July 2025 • Volume 4, Issue 4

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Welcome

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”

—Albert Einstein

In the previous issue, I quoted Maya Angelou, “Every great journey starts with a single step.” In this issue, I encourage you to consider what precedes that single step: imagination.

Imagine what your dream studio looks like. Then get started with the essential step of studio budgeting to realize your dream.

Imagine a life of travel without giving up teaching. Take a peek inside Anna Fagan’s RV online studio.

Imagine moving to a new city for your dream job. Check out tips for creating a professional network in a new city and engaging your current network.

Imagine working more productively with the 80/20 approach.

Imagine optimally organizing your music.

Wishing you a relaxing summer with time to dream and imagine.

Karen Thickstun, NCTM

MTNA Business Resources Coordinator

In the Spotlight

How to Create a Studio Budget

Heather Smith, NCTM

Running a private studio is both an art and a business. While most teachers spend years refining their pedagogy, far fewer devote time to building a financial structure that supports their work. A clear financial plan provides direction, stability, and the confidence to grow your studio with intention. Read more.

Meet the Entrepreneur

Anna Fagan

This issue’s featured entrepreneur is independent teacher Anna Fagan. Anna set out on a life of adventure four years ago, traveling the country in a motorhome while maintaining a thriving piano studio online. She shares a peek into her online studio and 300-square-foot home. Watch video. Read transcript.

Life-Work Balance

Organizing Music 101

Deborah H. How

As a follow-up to Show Us Your Shelves!, Deborah H. How collected ideas from music teachers for organizing music on their shelves. Watch video.

Top Five

Top 5 Ways to Engage Your Network

Tim Stephenson

Networking, networking, networking: it’s an essential tool for professionals in any industry. But where should you start and how do you know if you’re doing it well? Read more.

Legal Landscape

Avoiding Common Scams

Ryan Greene

When it comes to falling victim to scams, the best defense is education to identify and avoid them. Read more for useful tools to better identify scams and protect yourself. 

Resource Gems

Building Your Network in a New City

Tim Stephenson

Moving to a new town or city can be daunting, but building a new network doesn’t have to be! Read more for a few quick resources to get started in a new place.

Looking for a Good Read?

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch

Davis Dorrough, NCTM

Richard Koch’s The 80/20 Principle offers a powerful framework for achieving more by doing less—a true “work smarter, not harder” approach. Read more for insights in how choosing the right small efforts can lead to big results.

Ask Us Anything!

MTNA Business Network

Welcome to this new segment, designed to meet your needs! This issue’s question comes from an independent teacher with a home studio in Florida.

Question: “As I work on expanding my studio’s internet presence (Google Business/website), I am uncomfortable sharing my personal phone number. How can I maintain my privacy but also be responsive to parents who don’t want to use email?” Read more.

Heads Up

Would you like to contribute to a future MTNA Business Digest? Contact Karen Thickstun at mtnanet@mtna.org with any ideas or questions you may have. We’d love to hear from you! Guidelines for submission

We invite you to share the MTNA Business Digest as a resource for the readers of your local or state newsletter, blog, website, webpage or on social media. Digest Archives can be found on the MTNA website.

MTNA offers its sincere thanks to all those who contributed their insights, knowledge and experience in this issue of the MTNA Business Digest.  

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