From Solo Tutor to Academy Owner: 10 Steps to Success

From Solo Tutor to Academy Owner: 10 Steps to Success

So how do you go from a solo tutor to an academy owner? Well, I'm going to show you in 10 steps today, and this is something that I did do. I went from university teaching drums privately to pay my way and then after university decided, hey, I want to build a music school so I started with my 30 students and over 11 years grew it to 2,000 and a team of 50 plus people and all sorts of other cool crazy things.

Now before I get into the 10 steps, if you haven't checked out buildamusicschool.com, go over there and there is a free master class where I show you that whole journey and some of the best lessons and tips that I wished I would have known and you can apply them to your studio no matter what level you're at. You'll find it really helpful even if you don't want to build a massive school and you just want to improve your solo teaching business, you'll find that really valuable. So go check that out at buildamusicschool.com.

Step 1: Mindset

The first step in going from a solo tutor to an academy owner is mindset. This is the step that 99% of tutors never take. You need to get excited about the journey, know that it's going to be hard but worth it, and form a vision of where you're headed and why you're doing this. Get your mindset right and stick at it.

Step 2: Do the Math

Next, you need to have your finances in order. Run a solid cash flow forecast and figure out how much money you have coming in and what your costs will be. Make sure you're responsible for your team's financial stability.

Step 3: Find Your First Hire

Decide whether your first hire will be another tutor or an administrator. Figure out who will join you to start building your music school.

Step 4: Get the Students

Once you have your team member, it's time to find the students. Utilize your waiting list or develop a detailed marketing plan to attract new students. Check out the Coda marketing plan for effective strategies.

Step 5: Legal Documents

Ensure you have all the necessary legal documents in order when you hire someone. This includes offer letters, contracts, tax forms, and policies. Be prepared for any tricky situations that may arise.

Step 6: Payroll and Timesheets

Establish a payroll system and timesheet recording method for your team. Determine how you will pay your employees and handle their taxes and other obligations.

Step 7: Communication Strategy

Develop a communication strategy to inform parents and students about the changes happening in your music school. Highlight the benefits and be prepared to address any concerns or complaints.

Step 8: Training for Your New Tutor

Invest in proper training for your new tutor. Consider enrolling them in a teacher training program to enhance their teaching skills and ensure a high standard of education in your music school.

Step 9: Ongoing Observation

Implement an ongoing observation strategy to review and provide feedback to your team members. Regularly sit in on lessons and discuss areas of improvement with your tutors. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Step 10: Growing as a Leader and Entrepreneur

As an academy owner, it's essential to invest in your own growth as a leader and entrepreneur. Find resources, training programs, and mentorship opportunities to develop your business skills and leadership abilities.

If you follow these 10 steps, you can successfully transition from a solo tutor to an academy owner. Remember to check out buildamusicschool.com for more in-depth training and support. Join the #BAMSQUAD and start building your dream music school today!