Tech Tools to Save TIme

In this episode, I share research on a fantastic music educator resource and share its powerful benefits, as well as the benefits of podcasting.  

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Transcript

Hey there, and welcome to "I Don't Have TIme for This Shstuff, Tech Tools , where we explore how instructional technology can help educators and entrepreneurs work smarter, not harder. I’m your host, Charise Courtney, a music educator, performer, and passionate advocate for blending tradition with tech.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a powerful productivity tool that’s transformed the way I manage my private music studio: MyMusicStaff. Whether you're a private instructor, a studio owner, or someone considering starting your own music teaching business, this platform might just become your new best friend.

What is MyMusicStaff?
MyMusicStaff is an all-in-one studio management software designed specifically for private music teachers. It helps streamline everything from scheduling and billing to communication and lesson planning. Unlike generic scheduling apps, it’s tailored to the needs of music educators, which is a huge plus.

So why is it useful? Let me tell you—when I first launched my studio, I was juggling spreadsheets, text messages, and paper invoices. It was chaotic. Now, with MyMusicStaff, I can automate reminders, track attendance, accept payments, and even share lesson notes with students—all from one dashboard. The amount of time I’ve saved is immeasurable.

Let’s break down how it works.

Once you sign up, you’ll get access to a user-friendly web interface. You start by inputting your students and creating your teaching schedule. You can set your availability, assign students to recurring lesson times, and even sync everything with your personal calendar.

From there, MyMusicStaff takes over the heavy lifting. It automatically sends email and SMS reminders to students and parents about upcoming lessons. You can generate invoices and accept payments via Stripe or PayPal, and track income and expenses for tax time. You can even store lesson plans and resources, which students can access through a secure student portal.

Now, let’s shift gears for a moment and talk about the broader topic of podcasting and vodcasting in education, just like what we’re doing right now.

These formats are powerful because they allow us to share complex information in accessible, engaging ways. You’re not just reading a blog post—you’re hearing a voice, a story, a lived experience. That human connection makes a difference.

Best practices for educational podcasting include keeping it focused, using a clear structure, and considering your audience’s needs. Keep audio quality high and avoid unnecessary jargon. And—this is big—always consider accessibility. Provide transcripts. Use clear, descriptive language. And if you’re doing a vodcast, make sure captions are available.

So, how does podcasting tie into productivity? It’s a way to multiply your impact. I use this format to share resources with other educators, promote my studio, and even create supplemental lessons for students who need extra help.

To recap today’s episode:

• MyMusicStaff is a comprehensive productivity tool for music educators.
• It simplifies scheduling, billing, lesson tracking, and communication.
• It boosts professionalism and frees up your time to focus on teaching and performing.
• Podcasting, like what we’re doing right now, is a creative and impactful way to share knowledge and build community.

Thanks so much for tuning in to "I Don't Have TIme for This Shtuff" Tech Tools That Work. If you’re interested in exploring MyMusicStaff for your own studio, head over to mymusicstaff.com for a free trial. And don’t forget, whether you're on the podium, behind the piano, or at your desk with a laptop, tech tools are here to help you shine.

Until next time, keep learning, keep creating, and keep leading with purpose.