The Inspiring Journey of Ruthie Smith: From Home Lessons to a Thriving Music School

Today, we’re diving into the story of Ruthie Smith—a true force in music education. Her journey is one of grit, adaptability, and an unwavering love for her students. Whether you're just starting out or seeking inspiration to reignite your passion, Ruthie's story is packed with lessons for anyone ready to take their music teaching to the next level.

A Humble Beginning: How It All Started

Imagine this: over a decade ago, Ruthie was teaching music as a casual side gig. A handful of students, no grand plans—just a love for teaching and sharing music. It wasn’t until her children were born that she started asking herself: “What’s next?”

Turns out, the answer was right in front of her. Music had always been her passion, but it wasn’t until she reflected on her experiences—including her time at Universal Music Group—that she realized it could be so much more.

The big lightbulb moment? Discovering the incredible resources and community support through programs like #BAMSQUAD. “When I realized I could turn my piecemeal teaching into something bigger, that’s when the wheels really started turning,” Ruthie says. And once they started, there was no stopping her.

The Game-Changing Pivot: From One-on-One to Group Success

In 2018 Ruthie made a bold shift—from one-on-one lessons to group classes. The results? Pure magic. Students loved the sense of community, and Ruthie thrived on the energy and connection it brought to her studio.

But the real test came in March 2020, when everything changed. Ruthie had two choices: panic or pivot. She chose the latter, transitioning her entire studio online in what felt like the blink of an eye.

“I knew I couldn’t afford to miss a beat,” she recalls. Ruthie stayed connected with her students, and what began as online lessons quickly grew into creative virtual camps and showcases. Her calendar was packed, all without spending a fortune on advertising. Turning challenges into opportunities? Ruthie nailed it.

The Secret Sauce: Building a Community That Lifts You Higher

One of Ruthie’s greatest strengths is her ability to connect with others. Programs like #BAMSQUAD weren’t just resources—they were lifelines. From podcasts to mentorship groups, Ruthie absorbed ideas and insights from fellow educators, constantly looking for ways to push the envelope.

“Listening to others and being part of that community was invaluable,” she says. But Ruthie didn’t just take—she gave back, too, sharing her experiences to help others in the music education world.

Lessons for Aspiring Music Educators

So, what can you learn from Ruthie’s journey? Here are some golden nuggets of wisdom:

• Adaptability is Your Superpower: Ruthie’s quick pivot to online teaching during the pandemic is a masterclass in flexibility.
• Community is Everything: Whether it’s a mentorship group, a podcast, or simply a supportive friend, surrounding yourself with like-minded people is key.
• Innovate Fearlessly: Don’t be afraid to shake things up. Group lessons, holiday packages, online showcases—these bold moves paid off for Ruthie.
• Time Management is Key: Ruthie swears by the Pomodoro technique to stay on track. “Learning to set up my kids with their own activities while I worked was a game changer,” she shares.

The Bigger Picture: Trends in Music Education

Ruthie’s journey shows that the world of music education is evolving, and innovation is the way forward. Online learning? It’s here to stay. Group classes? Students love the camaraderie. The takeaway? Stay ahead of the curve and be open to new ideas—you never know where they’ll take you.

Ready to Start Your Own Journey?

Feeling inspired? Here are some steps to get started:

• Find Your Tribe: Communities like #BAMSQUAD are full of support and resources.
• Be Open to Change: Whether it’s online lessons or new teaching formats, embrace the opportunities that come your way.
• Start Small, Think Big: Ruthie began with just a few students. You don’t need to have it all figured out from the start.
• Master Time Management: Techniques like Pomodoro can help you balance work and life without burning out. 

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: