Step 1: Make Some Decisions
4 weeks before launch
Who will be teaching AAM?
Any music teacher who enjoys working with young children is a candidate! Depending how large your studio is, you may decide to assign more than one teacher to your AAM program.
When will you offer AAM?
You need to set aside some available lesson times for AAM students. We have found that both morning (9-11am) and early evening times (4-6pm) work particularly well and may be a good starting point.
Where will you teach your AAM lessons?
Depending on the size of your facility, you can set aside a classroom specifically just for AAM lessons, or you can use a room to double-up as both a private lesson room and an AAM lesson room. It typically works better to utilize one of your larger rooms for your AAM lessons. However, many studios also make do with a regular size private lesson room of 80 square feet or so.
How will you charge for AAM books?
There are two main systems common in AAM schools. You can either keep AAM books on hand and then sell them to your students directly as needed or you can include AAM books in your program and set tuition accordingly. For purposes of making a profit on this program, we do not recommend that you include AAM books for free for your students without covering them in your tuition price. The only exception is to consider whether you would like to give away the first book for free as a marketing strategy to attract new students.
Step 2: Order Materials
4 weeks before launch
Place an order for books and medals.
If you are a single-teacher studio, we recommend you start by ordering a minimum of 5 Level 1, 2 and 3 books and medals. If you are a multi-teacher studio, we recommend you start by ordering a minimum of at least 15 Level 1, 2 and 3 books and medals, depending on your size. Then simply restock as needed!
Place an order for classroom materials.
Purchase the necessary materials for your classroom from our store or Amazon.
Step 3: Train Your Staff
3 weeks before launch
Train your teachers (or yourself)!
If you employ other teachers, provide them with training. If you will be teaching the program yourself, complete the training yourself! Training consists of reading through the first few chapters of the teacher guide to get an idea of how a lesson works.
Train your administrative staff (or yourself)!
If you employ administrative staff, provide them with training. If you are the main administrator at your studio, complete the training yourself!
Step 4: Set Up Your Classroom
3 weeks before launch
Place your classroom items
A child-size table and chairs or desk for Table Time
The AAM music staff rug
A full-size weighted keyboard or piano
A child-size drum set
A child-size guitar, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and trumpet. These are best mounted on the wall or placed on wall shelves.
A basket with percussion instruments such as tambourine, wooden blocks, maracas, etc.
A music staff dry erase board mounted on the wall or a smaller one placed on the table for use
For more tips and tricks check out our classroom set up page
Step 5: Market Your Program
2 weeks before launch
Add an AAM page to your website.
Email us for content and imagery!
Announce the program in your social media.
If you have ever found success posting ads on Facebook or other social media platforms, this would be a good time to engage with that resource.
Put together an email blast.
Announce this new, exciting program to your entire studio and invite them to enroll their little ones! Considering offering a launch promotion such as a free first book, free registration, or a free trial lesson. Also, be sure to put a deadline on your promotion to create urgency!
Employ other marketing tactics.
If you have ever found marketing success with things like Google ads, direct mailing campaigns, spreads in a magazine or publication, or anything else, be sure to get those strategies going now!