The Power of Learning from Other Industries
We often share marketing strategies with fellow music school owners, which is great. But when you step outside the music education bubble, you can discover powerful strategies from other fields that can elevate your business.
I’ve personally experienced this. Years ago, my accountant hosted a mastermind group with business owners from various industries. The group included everyone from hair salon owners to industrial manufacturers. Though our industries were different, the challenges—like managing people, marketing, and growth—were strikingly similar. I learned so much from these entrepreneurs and realized that, at their core, businesses share many of the same mechanics.
Similar Foundations, Different Approaches
The engine that drives every business has similar moving parts. Sure, the products may differ, but the underlying principles often overlap. By stepping outside the music education space, you can gain fresh insights on how other industries manage these elements. It’s natural to look at another music school and wonder how they grew, but what if you could incorporate unique strategies from a completely different sector?
A Dance Conference That Changed My Perspective
Years ago, a friend invited me to a dance conference, urging me to hear a speaker. At first, I was skeptical—what could a dance studio teach me as a music school owner? But I trusted my friend and went. The speaker talked about introducing hip-hop classes in dance studios, explaining that while most studios focus on ballet, jazz, and tap, hip-hop offers a low barrier to entry. Any kid could try it and feel successful, with some going on to pursue other forms of dance.
This sparked an idea for my own school. I thought, How can I create a low barrier to entry for young music students? That’s when I developed my group program, Kidzrock, for ages 4-7. Just like the hip-hop class, it’s fun, easy to start, and helps kids feel successful from day one.
The Value of a Positive First Experience
We’ve all heard parents say they regret quitting music lessons. Often, they quit because they didn’t enjoy them. But what if their first experience had been more positive? Maybe they’d quit, but they might have come back to it later in life. That’s why creating enjoyable, low-pressure entry points in your school can be so impactful.
Introducing Today’s Guest: Misty Lown
Speaking of dance, I’m excited to introduce today’s guest, Misty Lown. Misty is a superstar in the dance world and the founder of More Than Just Great Dancing, a licensed dance studio program that reaches over 100,000 students weekly. She owns Misty’s Dance Unlimited in Wisconsin and has run the studio for 27 years. Currently, Misty is the president of Ensemble Music Schools, where we both work, and she’s been named Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year by the YMCA. Misty, welcome to the show!
