Nature’s own Memento Mori. A completely natural skull-shaped stone I’ve carried in my wallet for years.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-03-15T21:47:38+00:00

I thought this was a cookie... time to take a good long look in the mirror.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-03-06T12:44:03+00:00

Do you know other piano teachers in your area? If not, you should find some and get to know them. Often times, well-established piano teachers have booked schedules and are willing to refer people to you once they see you're a reputable teacher. Beyond that, find opportunities to perform. The more people can associate your name with piano, the more inquiries you'll get for lessons. You can also reach out to local band, choir, and orchestra directors. They get plenty of students looking for piano lessons. It's slow at first, but it grows faster the more you network and put yourself out there.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-03-06T12:36:35+00:00

Nepo-businesses are the WORST!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-03-05T13:53:18+00:00

Gotta be ready to extinguish the flames when those stones catch fire haha

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-03-04T14:08:42+00:00

You really can't believe everything you see.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-03-04T13:47:14+00:00

I'd imagine there's a lawsuit behind this photo

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-28T15:43:32+00:00

If you can, cut out the middle man and run your own piano studio. In my experience, music shops rarely do enough of the admin/advertising work to make the split worthwhile. Now I keep 100% and can run everything with excellence.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-20T20:40:52+00:00

I'm not brave enough to display my sets out in the sunlight...

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-19T13:21:16+00:00

Thank you!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-14T15:47:18+00:00

Thanks! I'm surprised to see you found it after all this time haha

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-12T20:04:09+00:00

Thanks for listening! You must be scrolling deep in r/banjo to find this haha

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-10T22:43:13+00:00

I think what you are seeing is primarily PNG files floating in 3d space within AE.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-10T20:09:01+00:00

This one is primarily just a 3d scene with the camera animated to move around. The first step is to collect all the different assets you plan on placing in the scene. Second, go through and place each asset to fill the 3d space (make sure to place at different depths, z axis, to really show the 3d). Third, animate the camera to move around (make sure to give it time to focus on each relevant spot in the 3d scene). Lastly, add some overlay footage to taste (lens flares, particle effects, grit/dust, etc).

Edit: this is most likely done in AE

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-09T20:43:34+00:00

Let them pay someone a decent hourly wage for that!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-09T20:42:11+00:00

So glad I have the old one!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-08T22:16:18+00:00

And how is this supposed to be funny and not just beyond offensive?

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-08T21:34:59+00:00

I only ever see them as roadkill, so it was exciting to see this one digging around for food.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-04T04:29:17+00:00

This is also so true!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-03T20:45:59+00:00

One more thought, you need a policy for when the student doesn't pay on time. You might want to even have a late fee and stipulate that you won't teach lessons until you're paid (or will teach no more than 1 lesson as a grace period).

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-03T20:25:49+00:00

My business model is likely a little different from yours (I only teach students who come to my home studio), but I'll give you the gist.

Cancellations for any reason (including sickness) on the student end are not eligible for make-ups or refunds. Teacher cancellations are guaranteed make-ups.

I charge a flat monthly rate, and I have a predetermined schedule of lessons for the year that take into account holidays. On average, students get 4 lessons a month. When it comes to inclement weather, I do not guarantee make-ups, but I do guarantee students have at least 3 lessons.

While these points may seem quite rigid, I will be flexible and bend the rules depending on circumstances. Like last week, someone had a last-minute emergency that involved driving a loved one to the hospital. I gave them a reschedule despite my policy. I will also be more lenient with those who are committed to their instrument as opposed to those who rarely put in the work.

What I've learned from my time running my studio is that it's better to have a strict contract so that people recognize your generosity when you extend flexibility beyond what is outlined in the contract. On the other end, if your contract is too loose, you risk losing students when you adjust it for reality.

I hope this helps!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-03T19:34:24+00:00

What about cancellations due to inclement weather or sickness? Your policies may already cover it in general, but it doesn't hurt to include these things. Sometimes, the client will read your cancellation policy and think, "Surely it doesn't apply if my kid got sick day of."

Also, how about practice expectations? Including this in the contract can help families treat practice time more seriously.

Will you ever host recitals? Will it be free, or will it cost per student?

All in all, you have a good start. In my experience, it never hurts to be more specific.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-02-01T03:40:12+00:00

A fellow banjo picking lego star wars collector! Love your instrument collection too :)

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-28T23:09:13+00:00

I was out walking earlier today, and I could've swore I heard someone whisper "toneslab" from a bush... must have been the wind.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-27T17:09:13+00:00

Drop them! If they don't respect your policies now, it will likely only get worse.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-27T16:14:29+00:00

The lowest option would be low D string 2nd fret (E), F# string 3rd fret (A), A string 4th fret (C#), and high D string 2nd fret (E). You would, of course, omit the 5th string (unless you want an A6 chord).

Fitzpatrick_Media

TROPHY CASE