Boost Your Music School’s Summer Retention: 11 Proven Strategies 

Reduce Dropouts and Turn Summer Into a Season of Growth

Summer can be a challenging time for music schools, with some experiencing enrollment drops of 30–40%. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can turn summer into your most successful season yet. 

Over the years, I have tested and refined a range of strategies to keep students engaged and active during the summer. Some worked immediately, while others took time to catch on—but all were built around one idea: don’t treat summer as a setback, but rather as an opportunity. The biggest insight for me was how parents’ views on balancing structure and free time can shift during summer. What starts as a desire for rest often turns into a need for routine as the weeks drag on and boredom kicks in. 

Here are 11 retention strategies to help you beat the summertime blues and keep your students enrolled and engaged. 

“Retention isn’t just about holding spots; it’s about building excitement, momentum, and community.” 

1. Survey & Segment Your Families 

Don’t guess ask! Send out a short survey asking about vacation plans, camp schedules, and their likelihood of continuing music lessons through the summer. 

Example questions: 

• Which summer month(s) do you typically travel? 
• Will your child be attending a sleepaway camp this summer? 
• Do you prefer your child to have downtime or structure in the late afternoons/evenings?
• How likely are you to attend music lessons during the summer? 

A spring survey can provide you with valuable insight into family travel plans, camp schedules, and lesson preferences. This will help you forecast enrollment, tailor programs, and send personalized offers. It shows families you’re listening and allows you to stay relevant and supportive all summer long.

2. Run Summer Camps and Commit to the Long Game 

Summer camps aren’t just an enrollment patch. They’re a powerful growth and retention tool. Your first camp might not sell out, but give it time. In my experience, it took a few summers to build traction. By year three, we were running sold out sessions from May to August. 

Camps are also a pipeline for fall enrollment. Families who discover your school through camp are more likely to enroll in lessons and spread the word to others. 

”Exclusive summer performances give students something to work toward and families something to celebrate.” 

3. Offer Exclusive Summer Performances 

Creating summer-only performances gives students a tangible goal to work toward while keeping them motivated during the break. You can host informal performances in unique settings, such as renting a gazebo in a local park or organizing a “Summer Showcase & Ice Cream Social.” These events are low-pressure but high-impact, creating a sense of community and excitement. It’s a great way for families to see their child’s progress while enjoying a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The key is to make these performances exclusive to the summer, so students and families feel special about participating. 

4. Organize Fun Summer Socials to Strengthen Community 

Use the summer months to build a sense of community and keep families engaged outside of regular lessons. Organize group outings like purchasing tickets to an amusement park or a baseball game, and charge a small fee to cover costs. These events build connections, break the routine, and keep families excited about your school. It’s a great way to keep students and families connected and excited about your music school. 

5. Host an End-of-Summer BBQ Meetup 

Invite all current and prospective families to a casual back-to-school BBQ. It’s a great way to welcome newcomers and re-energize returning students. 

Make it family-friendly and free. Just good vibes, conversation, and connection. Ask prospective families to RSVP so you can greet them personally. 

6. Craft Messaging That Hits Home 

Summer marketing should speak to real parent challenges: 

• “Could your child use a break from screens?” 
• “Could your child benefit from more structure this summer?”
• “Don’t let your child’s skills get rusty this summer.” 

Focus less on features and more on how you solve their summer challenges.

7. Stay Present All Summer (Even When They Say No) 

Plans change. A family that says no in May might be desperate for structure by July. Use gentle check-ins and soft-touch messaging: 

• “Would you like me to hold your child’s fall lesson time? If someone else requests it, I’ll check with you first.” 
• “I’d love to see Ethan maintain the progress he made this spring. Want to book a quick refresher lesson this week or next?” 
• “Hope your trip was amazing! We have a couple of openings next week if Ethan wants to ease back into lessons before school starts.” 

Small, thoughtful touches keep you top of mind. 

8. Flex Scheduling: Summer on Their Terms 

Flex Scheduling allows families to pre-pay for a set number of lessons and schedule them as it fits their summer. It’s a smart compromise: students stay enrolled, teachers get paid, and families love the freedom. 

Yes, it’s more complex to manage. And yes, teacher hours may fluctuate. However, with clear policies and effective systems, Flex Scheduling helps keep your studio vibrant and students engaged. 

Pro Tip: Use scheduling software or shared calendars to streamline and reduce confusion.

9. Half-Priced “No-Makeups” Summer Hold 

Let families pay half-price to hold their fall spot with no makeup lessons. It supports teacher pay, preserves student loyalty, and simplifies scheduling. 

Frame it as a gesture of support: “This helps keep your teacher on staff and your child’s spot secured for the fall.” 

10. Track Teacher Retention Rates 

Every teacher has a different retention profile. One of our instructors, Adam, kept nearly all of his students through summer. 

His secret? Relationship-building. He spent the first few minutes of every lesson chatting with students about their lives. They saw him as a mentor. 

Relationships matter more than perfect technique when it comes to keeping kids engaged. 

11. Recording Studio Experience

Take your students to a professional recording studio to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even a basic multitrack recording with a phone-camera video feels magical. 

Parents love it. Kids are thrilled. And it’s a great summer add-on! 

Pro Tip: If you can’t book a studio, turn your school into one. With simple lighting and basic gear, you can still offer a top-notch experience. 

Closing Thought 

Summer doesn’t have to mean a slow season. With the right strategies in place, flexible options, exclusive events, and strong relationships, you can keep students engaged and your studio thriving year-round. Retention isn’t just about holding spots; it’s about building excitement, momentum, and community. Start planning now, and make this your best summer yet.