We come across performing arts school billing in different ways, and oftentimes we see intense debates on social media, conferences or casual conversations, about which billing model is best.With multiple options available, from term billing (every few months) to monthly billing (flat or per lessons), it can be overwhelming for schools to decide which model to implement. It is also not easy at all to experiment and “try" different models.
Through years of experience running a large music school myself (1400 students, multi-million $ in yearly revenue, and growing, as of 10/2023), discussions with hundreds of music schools over the years who we’ve helped migrate from various software to opus1.io, and seeing among our own customers which schools operate efficiently, grow and scale, and which ones don’t; I’ve come to the conclusion that Monthly billing is much superior to alternatives.
Music schools often grapple with intricate scheduling issues, particularly when students request cancellations or make-up lessons. This creates a significant administrative burden, leading business owners to spend an excessive amount of time managing these rescheduling demands. This time-consuming task can divert their attention away from strategic initiatives needed to grow the business.
Cancellations and make-up lessons can disrupt revenue streams for music schools, requiring business owners to invest time in managing instructor compensation and filling vacant lesson slots. This time-consuming process not only impacts the bottom line but also detracts from the owner’s ability to focus on critical growth strategies.Instructor Availability:Accommodating numerous make-up lessons poses a challenge for instructors and the business owner, who must invest time in managing schedules and availability. This diversion of time and energy can hinder the owner’s ability to concentrate on expanding the school’s reach and enhancing its services.
Consistency in music education is crucial, but disruptions caused by frequent cancellations and make-up lessons require business owners to invest time in maintaining curriculum continuity. This additional administrative workload can detract from the owner’s capacity to drive the school’s growth and development.
Effective communication is essential to managing cancellations and make-up lessons, as misunderstandings can lead to dissatisfaction. Business owners often spend a substantial amount of time addressing these communication challenges, further diverting their attention from strategic efforts to grow the business.In summary, music school management challenges not only affect day-to-day operations but also have a direct impact on the owner’s ability to focus on business growth. Implementing time-saving tools and strategies to address these issues can help business owners free up valuable time to concentrate on expanding their schools and improving their services.