052: Building a Multi-Teacher Studio Business with Katie Crist

Expanding from a solo teacher to a multi-teacher studio is a big leap, and Katie Crist knows exactly what it takes to make it work. In this episode, Katie shares how she grew The Music Box from a one-teacher operation to a thriving music school with 25 instructors before successfully selling the business. She dives into the challenges of hiring, financial planning, managing niche instruments, and shifting from teaching to full-time business ownership. Whether you’re looking to scale your studio or plan for an eventual exit, Katie’s insights on leadership, delegation, and sustainable growth will set you on the right path.

• Katie shared how she built The Music Box, growing it to 25 teachers before selling it.
• The importance of choosing a teaching space based on cost, lease flexibility, and parking.
• She highlighted that hiring teachers lowers income at first but adds stability and admin support.
• Why tuition must cover rent, utilities, supplies, and marketing.
• She advised hiring an accountant, bookkeeper, and employment attorney for financial stability.
• Discussion about overhead costs, including events, software, and payment processing fees.
• How academy teachers gain admin support, professional development, and recital opportunities.
• Why offering multiple instruments prevents reliance on one specialty and improves staffing flexibility.
• The challenges of hiring niche instrument teachers, stressing the importance of balancing demand, marketing visibility, and community engagement.
• She recommended outsourcing bookkeeping and taxes to focus on growth.
• Her shift from teaching to business and the need for marketing, HR, and legal skills.
• Katie revealed that she stopped teaching four years before selling to focus on systems and growth.
• Book recommendation: The E-Myth Revisited to understand the shift to business ownership.

Links Mentioned

• Katie's Facebook Page
• Book: The E-myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

Today's Guest

Meet Katie Crist: an entrepreneur, performer, and business coach with a talent for creating systems that work and businesses that thrive. Katie’s journey began in classical ballet, training with the Royal Academy of Dance and Patrick Frantz of the Paris Opera Ballet, before transitioning to a successful music career. As a background vocalist for Jessica Simpson, she performed at legendary venues like Madison Square Garden and appeared on shows such as The Late Show with David Letterman and Dancing with the Stars. For over a decade, her voice brought Barbie commercials to life as she recorded jingles for Mattel.

In 2012, Katie founded The Music Box in Lafayette, Louisiana, where she built a vibrant music school that became a hub for aspiring musicians. After more than a decade of growth and innovation, she sold the business to Ensemble Performing Arts and shifted her focus to helping other business owners succeed.

Today, Katie works with music school entrepreneurs around the world, guiding them through growth, simplifying operations, and strengthening their culture. Known for her creative approach and practical advice, Katie brings valuable insights that resonate with audiences in any industry.

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

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