Music Teachers Blog

You know way more about teaching music than Scott Ginsberg.

Scott’s writings are essential for anyone who wants a successful teaching practice.

Two seemingly contradictory statements, yet I assure you they are both true (well, I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt on the first one).  Scott Ginsberg writes about approachability and marketing over at www.hellomynameisscott.com.  He’s appeared on 20/20, and his blog is ranked in the Top 100 Business Blogs on the web.  Oh, he’s also gone 3000+ consecutive days wearing a nametag.

I’ve been reading Scott’s blog for over two years now.  His ideas have helped me to attract more students and be more authentic with currents students.  Scott has recently published a new book, Stick Yourself Out There, and took some time to do an Q and A for MTH readers.

For our readers who are completely unfamiliar with your work, can you give us a brief introduction to what you do?

Occupation: Writer. Job: Entrepreneur. What I Do: Teach people about approachability through writing, speaking, renting my brain and online learning systems.

You also mentioned you were a lifelong musician.  What instruments do you play?

Guitar is my bread and butter. I also play piano, bass, mandolin, banjiatr and pretty much anything else I can get my hands on.

The first word that comes to mind when I think of Scott Ginsberg is “approachability.”  What exactly do you mean by that?

Comes from the Latin “to come nearer to.” It’s about sticking yourself out there and getting people to come to you. Two way street.

Why is it important for people and businesses to be approachable?  Why isn’t “quality of product (in this case teaching)” enough?

When teachers are approachable, students listen, learn more and feel comfortable around you. Ever learned a lot from a teacher you HATED?

Okay, I’m a music teacher who has just decided to become more approachable.  What are some specific actions I can take to start being more approachable?

ASK YOURSELF: How are your words laying a foundation of affirmation and positivity?

ASK YOURSELF: Do your words alienate or engage? Do your words sound like suggestions or orders? Do your ideas liberate or imprison people?

ASK YOURSELF: Are you giving people permission or shutting people down?

ASK YOURSELF: What has this person done right that I could compliment first?

ASK YOURSELF: Are you giving lectures or having conversations? Do you require progress or perfection?

ASK YOURSELF: Is this an observation or an accusation? Is this an observation or an interpretation? And are you granting this person enough space to BE and SAY what is true?

ASK YOURSELF: Is this an observation or a judgment? Are you giving advice, evaluation, or feedback? Are you informing people or controlling them?

A lot of us music teachers work primarily with children.  Do you think your ideas on approachability and marketing are still applicable to that age group (K-12)?  Is there anything in your philosophy you would amend when dealing with a younger audience?

Treat them like PEOPLE, not kids.

You’re a big proponent of daily routines and Structuring Your Day.  Can you walk us through a typical day for you, or even just your morning routine?

4:00 AM – Start writing
9:00 AM – Stop writing
9-10: Daily Appointment with Myself
10-12: Sales time
12-2: Lunch
2-4: Creative Project Time
4-6: Yoga:
7-10: Music

Music lessons are often one of the first things families drop in times of economic trouble.  What advice would you give to private music teachers worried about the “economic downturn”?

Do it for free. If they love you, they’ll come back with money AND a friend with money.

Finally, for those readers who can’t wait to get more of The Nametag Guy, can you recommend some of your blog posts or books that would be a good starting points?

Turn Vulnerability into Profitability
http://hellomynameisscott.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-turn-vulnerability-into.html

Instantly Engage ANY Audience
http://hellomynameisscott.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-engage-any-audience-instantly.html

Posted in Promoting Your Studio |

About the Author

Jon Dittert teaches drum set and percussion at the Drum Center of Lexington in Lexington, KY. He has also served as a percussion assistant to several Fayette County middle schools. Jon has performed with former SNL trumpeter Graham Breedlove, Emmy award winning producer/bassist Eric Suttman, saxophonist Bobby Streng, and Christian recording artist Sarah Bauer. Currently, he performs regularly around Kentucky with Business Time, The Blue Barracudas, and Jonathan Webb.