Music Teachers Blog

I love being a busy teacher, working with students for the bulk of my day.  As a musician and teacher, it’s hard to find time to update and manage the studio outside of lessons.  With an array of things to do, from documenting business purchases, pricing advertising, contacting prospective students, to researching pieces for students, it can be very difficult to get everything done in one day.  Here are 10 tips to get you organized:

1. Sunday Night Strategy Session

Sometime each Sunday afternoon/evening take about 30 minutes to check in with your agenda and get your week in order.  Include in your lesson appointments, meetings and this week’s to do’s.

2. Get Up Before Anyone Else

Each morning start your day about 45 minutes before the rest of the family. This allows you to get your thoughts together over a good cup of coffee and start your day off prepared rather than crazy.

3. Daily Goals List

Split a piece of paper into two columns - label one side work and one side personal. On the work side, list out the most urgent client tasks first followed by other tasks by priority. On the personal side of the paper, list phone calls you need to make, chores you need to get done, and any errands that have to be run.

4. Block Your Time

Once you know what needs to be done, block out time and estimate blocks of time per task. This allows you to have a realistic idea as to what you can get done in the day and to make sure you are maximizing your earnings for the day.

5. Use A Timer

Start your task and set the timer for your allotted time. You will be less distracted and the timer will let you know when it is time for a break. If it is a longer task, break it up into smaller time chunks. Reward yourself with a quick walk, a snack break, a phone call break or something once your timer goes off.

6. Create Work Hours

This is REALLY important if you work from home! Establish hours that work for you, your clients, and your family and stick with them. If you have set your work hours for today to be from 9-12, then you don’t do housework during that time.

7. Set Limits

No one person can do everything. Your time and energy is valuable and you need to be firm in setting limits on how you spend it. Don’t commit to things that you can’t reasonably accomplish. Get enough rest. Learn to say No. Avoid negative people who like to whine.

8. Identify time wasters in your day

It’s a different thing for everyone. Maybe it’s the TV, calls from friends, or surfing the web.  Whatever it is, identify it and eliminate it if possible, or at least manage it. Use your voicemail, and call people back when it’s a better time for you.

9. Outsource Where Possible

Make a list of the 10 biggest time wasters or energy drainers in your day and find a way to eliminate them!  Hire a cleaning service. Barter for administrative help.

10. Group Errands for Efficiency

Schedule your errands for maximum efficiency. One way to do it is to schedule one morning or afternoon a week just for errands and some time away.

There is no doubt that there will be some unexpected daily drama and the occasional day where you just can’t be bothered, but put these strategies into action and I guarantee your day will run smoother!

Posted in Studio Management |