blog
..... teaching .....

 


Fellow Professionals
who have studied
Marketing For Freelance Teachers:

Alex Kelly D.M.A.
(teacher/cellist/recording artist/composer/author)

"Music schools never taught me the business side of
teaching music, and Michael is a real marketing professional.
He has helped my ads tremendously, both on-line (Craigslist)
and in print, taking them through quite a transformation.
Now I’m actually getting a response to my ads!
He has also helped me evaluate my professional goals
and take the necessary steps for these goals
to become realized. I would recommend that any
serious teacher study with Michael to learn how to
enhance their own advertising and teaching strategies."

Michael Beach
    (teacher/multi-instrumentalist/
recording artist/composer)

"Michael helped me improve my music teaching,
and even in a short time I have adopted many of his ideas.  
I've never had a better teacher...
"

Van Jackson-Weaver
(teacher/bandleader/composer)

As a music teacher, Michael Smolens has been
an invaluable source of advice and ideas.
His methods emphasize a crucial point
that many teachers forget: the student’s relationship
with playing music. Since I began consulting with Michael
on teaching, my students have spent less time
learning how to read notes, and more time playing
and learning to love their instrument! This is a path
that will imbue them with a lifelong passion for music,
which is the only common attribute
that all great musicians share.

Ariane Cap
(bass teacher/clinician, touring and recording artist)

"Michael helped me get clear on my goals as
they pertain to my different music related businesses— performing, teaching, and composing.
Very shortly thereafter I was already
able to make these goals reality!
Through Michael's straightforward questions and
expert eye for neglected details, he enabled me to
see where I wanted to go and what I needed to do.
Michael was also very helpful in improving the wording
of my contracts, marketing materials, and biographies.
The sessions are up-beat and fun and
he shares his experience generously.
Michael also presents a great music teaching
business model through his own example.
"

Robert Schnitzus
(pianist/teacher/composer/recording artist)

"Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed our session last Fall and that shortly afterwards, I manifested two new piano students ! Thanks again.
"

Harry Likas
(veteran teacher/pianist)
"Sage advice, Michael ! Thank you for all of those ideas."

Christian Canalita
(pro drummer/teacher)
“As a drummer/sideman for multiple projects,
I never had to deal with the business side of music.
This responsibility was always handled by the bandleader.
As I make my journey towards becoming
a full-time musician/drum instructor,
Michael has equipped me with the communication skills
necessary to make wise decisions in a business
where communication is just as important as
a musician’s technical skills. Michael has also increased
my awareness on how important listening is
to a student’s growth. With this awareness,
I’m confident I can provide a creative and enriching
teaching environment thanks to his guidance.
I'm up to 45 students right now!”

Ariel Litski
(veteran piano teacher)
"Michael Smolens is a master teacher
who works deeply on many levels.
Over the last 25 years, he has been
a rock solid, grounded and compassionate
facilitator in helping me to transform
my relationship to my teaching and my art."

Ronald Llenado
(teacher/multi-instrumentalist/songwriter
owner of Under the Sun Studios )

"Although I am a multi-instrumentalist, I have been
restricted to being a private guitar instructor at
a music store for many years. Recently, I have embarked
on my own journey to open my own music school and
sought out a teacher to not only hone my own skills
but to help me learn the skills necessary to teach
all of the instruments with which I am familiar.
The teacher I found is Michael Smolens.
In the past months, I've learned
more about the art of teaching
than I have in my numerous years
of experience in the field.
Being a multi-instrumentalist himself, Michael
is very familiar with the mindset of someone like
myself. He has provided me with confidence, tools,
and new skills to teach new students of all levels in
all of my instruments."

Heather Morris
(veteran piano teacher/composer)

"Thank you so much for helping me focus which direction
I wanted my expanding studio to take.
You helped me to see my job as a true profession:
setting long-term goals, boundaries, and devising
marketing strategies that really work!"

 

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