119: If You Hate Invoicing, Listen to This

If there’s one part of running a studio that many teachers dread, it’s invoicing and payment collection. Today, I'm sharing some of the systems I’m putting in place this summer to make life easier, from SOPs and policy communication to automated billing and scheduling. My goal is simple: create systems that help future me spend less time on admin and more time focusing on students and teaching.

• Rachel encouraged teachers to identify one business task causing the most stress in their studio.
• She shared why systems do not come naturally to her but still make a huge difference.
• Rachel explained how creating SOPs can save time and reduce mental load.
• She described organizing recurring studio tasks into a central reference document.
• The importance of making life easier for your future self.
• She shared plans to create a video explaining tuition and makeup lesson policies.
• Why clear communication can reduce confusion and repetitive parent questions.
• The value of using studio management software for billing and scheduling.
• How automated payments help prevent missed invoices and lost income.
• She encouraged teachers to invest in systems that create a more sustainable business.

Links Mentioned

• YouTube Video: Should your music teacher give makeup lessons?
• Join the Spotlight Session with David Cutler here
• Find out more about TopMusic Local Music Teacher Meetup with Rachel Ehring
• Find out more about the 12-Week Studio Transformation (12WST) here.
• Find out more about Fons here

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 RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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. TopMusicPro 14-Day Free Trial Heard 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