S4E44: Kelly Riordan on Building a Thriving Music Studio

Honesty Pill Podcast Episode 44: Kelly Riordan - Outside the Bachs

Show Notes

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Chris dives deep into the world of private music studios with Kelly Riordan, a powerhouse in music education, hybrid teaching, and marketing. Kelly shares her journey from building her own thriving private studio to helping over 3,000 teachers and students grow their music careers worldwide.

This conversation explores everything from setting rates, avoiding burnout, and managing student anxiety, to leveraging marketing strategies for long-term success. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

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Key Sections

1. Building a Thriving Studio

   • Transitioning from a traditional "dollars-for-hours" model to flat-rate tuition.
   • Managing a teaching schedule to avoid burnout.
   • Understanding the importance of identifying and working with aligned students.

2. Mastering Hybrid Teaching & Marketing

   • Strategies for breaking out of local teaching into online, hybrid models.
   • Effective, non-salesy ways to promote your studio using social media and local outreach.
   • The importance of creating a balance between relatability and professionalism.

3. Supporting Musicians Worldwide

   • How Kelly helps music educators build sustainable studios.
   • Using tools like the "nice file" for self-confidence and imposter syndrome.
   • Offering scholarships while maintaining a thriving business.

4. Mindset Shifts for Success

   • Reframing performance anxiety as an opportunity for growth.
   • Understanding the "portfolio career" as a way to create fulfilling, multifaceted music careers.
   • Using self-belief and intentional thought patterns to shape your success.

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Memorable Quotes

• “Sales isn’t a dirty word—it’s about showing up authentically and serving others.”
• “If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect others to believe in you?”
• “Letting go of students who aren’t the right fit isn’t rejection; it’s leading them toward better opportunities.”
• “Raise your rates to lead with service—you can’t help others if you’re barely making ends meet.”

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Key Takeaways

• Marketing Strategies: Start locally by building relationships with schools, community groups, and local music organizations. Use social media as a long-term strategy to showcase your teaching style and build credibility.
• Mindset for Growth: Don’t let fear of pricing or imposter syndrome hold you back. Confidence in your value leads to stronger connections with aligned students.
• Studio Organization: Avoid burnout by streamlining admin tasks with software, creating structured tuition models, and focusing on your ideal student.
• The Power of Testimonials: Ask students and parents for testimonials after big wins and use them to attract more students.

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Links & Resources

• Kelly Riordan’s Website: Outside the Bachs
• Join the Facebook Group: A supportive space for music teachers to share insights and advice.
• Free Strategy Call: Request Here
• Subscribe to Inbachs: Kelly’s free weekly newsletter for actionable tips and mindset shifts.

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Call to Action

If these topics resonate with you, subscribe to the Honesty Pill YouTube channel, and share this episode with your fellow musicians. Let’s keep the conversation going—drop your thoughts or questions in the comments or on social media!