How good are you at keeping track of your students’ tuition payments? How about their attendance? I haven’t always been good at keeping track of tuition payments and attendance. I always think that I’ll be able to remember if I’ve been paid or not—and then I never can. I ended up teaching more than my […]
Continue readingMore TagAuthor: Jessi Vandagriff
Tax Tips for Studio Teachers
This series of posts on tax tips was written by guest author Tairsa Mathews. She’s an accountant, bassoonist, and piano teacher in Utah. I am so excited that Jessi asked me to write this series of blog posts. It’s not often that I get to use my accounting degree to discuss my favorite subject: music. […]
Continue readingMore TagShould I be a Sole Proprietor or an LLC?
A guest post by accountant, bassoonist, and piano-teacher, Tairsa Mathews When starting a business (or just adjusting the way you manage your business) there are a lot of options to choose from. Before studying accounting I didn’t know what it meant to be a sole proprietor or a limited liability company. I honestly don’t think […]
Continue readingMore TagKeeping Tax Records
A guest post by accountant, bassoonist, and piano teacher, Tairsa Mathews One of the most important things you can do is to keep accurate records. Keep your receipts, keep your bank account separate, and keep track of the money you make. If ever you are questioned about issues with your taxes, the IRS will almost […]
Continue readingMore TagDo I Need a Business Bank Account?
A guest post by accountant, bassoonist, and piano teacher, Tairsa Mathews To make your accountant VERY happy and your life easier at tax season, I would highly recommend having a bank account that is 100% for your business. You can have an actual business account and write checks from your business name if you choose […]
Continue readingMore TagBusiness Write-offs
A guest post by accountant, bassoonist, and piano teacher, Tairsa Mathews This is my favorite topic! When you buy things for your business, you get to write them off!! This means every time you purchase music, every time you service your instrument, when you buy rewards/prizes for your students, etc., you can write them off […]
Continue readingMore TagFree Studio Calendar Template
Have you created your studio calendar for the 2016–2017 school year? I made mine using Diane Hidy’s very useful template. You can find the template here. This is the studio calendar I made in about 20 minutes using her template. It is easy to use, gets all the dates right, and it’s free. The version […]
Continue readingMore TagStudents who don’t practice
Students who don’t practice can be very frustrating for a teacher. I feel that there are two equally appropriate ways to approach these students: Drop them Embrace what they do bring to each lesson Dropping Students There are many reasons to drop a student. This post isn’t about dropping a student for failure to pay or […]
Continue readingMore TagHow to Write a Studio Policy
A studio policy is essential. It sets expectations for both you and your students. It acts as an authority you can reference when conflict arises between you and a student/parent. It can protect you in certain legal matters. And most importantly, it helps you the teacher decide how you really want your studio to run. […]
Continue readingMore TagMakeup Lessons—Friend or Foe?
If you have switched to the monthly tuition model for charging students, then you will have to decide what to do about missed lessons. It’s a complicated issue, so I will highlight five ideas that have worked in my studio and others. Do whatever feels fair for both you and your students. My own makeup policy […]
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