016: Teaching is a Business — Here’s How to Brand Yourself Like a Pro

TopMusic AI Podcast

Today, we're tackling one of the most overlooked parts of running a successful studio—branding. Whether you realize it or not, your teaching is already shaping how people perceive you. So how can you take control of that and brand yourself like a pro? Let's dive into what branding really means for music teachers, how to avoid common mistakes, and how AI can help you create a studio experience that’s consistent, memorable, and uniquely you.

What Is Branding?

• Not just logos or websites—branding is the experience you create
• Shows up in how students feel, how parents talk about you, and how you communicate
• You already have a brand—question is: are you shaping it intentionally?

Branding in Studio Life

• Teaching style = part of your brand (fun, structured, warm, etc.)
• Emails, websites, and social posts also shape perception
• Consistency across platforms builds trust and loyalty

How AI Can Help

• Analyze feedback to uncover brand themes
• Rewrite bios or emails to match your tone
• Check consistency across different content types
• Generate brand-aligned ideas for lessons and communication

Common Branding Mistakes

• Trying to sound like someone else
• Being inconsistent across platforms
• Thinking branding is just about getting students
• Ignoring emotional connection with students

Quick Action Plan

• Define your brand in 3 words (e.g., creative, warm, structured)
• Use AI to review bios, emails, and social posts for tone consistency
• Reinforce your brand in one way this week (update a bio, tweak a welcome email, etc.)

The Unicorn Story (Real Talk Segment)

• Tara’s 5-foot unicorn became a fun, memorable studio symbol
• It created a unique studio vibe that students loved and talked about
• Branding is about how you make people feel—that’s what they remember

Challenge for Listeners

• Review your content—does it sound like you?
• Start shaping your brand intentionally
• Use AI to sound authentic, not robotic

Want to see how you can use AI in your studio?

Click here to SUBSCRIBE and get your first taste of how AI can support your teaching journey.

About Tara Wright

Tara Wright is an Education and Operations Director, Creative Strategist, and Music Educator who helps music educators transform their teaching studios and businesses through innovative strategies, clear processes, and actionable tools. Known for her no-fluff advice, Tara blends creative thinking with real-world solutions to make complex systems simple and effective.

With over 20 years of teaching experience and 10+ years in operations management, Tara brings expertise in branding, copywriting, and process improvement to the music industry. She has overseen the creation of impactful content, from managing digital media platforms to developing professional training materials. Tara’s work inspires music educators to build thriving studios while balancing creativity with practicality.

Tara’s certifications include Google Project Management, Google Workspace Administration, and Google E-commerce Marketing. She also holds degrees in photography, music education, genetic engineering, and marketing, which fuel her unique approach to problem-solving and innovation.

When not optimizing workflows or mentoring teams, Tara raises ostriches, Great Danes, and other two- and four-legged friends on her farm near St. Louis. You’ll often find her taking her Jeep off-road or exploring a new hobby because learning is her ultimate joy. Tara’s advice is grounded in experience and designed to inspire action. Whether it’s simplifying studio operations, enhancing marketing strategies, or sparking creativity, Tara’s solutions resonate with educators ready to grow.

Thank you for tuning in!

Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.

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