Hi Reader, We like to periodically check in with former Studio Launch Grant applicants to see how things are going. Now that the school year is getting underway, I imagine you may be feeling a mix of things about your studio. Maybe you’re excited about new students, fresh routines, and getting back into a rhythm. Or maybe you’re already feeling the pressure of scheduling, policies, finances, marketing, or all the little things that need attention at once. For a lot of teachers, this time of...
19 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, There are 3 days left to apply for the Studio Launch Grant Competition (deadline June 15th). If you’ve been meaning to apply, now is the time! The grand prize includes: $1,000 cash prize 💵 $500 Alamo Music gift card $100 Alfred Music gift card Tax prep help from MSS x Charles Harris, CPA Enrollment in MSS Business Building 101 6-month enrollment in the MSS Hub (Executive Level) 1-year subscription to MakeMusic Studio (formerly known as Fons) Free account for life from Muzie.live...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Do you ever feel like taxes are a random game that you either “win” or “lose” based on whether or not you get a refund? In reality, getting or not getting a refund tells us very little about our financial health. Your tax return, however, can hold a lot of useful insights. That’s what we’ll look at in the Tax Insights Workshop happening next Thursday, May 7 at 10am Central. In this workshop, we’ll use our tax returns to do a quick financial check-up and set smart money goals for 2026....
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, If you’re a music teacher, there’s a good chance your taxes are… interesting. Income from private lessons, gigs, and maybe a 1099 or two. Then come the expenses - are they personal, business, or both? Suddenly your tax situation is what we call “complicated.” Don’t worry. Help is here. Music Studio Startup’s resident tax nerd, Charles Harris, CPA, is here to help. Charles specializes in working with music teachers and studio owners, so you don’t have to translate your work into...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Join our Tidy Books - Smart Bookkeeping for Music Teachers Webinar happening this Thursday, July 17th at 10am Central! Presented by: Charles Harris, CPA Now that you have survived tax season, let's clean up your books so next year will be easier. Join the workshop for an introduction for smart bookkeeping for your studio. Register now at https://www.musicstudiostartup.com/tidybooks/ Music Studio StartupUnsubscribe · Preferences
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Join our Tidy Books - Smart Bookkeeping for Music Teachers Workshop happening this Thursday, July 17th at 10am Central! Presented by: Charles Harris, CPA Register for Tidy Books Webinar If your method for bookkeeping has been “whatever my bank account says,” and you’re ready to get a clearer picture of your finances (and less stress at tax time), this workshop is for you. In this webinar, we’ll cover: Why tidy books are essential (even if your studio is small) Why relying on your bank balance...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
If you've ever Googled “do I need an LLC for my studio?” and closed your laptop five minutes later… you're not alone. Setting up the business side of your studio can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Business Building 101 walks you through the key decisions to make your business legit—like choosing a legal structure, separating your finances, and understanding your tax responsibilities. And yes—sometimes it's worth calling in a professional. We’ll help you understand when it makes...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
You didn’t choose music teaching because you love thinking about policies, tax forms, or profit margins. But if you want a music studio that supports your life—not just drains your energy—it has to also work as a business. That’s where Business Building 101 comes in. This 12-module course walks you through the foundational steps of building a strong, sustainable studio—from setting up an LLC to creating a budget that actually works. And this time, you don’t have to go it alone. When you join...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
view this email Business Building 101 — summer cohort forming now! If you're ready to start or revamp your studio with a solid business foundation, this course was made for you. We’re forming a new cohort now, kicking things off on June 2. In Business Building 101, we’ll tackle the essential questions every music studio owner faces, like: 🎯 How do I set my rates with confidence? 📋 How do I create (and enforce) studio policies that stop makeup lesson chaos? 📆 How do I protect my income during...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read