045: Preschool Piano for Better Business with Amy Elmore

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Elmore, a seasoned piano teacher who has transformed her studio with over 30 years of experience into a thriving multi-teacher business. Amy shares the inspiring journey behind starting preschool piano classes, an idea sparked by her husband, and how these classes have significantly impacted her studio's growth. Join us as Amy delves into the ART framework she developed for teaching young children, offers practical advice on managing classes, and emphasizes the importance of community among piano teachers. Whether you're looking to enhance your teaching strategies or expand your studio's offerings, Amy's insights are invaluable. Tune in to discover how preschool piano can elevate your business! Amy shared a brief overview of her background and her teaching business. She talks about her multi-teacher studio and the range of lessons they offer. She shared how preschool piano classes started in her studio. Rachel shares her inspiration from Amy to start piano classes for preschoolers. The benefits and impact of preschool piano on students and business. Amy introduces the ART framework for teaching preschool piano (Aural, Rhythm, Theory, and Technique). Discussion on practical aspects such as class size, equipment needed, and duration of classes. Amy answers rapid-fire questions on space requirements, materials, class size, pricing, and more. Tips on managing behavioral challenges in preschool piano classes. The importance of ignoring, redirecting, and keeping the class moving. The value of building a network of teacher friends. Information about Amy’s Piano Teacher Happy Hour, Preschool Group Piano Blueprint course, and coaching sessions. Links Mentioned Amy Elmore's Website Preschool Group Piano Blueprint Amy's Instagram Page: @amy_elmore_piano Keys to Praise Studio Instagram Page: @keys_to_praise_studio Download your latest TopMusic Magazine here. Today’s Guest Amy Elmore is a seasoned piano teacher with over 30 years of experience. She owns a lively multi-teacher studio in Southern California that welcomes students as young as 3 1/2 to those about to graduate high school. Amy didn't originally set out to be a piano teacher; she “fell into” the profession in high school when her teacher asked if she would take on some students of her own. In a full-circle moment, after teaching solo for many years, Amy hired one of her high school students and started down the path of becoming a multi-teacher studio. Over the last several years, Amy has developed a keen interest in the business aspects of running a studio. Her academic background is as unique as her career path, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics/Foods in Business and a Master's Degree in Marriage Family Therapy. This unexpected combination enriches her approach to teaching and business, bringing a fresh and multifaceted perspective to the world of music Education. Recognizing the potential to expand her impact beyond the studio, through coaching and her Preschool Group Piano Blueprint course, Amy has also ventured into helping other piano teachers scale their businesses. Beyond her professional life, Amy and her husband Jim have two adult sons and a brand-new daughter-in-law. She loves the creative outlet of interior decor as well as discovering new coffee spots with friends - and bonus if they want to talk about business ideas! About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda. Visit her website at https://rachelehring.com/ Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL Thank you for tuning in! Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly.