The Control Journal

This doesn't look like much but it runs my studio.  It is my business control journal.  A simple loose leaf binder that holds all the details so I don't have to remember anything about my business

My control journal has a spot for my lessons plans for the week (group classes and private lessons) a pencil holder to put checks and collected money into one place (pockets do not work, because laudered checks are illegible), followed by

my price list.  I  don't want parents to see this list but I need to remind myself about cost of program material, replacement material and the content of material.  The tabs you see behind include:
piano student roster (includes child's name, parent name, phone number and attendance)
Lending library - although I am thinking of using Music Teacher's Helper website for this project.
Tabs for each day of the week with rosters of each class.  I can add post its and notes to myself.  I also mark who received material, what they may still owe, who is absent, who needs a call, the name of the caretaker, etc.
Tabs for individual students, including a journal of what I did in the lesson, what books I am using, notes, compositions, and even copied music for the child that tends to forget their music.

In the back of the book I have practice pages, blank paper , my goals in life (which are fun to look at every now and then) and former students notes in case they return.  After 6 months they are gone.

Here is a typical roster.

Accompanying all this is my lap top computer with my accounting software.  I also connect to students with google and keep all my contacts there.  I use my MG website as well and I love the email blasts.



Hey, another day of teacher swirled by and although the first week of teaching is always so detailed oriented, the results look good in my cash drawer and I know I can sleep tonight because everything I need to know for tomorrow is in my control journal.

time for a beer.