This year we welcomed two brand new families into our studio.
So now we’ve looped through my onboarding process two more times. I’ll share each step below.
Keep in mind I work in a large Suzuki school with a registrar and many other teachers. By the time I talk with families they’ve already had many questions answered by our registrar.
Once assigned to me we move forward with scheduling and parent education.
Step 1: Scheduling, First Call
Once we’re introduced I send our studio lesson schedule. They select a few good times for lessons.
I’ll also use that email to schedule a 20/30 minute phone call.
I’m a big fan of BAMFAM (Book a meeting from a meeting). Usually they’ll also reserve a lesson time on their own between our first email and first call.
Step 2: Call
During our phone call I ask or discuss the following…
1. Why are you starting lessons now?
2. Why Suzuki? What do you know about it?
3. My history and training
I started at 4 with my mom. My parents are not music professionals. Neither play a string instrument. Decided I wanted to be a teacher early in high school. Bachelor’s degree in performance. Master’s degree in performance and Suzuki pedagogy. I’m all in on teaching– this is my only job– and continue to do teacher training. When you come into the studio I commit to your family from now until 18. You can move or step away, of course, but I am committing all my effort to help you succeed for at least the next decade.
4. Set studio expectations
I want to teach everyone but I am limited by time. I ask for THE four things that guarantee learning from every member of our studio. Come to lesson. Come to group. Listen every day. Practice every day. The child needs the full support of the parent (or primary caregiver).
5. Process for getting started.
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