About the Presenters:
Wendy StevensComposer, Piano Teacher, Owner of www.ComposeCreate.com
Wendy Stevens, NCTM is a composer, piano teacher, clinician, and blogger. She writes a regular business column “Making Money, Making Space” for Clavier Companion and has presented about “Stress-free Business Practices” at the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, SMU Institute for Piano Teachers, National Federated Music Clubs Conference, and more.
Wendy holds a Master of Music degree in composition and theory and enjoys writing and presenting on business issues, teaching composition, creativity, and piano teaching topics. She is a nationally certified teacher of music and a member of ASCAP. This ComposeCreate blog for piano teachers is her creation. Her pedagogical compositions are published by Hal Leonard, Willis, and www.ComposeCreate.com.
Richard C. StevensAttorney at law
Richard C. Stevens is an attorney and partner at Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace, and Bauer, LLP. His practice emphasizes business and transactional law for a variety of industries, including computer software and hardware, small business, and commercial real estate. Richard attended Wichita State University, graduating in 2000 with a major in management information systems and a minor in accounting. For more than five years, he worked in the information technology field.
While in law school, Richard earned a Certificate in Business and Transactional Law, which focused on linking a client’s financial and business needs to effective legal planning. Richard’s education and experience in business and technology provide him with a distinctly valuable perspective on advising business people. Understanding and speaking the language of technology also helps Richard clarify complex transactions for his clients.
I’ve followed your policies on makeups and tuition for many years, having come up with them on my own In consultation with my tax accountant and in trying to be fair to myself as an employee. I’m so happy that you have them all in one place and are giving a video conference for anyone who learns better that way.
I wish I had made all these changes when I was 23 instead of waiting until I was 50-something. I lacked the courage then, but I sure don’t lack it now and your advice helps immensely.
If all the piano teachers in my area followed similar policies, none of us would have to face down the parents who insist that other teachers aren’t so draconian as to refuse makeups,thereby trying to manipulate us into flexing just for them.
I used to have my income vary by 30-50% in some months, depending on other peoples ‘ schedules. Now, I know pretty much exactly how much I’m going to make each year and can plan easily. This year I grossed as much as my husband, who has a good job in the telecom field! And my schedule is full to bursting.
Thanks so much, Megan
Wendy,
I am new to your work. I just signed up for your Best Stress Free Business Practices Lecture and I am really excited about it!
Best,
Dave
Hi Dave,
Thanks so much for signing up! Since you are new, I wanted to tell you that if you want to share any details of your studio (what ages you might teach, what your challenges are, etc.), I’d love to hear about them. It’s always good to know more about the teachers that will be there so that I can make sure the information connects with your needs as much as possible.
Thanks for signing up!
Wendy
Sure thing Wendy! I begin students at age 5. I have a well rounded student base consisting of children, teens, adults, seniors etc. My favorite thing to do is prepare students for college auditions and competitions. Thus far, I have been working for a couple music schools, but now I am beginning to strike out on my own. I only have 1 student so far because I have not been advertising much. Effective marketing would be my #1 challenge. However, I understand that may be outside the scope of this lecture. I signed up for your lecture because I want to be prepared for the business end of things ahead of time when my studio gets bigger. I want to have strong policies and have the know how to enforce them without parents getting put off. Last, I want to learn how to make a good living doing what I love!
Best,
Dave
Hi Wendy i just found out your workshop. Is it too late to get the coupon to register? Thanks!
Hi Kelly,
It’s definitely not too late to register because we are now selling the recordings. Just go to this page: https://composecreate.com/online-workshops/ and you can see the current price and workshops available. There is no coupon available at this time. Let me know if you have other questions!
Wendy