We know how hard it can be to cut through the noise when it comes to studio marketing. That’s why I’m thrilled to bring you this special replay from our sister show, the TopMusic Piano Podcast, hosted by Dr. Rachel Ehring. In this episode, she sits down with Kelly Riordan of Outside the Bachs to unpack a practical, no-fluff 3-step approach to marketing your music studio. From crafting a profitable lesson package to building authentic community relationships, Kelly shares advice that’s grounded in experience and designed to help you grow your studio in sustainable and meaningful ways.

• Kelly shared a brief overview of her studio as the CEO and Co-Founder of Outside the Bachs.
• She shared her 3-step framework for growing a studio.
• Importance of setting a flat monthly tuition to simplify operations and build confidence with clients.
• Organic marketing strategies like school outreach and community connections.
• How authentic relationships with music teachers can lead to more consistent student referrals.
• She shared her experience of building a studio from scratch after relocating
• She highlighted the value of in-person networking.
• The difference between a free trial lesson and a consultation.
• The importance of authentic social media content.

Links Mentioned

• Outside The Bachs Website
• Outside The Bachs YouTube Page
• Kelly Riordan’s TikTok Page
• Kelly Riordan’s Instagram: @kellyriordanmusician
• Facebook Group: Private Music Instructors, Piano Lesson Teachers, and Music Studio Owners

Today’s Guest

Kelly Riordan is the CEO and Co-Founder of Outside the Bachs, LLC – a program designed to give musicians the skills to create their own private music studios and deliver the highest quality instruction to their students. Her work has brought her to the forefront in music business education. In addition to hosting The Outside the Bachs Podcast, Riordan presents regularly at conferences and universities, with recent appearances at The NAMM Show and The Ultimate Music Business Summit, in addition to lectures at the University of Tennessee, Miami University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Kelly Riordan holds a Master of Music (MM) in Performance and Literature from the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music from the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Today’s Sponsor

Opus1 helps music school owners run their schools with ease, confidence, and connection. Created by fellow school owners, our all-in-one platform brings scheduling, billing, communications, and marketing together under one roof. By simplifying admin tasks and improving family engagement, Opus1 empowers music school owners to grow an average of 40% in just 18 months. Join a growing community of schools building stronger businesses — and stronger music programs — with Opus1.

Book a Demo of Opus1 here.

Thank you for tuning in!

Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.

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