A Week

Starting and growing a music school is no small feat. It requires a mix of passion, strategy, and resilience. Ashley Glessner, the owner of Dynamic Music Studio, has lived this journey firsthand. With an extensive background in private music teaching for over a decade, she took the bold leap of opening her own studio in March 2020—just weeks before the world shut down due to the pandemic.
Despite the hurdles, Ashley has grown her student base from 25 students to 150, added teachers, and launched after-school programs. Along the way, she’s learned invaluable lessons that are essential for anyone looking to build or scale a music school.

Why Ashley Started Her Music School

Ashley's story is one of necessity and ambition. After spending 10 years teaching voice, piano, and violin at various studios, she realized she wanted more control over the quality of education her students received. She saw gaps in how other studio owners ran their businesses and knew she could do better.

But what pushed her over the edge? The job market. Despite holding a master’s degree in music technology, companies kept telling her she was "overqualified." So, with a mix of entrepreneurial spirit and sheer determination, she decided to stop working for others and start building something of her own—a studio that would reflect her values and standards.

Overcoming the Challenges of Growth

Growing from a solo teacher into a full-fledged music school was not without its growing pains. Ashley had to navigate the complexities of managing staff, developing systems, and ensuring financial stability. Here are some of the biggest lessons she learned along the way:

• Pivoting During the Pandemic: Launching in March 2020 meant she had to quickly transition to online lessons for eight to ten weeks. But instead of letting uncertainty derail her, she adapted and reopened with an even stronger vision. 
• Making Smart Investments: Ashley emphasizes that “cheapening out” on important areas like marketing and administrative tools can be detrimental. Investing in a solid website, reliable studio management software, and great teachers pays off.
• Building a Strong Teacher Team: Not all great musicians make great teachers. Ashley has a multi-step hiring process to ensure instructors align with the studio’s mission and truly connect with students.
  
• Implementing Systems for Growth: Switching from cash and check payments to auto-pay, adopting a robust studio management tool (Opus One), and refining policies were all game-changers that made scaling up much smoother.

Creating a Unique Studio Experience

One of the things that sets Dynamic Music Studio apart is its emphasis on relationship-building. It’s not just about checking off a box for a weekly lesson—it’s about creating a musical family. Ashley understands that students thrive when they feel connected, not just to their teachers, but to their peers and the joy of music itself.

Practical Advice for Aspiring Music School Owners

If you’re thinking about starting or growing your music school, here’s Ashley’s biggest recommendation:

Build a solid foundation before you scale.
She compares it to constructing a house—without a strong base, everything on top is at risk of crumbling. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Know Your Financials: Understand the bare minimum you need to operate, but don’t be afraid to invest in what will fuel long-term growth. 
• Do Market Research: Scout out existing music schools in your area and find a location where competition is minimal but demand is high.
• Choose the Right Tools: From payment processing to scheduling, investing in good technology (like studio management software) can save you time, headaches, and lost revenue.
• Find a Support System: Whether it’s a business mentor, a local networking group, or a program like Build A Music School, surrounding yourself with knowledgeable, like-minded people will fast-track your success.
  

Ashley’s Biggest Mindset Shift
At the start, Ashley was wary of spending money on anything that wasn’t absolutely essential. But as she puts it:
“What I will say is a game changer was shifting my mindset from ‘Is this expense necessary?’ to ‘Does this investment bring value and generate more income?’”
That mindset shift led her to invest in better marketing, streamlined admin processes, and high-quality teachers—all of which fueled her school’s exponential growth.
Would She Ever Go Back?

After years of working under other studio owners, Ashley is certain of one thing—she will never go back. Being her own boss has given her control, creative freedom, and the flexibility to be present with her family while running a thriving business.

While entrepreneurship comes with its challenges, Ashley wouldn’t trade it for anything. She can now design a school that aligns with her vision, impact more students, and collaborate with her community in ways that weren’t possible when she was just a private teacher.

Final Words of Advice

For those considering starting or scaling a music school, Ashley leaves this advice: Don’t wait. Do your research, invest wisely, and seek guidance from those who have already walked the path.
And if you want to accelerate your growth, join a community like #BAMSQUAD. As Ashley discovered, being surrounded by other music school owners who understand your struggles and can provide solutions is invaluable.

What is Build a Music School?

Build a Music School is a membership-based platform designed to help music school owners grow profitable, sustainable studios while improving their work-life balance. Build a Music School has  a huge library of over 500 training videos, covering everything you will ever need to know about growing or running a music studio. Members also get access to a private Facebook community for networking, monthly mastermind sessions with industry experts, one-on-one coaching & much more

We work with music school owners of all levels of business, from solo teachers to large studios, providing actionable strategies to boost profits, reduce workload, and streamline operations. The program is built around a supportive community of music school owners who share resources and experiences, helping each other succeed.  

Interested? Grab an information pack HERE: