029: How to Start a Multi-Teacher Studio with Clinton Pratt

Today, we are joined by Clinton Pratt, a seasoned pianist with over 40 years of playing experience and the owner of a successful and thriving multi-teacher piano studio in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a Master's degree in Piano, National Certification as a Teacher of Music, and Teaching Certification from the American Eurhythmics Society, Clinton brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. He shares his journey from solo teaching to managing a team of instructors, detailing the challenges and rewards of expanding his studio. We discuss his innovative Benchmark Program for tracking student progress, strategies for building community through recitals and group classes, and tips for teachers considering a similar path. Clinton also reveals upcoming projects, including a no-practice-required group class and his ongoing work with the American Eurhythmics Society. Tune in for practical advice and inspiration from an experienced music educator and studio owner.

• Clinton shared a brief overview of his multi-teacher music studio.
• He also shared about his musical background, growing up in a musical family and initially not planning on a music career.
• He describes his journey from teaching at another studio to creating his own and hiring additional teachers due to increasing student demand.
• Challenges of hiring qualified teachers, seeking grad students or those with a passion for teaching.
• Benefits of being part of a music school, such as administrative support and marketing.
• Clinton describes his thorough hiring process.
• How his studio uses a Benchmark Program, similar to karate belts, to gauge student progress across various categories like technique, memorized pieces, and sight-reading.
• The logistics of scheduling and studio management of a multi teacher music studio.
• Clinton shares about the process for new student enrollment and trial lessons.
• Some community-building efforts in a multi teacher music studio.
• His recommendations and advice for teachers who wants to start a multi-teacher studio model.
• His upcoming plans or events, including an upcoming concert, completion of a master teaching artist certification for the American Eurythmics Society, and a no-practice-required group class.

Guest Links Mentioned

• Clinton Pratt's Website
• The Piano Sensei Way Podcast
• Piano Sensei Instagram: @pianosensei

Today’s Guest

Clinton Pratt has played piano for over 40 years and has been teaching piano for over 22 years. He owns a multi-teacher piano studio in Cincinnati Ohio, is Past President of the Ohio Music Teachers Association Southwest District and is a member of the College of Examiners for the Royal Conservatory of Music based in Toronto, Canada. Clinton has a Masters degree in Piano, is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, and holds a Teaching Certification through the American Eurhythmics Society. He is also the President of the Greater Cincinnati Eurhythmics Society, has been published in American Music Teacher, and was on the Editorial Committee for that journal from 2017-2021. In addition to teaching and adjudicating, he has given over 50 workshops at local, state, and national conferences on various topics concerning piano teaching and running a successful music teaching business. Clinton recently started a podcast to help teachers run a successful piano studio, The Piano Sensei (Sensay) Way. Somehow, he finds extra time to compose pieces for these students, which are now available to teachers across the world!

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

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