Music Teacher Tips: How to Teach 40+ Music Lessons a Week

When I first started teaching music lessons I only had a few students. Now my schedule has grown to teaching over 40 private music lessons a week. It can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

If you are a music teacher you know how important preparation is. But how do you stay on top of everything when you have so many students? Maybe you're just getting started and only have a few. Or maybe your roster has grown and you have many. Wherever you are in your teaching journey, these tips are sure to help.

Create a Structured Weekly Schedule for Your Lessons

A structured weekly schedule is essential for managing the demands of teaching. If you teach from your own studio, start by dedicating specific time slots for each weekly lesson. Or if you teach with a studio you may already have a calendar. Having a weekly and monthly calendar is so important. When I used to teach through my own studio, I kept track of all of my lessons on Google Calendar. You can never go wrong with organization. 

Utilize Technology to Streamline Lesson Planning and Communication

Technology can play a pivotal role in easing the planning and communication processes associated with teaching. One of the reasons I love the studio I teach at is because they're organized which makes my job easier so I can focus on my students. The studio I teach at utilizes the Opus app to communicate changes in my schedule. All of my student's names and lesson times are listed every week. If there is any change in schedule (a cancelled lesson, makeup lesson, new student, transfer student etc.) I see it in my app and usually receive a text notification as well.

Implement A Structured Outline for Lessons

Having flow in your lessons is so important. I stick with the same outline in all of my lessons: Warmups, work the technique in assigned repertoire, add new music when the student is ready. This may sound simple, but with each student I am working different repertoire, coaching technique, practicing performance etiquette, etc. Each lesson follows the same outline so that I don't have to worry about it. I can be present in the moment and focus on my students and their progress. 

Organize Music Teacher Materials and Resources for Easy Access

Make it easy for yourself. I'm always on the go so I keep my music bag safely tucked away in my car. I never have to worry about forgetting it because it's always there. Keep pencils, highlighters, and erasers always in your studio. Keep stickers in your music bag AND backup stickers in your studio too. The more organized you can be, the more you can focus on teaching.

Build a Supportive Community to Enhance Your Teaching Experience

Spending time with fellow teachers is a great way to learn and grow together. Whether you teach at a music studio in town or you run your own private studio on your own--connecting with other music educators is invaluable. Sharing ideas, resources, and teaching strategies are some of the benefits, just to name a few. Collaborating with fellow teachers can provide fresh perspectives and inspire new approaches to your lessons.

Final Thoughts

Teaching is very rewarding, but like anything worth pursuing in life it can feel like a lot to juggle if you aren't organized. Try out these tips and you're sure to see the benefits of a more structured teaching schedule.