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.

1. Jess shared how she rebuilt her piano studio multiple times after moving across the U.S.
2. How burnout from teaching 60 private students led her to explore group lessons.
3. The early challenges of group teaching and how flexibility and patience helped her adapt.
4. How becoming a beginner again as a teacher was key to her success in group instruction.
5. Her group formats, including multi-level classes with headphones and guided rotation models.
6. How teaching in groups helped students develop problem-solving skills and self-directed learning.
7. Jess discussed the financial and time-saving benefits of group lessons for teachers.
8. How she cut her teaching hours by half while doubling her income and improving work-life balance.
9. She highlighted how group lessons made piano lessons more affordable and accessible for families.
10. The costs and setup challenges of transitioning to groups, including sourcing quality keyboards.
11. She advised teachers to keep lesson plans simple to allow space for flexibility and connection.
12. Why students in groups learn effective practice habits and become more confident players.
13. She explained how community and peer interaction improve retention and motivation.
14. Jess emphasized that marketing and communication are vital when introducing group lessons to parents.

Links Mentioned

1. Jess's website:Not Your Mother's Piano Studio
2. Jess's Instagram page:@notyourmotherspianostudio
3. Related Episode:TopCast 350: Simplify and Streamline with Jess Homewood from Not Your Mother’s Piano Studio

Today'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 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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