093: Debunking the Myths About Group Lessons with Jessica Homewood

Jessica Homewood has transformed how piano teachers think about group lessons. From managing 60 private students to creating efficient, engaging group programs, Jess now helps teachers scale their studios while maintaining quality instruction. In this episode, she shares how group lessons benefit both teachers and students, common myths that hold teachers back, and practical advice for creating a thriving, collaborative learning environment.Jess shared how she rebuilt her piano studio multiple times after moving across the U.S.How burnout from teaching 60 private students led her to explore group lessons.The early challenges of group teaching and how flexibility and patience helped her adapt.How becoming a beginner again as a teacher was key to her success in group instruction.Her group formats, including multi-level classes with headphones and guided rotation models.How teaching in groups helped students develop problem-solving skills and self-directed learning.Jess discussed the financial and time-saving benefits of group lessons for teachers.How she cut her teaching hours by half while doubling her income and improving work-life balance.She highlighted how group lessons made piano lessons more affordable and accessible for families.The costs and setup challenges of transitioning to groups, including sourcing quality keyboards.She advised teachers to keep lesson plans simple to allow space for flexibility and connection.Why students in groups learn effective practice habits and become more confident players.She explained how community and peer interaction improve retention and motivation.Jess emphasized that marketing and communication are vital when introducing group lessons to parents.Links MentionedJess's website:Not Your Mother's Piano StudioJess's Instagram page:@notyourmotherspianostudioRelated Episode:TopCast 350: Simplify and Streamline with Jess Homewood from Not Your Mother’s Piano StudioToday's Guest Jess Homewood is the creator of *The Group Conversion Collective*, a program that guides piano teachers in transitioning from 1:1 lessons to group lessons, scaling income and winning back their time. She has also created *The No Printout Playbook* series, offering easy, low-prep piano games for teachers and students. A mom of two and studio owner, Jess helps teachers balance a growing studio with family life. She has been featured on popular podcasts and blogs. Discover more of her insights at www.notyourmotherspianostudio.com and @notyourmotherspianostudio on social media.About Rachel EhringDr. 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 RachelEhring.comVisit her Instagram page: @rachelehringVisit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender MusicThank 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.TopMusicPro 14-Day Free TrialHeard about TopMusicPro Membership? As a valued podcast listener, I’d like to offer you a special chance to try our community free for 14 days. You can access a treasure trove of teaching resources, professional development courses, and creative lesson ideas. Click the link below to access your exclusive 14-day free trial for our Studio Membership.TOPMUSICPRO MEMBERSHIP 14-DAY FREE TRIAL