Fellow Professionals
who have studied
”Marketing For Freelance Teachers”
Alex Kelly D.M.A.
(teacher/cellist/recording artist/
composer/author)
Music schools never taught me the business side of teaching music, and Michael is a real marketing professional. He has helped my ads tremendously, both on-line (Craigslist) and in print, taking them through quite a transformation. Now I’m actually getting a response to my ads! He has also helped me evaluate my professional goals and take the necessary steps for these goals to become realized. I would recommend that any serious teacher study with Michael to learn how to enhance their own advertising and teaching strategies.
Michael Beach
(teacher/multi-instrumentalist/
recording artist/composer)
Michael helped me improve my music teaching, and even in a short time I have adopted many of his ideas. I've never had a better teacher . . .
Van Jackson-Weaver
(teacher/bandleader/composer)
As a music teacher, Michael Smolens has been an invaluable source of advice and ideas. His methods emphasize a crucial point that many teachers forget: the student’s relationship with playing music. Since I began consulting with Michael on teaching, my students have spent less time learning how to read notes, and more time playing and learning to love their instrument! This is a path that will imbue them with a lifelong passion for music, which is the only common attribute that all great musicians share.
Ariane Cap
(bass teacher/clinician,
touring & recording artist)
Michael helped me get clear on my goals as they pertain to my different music related businesses — performing, teaching, and composing. Very shortly thereafter I was already able to make these goals reality! Through Michael's straightforward questions and expert eye for neglected details, he enabled me to see where I wanted to go and what I needed to do. Michael was also very helpful in improving the wording of my contracts, marketing materials, and biographies. The sessions are upbeat and fun and he shares his experience generously. Michael also presents a great music teaching business model through his own example.
Robert Schnitzus
(pianist/teacher/composer/
recording artist)
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed our session last Fall and that shortly afterwards, I manifested two new piano students! Thanks again.
Harry Likas
(veteran teacher/pianist)
Sage advice, Michael! Thank you for all of those ideas.
Christian Canalita
(pro drummer/teacher)
As a drummer/sideman for multiple projects, I never had to deal with the business side of music. This responsibility was always handled by the bandleader. As I make my journey towards becoming a full-time musician/drum instructor, Michael has equipped me with the communication skills necessary to make wise decisions in a business where communication is just as important as a musician’s technical skills. Michael has also increased my awareness on how important listening is to a student’s growth. With this awareness, I’m confident I can provide a creative and enriching teaching environment thanks to his guidance. I'm up to 45 students right now!
Ariel Litski
(veteran piano teacher)
Michael Smolens is a master teacher who works deeply on many levels. Over the last 25 years, he has been a rock-solid, grounded, and compassionate facilitator in helping me to transform my relationship to my teaching and my art.
Ronald Llenado
(teacher/multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/
owner of Under the Sun Studios)
Although I am a multi-instrumentalist, I have been restricted to being a private guitar instructor at a music store for many years. Recently, I have embarked on my own journey to open my own music school and sought out a teacher to not only hone my own skills but to help me learn the skills necessary to teach all of the instruments with which I am familiar. The teacher I found is Michael Smolens. In the past months, I've learned more about the art of teaching than I have in my numerous years of experience in the field. Being a multi-instrumentalist himself, Michael is very familiar with the mindset of someone like myself. He has provided me with confidence, tools, and new skills to teach new students of all levels in all of my instruments.
Heather Morris
(veteran piano teacher/composer)
Thank you so much for helping me focus which direction I wanted my expanding studio to take. You helped me to see my job as a true profession: setting long-term goals, boundaries, and devising marketing strategies that really work!