Business strategy
for Music Teachers
Ready to up-level

You’re a great teacher. Now it’s time for your business to operate at the same level.

Most music teachers seek business advice because something feels off with time or money (or both). And the advice they’re given usually falls into one of two buckets:

  • Copy my exact model / follow this formula!
  • Scale. Build courses. Chase passive income.

But businesses are built on different goals, personalities, markets, and capacities. What works for one teacher may be completely wrong for another. There is no one-size-fits-all magic solution.

What we do here is tailored, high-level business strategy.

Types of Clients I Work With...

Studio Coaching

Independent Studio Owners

You’re running a private studio and you’re tired of it running on duct-tape and good intentions.

You want things like: better-fit students, cleaner systems, stronger policies, better marketing, more time off outside of work, help raising rates ’cause that shiz is scary… etc. 

We’ll work together to refine what you’ve built and make your business work better for you. 

Online Influencer

Course Creators & Membership Owners

Courses and memberships aren’t passive income, no matter what you’ve been told. (It’s more like build it, market it, tweak it, and talk about it until you dream in Instagram captions…)

Maybe you’re still in idea mode. Maybe you’re halfway through a launch that’s eaten your whole life. Either way, you know that it’s time to build something that fits your goals AND your bandwidth instead of constantly outpacing them.

Next Level Creator

Music Organizations & "Influencers"

You’ve built something substantial: a program, a school, a community, or a brand that serves other professionals.

It’s working. Now you want it cleaner, stronger, and more scalable without losing what made it matter in the first place.

That might mean tightening systems, steadying your leadership, or sharpening your message. We line up your next move with where you’re trying to go.

what working together looks like

You Bring the Challenge

Whether it’s pricing, positioning, systems, or growth strategy. We work together to cut through the noise and identify exactly where your structure needs refinement.

Uncover the Cause(s)

Problems usually have underlying causes — like outdated habits, unclear boundaries, decision fatigue, or systems that no longer fit. We’ll work together to identify the root, not the symptom.

 

Build a Plan That Works for You

We’ll map out your next steps with a clear plan designed to fit your goals, your personality, and your bandwidth. You’ll walk away with a straightforward, actionable plan that moves you towards your goals.

Let’s start building a plan that works for your 3 B's:

biz, brain, and bandwidth.

Words from Happy Clients

Lauren Slawianowski
Lauren SlawianowskiPiano and Voice Teacher at Joyful Noise Studio
Sara has been an incredible resource and support for Joyful Noise Studio! From helping refine my studio’s vision to offering guidance on business strategies, she’s been a true partner in helping my studio thrive. Her expertise and thoughtful advice have made such a positive impact, not just on my website but on the way I run and grow my studio overall.

Her understanding of the music education world is unmatched, and she brings so much heart and professionalism to everything she does. If you’re a music educator looking for someone who truly gets what you do and can help you elevate your studio, I highly recommend Sara.

Meredith Colby
Meredith ColbyVoice Teacher at Neurovocal Method
I committed to 1-on-1 coaching with Sara, and am really happy I made that decision. Sara has helped me understand and navigate the social media landscape, and get my message out in a really positive way.

There are lots of ways to learn about internet marketing, but when a solo-preneur is creating a path for themselves, they need a knowledgeable person in their corner to help draw the map. Sara is that person for music business owners.
Laura Budgel
Laura Budgel Piano Teacher at Laura's Piano Lessons
I have worked with Sara in 1:1 coaching, Branding Bootcamp and now her website audit. Each time I feel like I'm hanging out with a friend who is genuinely interested in me and my success.

She is very good at meeting people where they are and providing feedback that is relevant and actionable. I always feel like I'm getting more than my monies worth and that she is there to support me every step of the way!

I highly recommended working with Sara and I will continue to work with her in the future!

Why Work With Me?

Because I specialize in business strategy for music educators… and I show up like your favorite pair of Birkenstocks: supportive, slightly quirky, and weirdly good at helping you go the distance.

Savvy Music Studio - marketing for music studio owners. Sara at a laptop computer

15 years of running my own studio biz — after years working for other studios. I’ve been teaching for over 20 years. I understand the day-to-day realities of this work because I’ve lived them.

10 years coaching music teachers – I’ve supported hundreds of educators through meaningful changes that made their businesses more profitable and sustainable.

Trained in business & marketing strategy – not just within music, but alongside experts outside of our field. I’m a mega-nerd who loves to research and learn.

Not my first rodeo. Or podcast. Or panel. — I’ve been invited to speak and teach by national organizations, music education conferences, and podcasts across the industry. Want the receipts? Read my about page or check out my list of presentations, articles, and podcasts.

I coach from experience with strategies that have been tested in real studios, with real teachers..

How we get started...

Working together starts with a focused deep-dive session. Whether you’re navigating a complex decision, refining your pricing and policies, or ready to move your studio to the next level…

Start Here: The Strategy Session

How this call works:

We’ll dig into your challenge, untangle the messy bits, and map out a clear direction forward so you know what to prioritize.

  • 75-minute Zoom session

  • Pre-call intake form 

  • A tailored strategy and action plan

  • Follow-up notes via email

  • Investment: $250 

Stuff clients come to me with:

For many studio owners, this session becomes the starting point. We’ll clarify the overall strategy, then you’ll go one of two directions: you’ll implement on your own, or you’ll choose to have on-going support in a coaching package.

Coaching Packages for Ongoing Support

how to get found online

Ongoing coaching is available for studio owners who want continued strategy and accountability as they implement. Packages typically run 3–6 months and are customized around what you need.

