Email from Music Teachers National Association

July 2026 • Volume 5, Issue 4

Welcome

You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.

—Unknown

With this issue, the MTNA Business Digest completes its fifth year! MTNA staff and countless volunteers have contributed to making this publication a reality, beginning with the first coordinator, Beth Gigante Klingenstein, NCTM. The MTNA Business Network, an advisory team, helps plan and write articles. Many thanks to the current team of Heather, Deborah, Jennifer, Andrea, and Kristin.

In the past five years, the MTNA Business Digest has published 140 new articles covering all aspects of the business of music teaching. Previous Digest issues are archived on the MTNA webpage.

I deeply appreciate every volunteer who makes each issue happen.

In gratitude,

—Karen Thickstun, NCTM

MTNA Business Resources Coordinator

In the Spotlight

Five Essential Business Questions to Never Stop Asking

By Karen Thickstun, NCTM, and the MTNA Business Network

Just when you think you’ve got your studio business all set up . . . something happens. Some changes we can plan for; others surprise us. Continue preparing for the best but never stop asking these five key questions.

Read the five questions.

Meet the Entrepreneur

Leila Viss

This issue’s featured entrepreneur is Leila Viss. Many know her as an independent teacher with endless creative ideas, which she shares through online courses, workshops, her newsletter, and conference sessions.

Read and watch more about her entrepreneurial journey.

Studio Resources

From Solo to Social: A Smart Retention Strategy for Today’s Music Studio

By Marie Lee

Increasingly, retention is less about what happens during the lesson and more about how students feel about being part of your studio. Simple group experiences can increase connection, strengthen engagement, and keep students enrolled longer.

Marketing Resources

Is Your Studio Website Searchable? SEO Tips for Music Teachers in the Age of AI

By Sara Campbell

As more families turn to AI tools and Google Maps to find piano teachers, having a website is no longer enough—it needs to be discoverable. Learn four simple SEO updates that can help search engines and AI understand your studio and connect you with prospective students.

Life–Work Balance

Sustainable Volunteering for

Music Teachers

By Jaclyn Mrozek

Let’s talk about volunteering as a teacher. And before you roll your eyes or start feeling guilty or think I can’t do this . . . don’t worry, this is not a guilt trip, I promise. I’ve been on both sides—seasons where I couldn’t give a thing, and seasons where I’ve said yes to way more than I should have. And honestly, both have taught me something incredibly important.

Coordinator’s Note: Volunteering doesn’t just benefit the organization you are supporting; it benefits you, in more ways than you might realize. Read more in this 2023 AMT column, “The Value of Volunteering.”

Looking for a Good Read?

The Savvy Musician 2.0 by David Cutler

By Kristin Yost

David Cutler’s The Savvy Musician 2.0 is one of the most valuable resources available to aspiring musical artists today. With clarity and candor, Cutler outlines what truly matters, unpacking industry standards using real-world examples and showing exactly what it takes to share your work while building a fulfilling artistic life.

Then & Now

Reflections on MTNA’s 150-Year Legacy

In 1876, Theodore Presser and 62 colleagues from nine states met in Delaware, Ohio, for the first MTNA convention. In his welcome address, Dr. George F. Root stated, “And whatever be the outcome of this meeting, we all feel that Mr. Presser . . . deserves great credit for what he has done to bring it about; and should it be a success, and lead to similar conventions in other States, we shall remember that he bore the cares and labors of making the beginning.

“It now remains for us to honor our welcome by making our meetings useful. This we can only do by approaching the different topics that will be brought before us with open minds, each more determined to find the truth than to find himself right.”

In 2026, 1,787 colleagues from 49 states and nine countries gathered at the MTNA National Conference in Chicago, Illinois, to celebrate MTNA’s 150th anniversary.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

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. Explore the Digest Archives here.

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

You are receiving the MTNA Business Digest as an MTNA member benefit.

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