086: What Happens When You Double Your Rates with Eric Branner

Eric Branner’s story bridges music, entrepreneurship, and education with lessons every teacher can learn from. As a guitarist, founder of Fons, and now host of The Four 40 podcast, Eric shares how doubling his rates transformed his studio, why professionalism matters, and how mindset shapes success. In this episode, he encourages teachers to embrace curiosity, charge their worth, and create thriving communities that honor the value of music teaching.

1. Eric shared his journey as a third-generation music teacher, guitarist, and entrepreneur.
2. How his first guitar teacher created a joyful learning atmosphere in a car battery warehouse.
3. Why teachers should embrace optimism and the privilege of introducing students to music.
4. He explained how teaching skills prepared him to found and run a successful tech company.
5. The value of music lessons in shaping problem-solving skills for careers beyond the arts.
6. Eric highlighted how group classes create community and enrich the student experience.
7. Why charging fair rates elevates both a teacher’s livelihood and professional respect.
8. He shared his own story of doubling his rates, which increased demand rather than decreasing it.
9. Eric emphasized that charging more allows teachers to also give freely to those in need.
10. How founding Fons automated payments, streamlined billing, and removed awkward money conversations.
11. The importance of treating teaching as a respected profession with clear systems.
12. Why building community, equity, and professionalism strengthens studios long-term.
13. He shared insights from his new podcast, The Fourforty (440).
14. He emphasized that developing as an expressive human gives artists an advantage in any career, even in the age of AI.

Links Mentioned

1. Fons.com
2. Fons Family Facebook Group
3. Eric's Instagram page: @ebranner
4. Eric's Podcast: The Fourforty (440) with Eric Branner

Today's Guest

Eric Branner is a third-generation music teacher, classical guitarist, and entrepreneur. He founded the studio management platform Fons and now serves as Vice President of Business Development at Peaksware. His career bridges performing, teaching, and building technology, and he is known for practical workshops, inspiring talks, and a deep commitment to helping educators build thriving careers. Passionate about blending great teaching with smart business practices, Eric empowers musicians to earn more, streamline their businesses, and expand their impact.

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.

1. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
2. Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
3. Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
4. Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

Thank you for tuning in!

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