Clients get access to things like:

  • Customizable templates for all kinds of things.
  • Shared Google Drive where we can pass documents back and forth.
  • Private Slack channel for questions and support between sessions.
  • Monthly or bi-weekly Zoom calls. 
  • Detailed call notes and action plans. 

Monthly coaching retainers run between $300-$500 per month, depending on the level of support you need.

People Talk. Here’s What They’re Saying.

Julie Duda
Julie DudaPiano Teacher & Resource Creator at Julie Duda Music Studio
The results have been a significant increase in my revenue, and a greater respect from my clients for me, not only as a music teacher, but as a business owner.

I now have a studio schedule and policies that will allow me to enjoy my profession as a music teacher in a way that I never have before…and this will be my 34th year of teaching music! Sara is so good at communicating information and fostering a creative and helpful group dynamic. Thank you!
Ashley Denay
Ashley DenayVoice Teacher and Performer
The best upgrade I ever made to my Voice Studio was working with Sara. She really dug into my Policies & Procedures, made sure I focused on my goals and what needs to happen next. She gave me a complete outline to use on myself as a guide for Social Media content.

Sara was one of the best upgrades I ever made to my business to help alleviate STRESS. We worked together during the endof 2020 and going into 2021. I was having a hard time & she showed me compassion. I'm grateful we crossed paths and now I can call her friend. Thank you!
Brandy Woods
Brandy WoodsPiano Teacher at Woods Piano Studio
Sara is an excellent business coach. She met me where I was in my business, helped me clarify my long-term goals, and gave me the push I needed to make overdue changes and decisions.

Every week, her live broadcasts are full of solid advice and tips for piano teachers. She is consistently professional and positive. I can't recommend her enough and look forward to working with her again in the near future.

Book your Strategy Session

ATTN: If you are a fancy Savvy alumni or SECO client, please read below the booking form first!

Are you an alumni client,
or SECO member?

ALUMNI: Just need a quick tune-up? Hit that Book a Session button and we’ll get you squared away.

Know you’ll want more support? Click Let’s Chat Packages and we’ll figure out a coaching plan for ya.

SECO MEMBERS: Stop right there! You can book coaching sessions and packages with me directly through The SpeakEasy Cooperative. Login to the site –> go to Member Dashboard –> and click “Book a Session” in the side menu.

Don’t Just Take My Word for It...

Susan Hanlon
Susan HanlonVoice Teacher at Susan Hanlon Vocal Studio
I would absolutely recommend Sara's group coaching and one-on-one coaching because she gave me tangible steps that I could follow to attain my end goal for my messaging. I have finally begun to clean up my website messaging to get it more in line with my social media messaging!

I have also better defined who my ideal client is and realized it doesn't have to be age or gender or socioeconomics related if there is a through line that passes in all of my ideal clients. Thank you Sara!
Melissa Coombs
Melissa CoombsVoice Teacher at Singing Pebbles Vocal Studio
Sara is an amazing coach! She is bubbly, energetic, and oh so very positive. She tackles tough topics like asking clients for reviews with empathy and positivity. #Bravepant...lol.

I have taken her Branding Bootcamp and am working on her social media course as well. Sara is highly knowledgeable and super skilled at sharing the goodness with her clients.
Pete Martinez
Pete MartinezPiano Teacher at Mtz Music Studios
Sara is knowledgeable, professional and gracious. Her energy is contagious. She helped to clear the fog around a hazy subject and I look forward to continuing our professional relationship.

Sara cares about her work, will care about you, and will be your biggest cheerleader.

IMPORTANT LEGAL STUFF:

WHAT YOU GET WITH ME:
A dedicated business / mindset coach who will give you advice, resources, and help you with the nitty gritty.
Someone who seriously cares about YOUR success as a music studio owner. This is not a “one bit of advice fits all” experience. This is about your specific brand of awesome.
I might give you advice that you might not always want to hear. (I promise that I’ll say it in a super nice way!) Sometimes we have to work through the tough stuff to get to a new phase in our business.


LIMITED LIABILITY:The client (that’s you!) is solely responsible for creating their own physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results arising out of or resulting from the course and interactions with the Coach (that’s me!). The Client agrees that the Coach is not and will not be liable or responsible for any actions or inaction, or for any direct or indirect result of any services provided by the Coach. Coach makes no guarantees, representations or warranties of any kind or nature, express or implied with respect to the coaching services negotiated, agreed upon and rendered. (AKA… I don’t have a crystal ball and I cannot guarantee that you’ll make crazy amounts of monies.) In no event shall the Coach be liable to the Client for any indirect, consequential or special damages.


BUT REALLY… I’m a business / marketing / mindset coach, but I am not a fortune teller, lawyer, accountant, or counselor. Full disclosure: I also cannot play the ukulele. If you require skills of said professionals or are seeking ukulele playing advice, I will help you find the proper resources!


REFUND POLICY:
No refunds are available for individual sessions. Here’s why: I’m 100% dedicated to finding solutions for my coaching clients. Every single session is guaranteed to result in us coming up with solutions for your business and further resources that will help you. It’s up to you to implement mindfully.

You made it to the bottom of the page! Woohoo!

Look at you, scrolling like a champ. 🙌 If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re not just browsing. You’re thinking about making a change.

Here’s the thing: Brave moves don’t require everything to be perfect.
They just need a starting point. Waiting for the “right” moment is a sneaky way of staying stuck.

But you’re here — and that’s something. So… wanna make the next move a bold one?