How music teachers can use mission and vision statements, with examples

When you're trying to start your own music teaching studio -- or, really, undertake anything geared toward helping, serving, or working with others -- it can be an extremely useful exercise to write both a vision statement and a mission statement. (And yes, they are slightly different things!)

Before getting into some example music teacher mission and vision statements, we first need to understand what they are and why writing them can be a useful exercise.

Keep in mind that mission and vision statements may be private and written just for you, or they might be shared with those you work with. It's entirely up to you.

Defining Mission and Vision Statements

• Mission Statement generally outlines the current purpose of an entity, focusing on what it does, whom it serves, and how it does it. It's meant to provide direction and inspire the entity to fulfill its immediate goals. It's actionable and grounded in the present.
• Vision Statement, on the other hand, describes the future desired state the entity aims to achieve. It's aspirational, serving as a source of inspiration and a guide for what the entity hopes to become or accomplish in the long term. It's about the impact and legacy.

The Benefits of Mission and Vision Statements

Articulating these statements can help you in a variety of ways, including:

1. Clarity of Purpose: Helps in defining the core purpose of your teaching practice, clarifying what you aim to achieve in the short term (mission) and the long-term impact or legacy you aspire to create (vision).
2. Guidance and Direction: Offers a roadmap for decision-making processes, ensuring that your actions and strategies align with your overarching goals and values.
3. Inspiration and Motivation: Serves as a source of inspiration for both the teacher and their students, motivating all parties to work towards the shared vision and mission.
4. Differentiation: Distinguishes you from other music teachers by highlighting your unique approach, philosophy, and long-term aspirations, which can attract students who share similar values or goals.
5. Goal Setting and Measurement: Provides a foundation for setting specific, measurable goals and evaluating progress towards achieving the vision, facilitating a more structured approach to growth and development.
6. Marketing and Communication: Enhances your marketing efforts by clearly articulating your mission and vision to potential students and their families, making it easier to communicate your value proposition.
7. Student Engagement and Retention: By clearly stating your mission and vision, you can engage students and parents who are aligned with your values, leading to higher satisfaction and retention rates.
8. Professional Development: Encourages continuous professional growth and learning to ensure that teaching practices remain aligned with the mission and vision, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

I go a bit more in depth into how you can leverage these and what's called a "positioning statement" in my video about music lesson marketing, pricing and positioning.

How They Differ

The primary difference lies in their perspective:

• A Mission Statement is more about what you want to do — what you are doing now and in the future to meet the needs of those you serve..
• A Vision Statement is about the result you want to achieve — what the world looks like as a results of accomplishing your mission, often serving as a motivational guide.

For instance, here are the mission and vision for CodaCal (at time of writing):

My mission is to leverage technology to give independent instructors the best possible chances of success as small business owners.

My vision is of a world where independent instructors can maintain financial stability while spending as little time as possible on administration. This world is better for teachers because it allows them to provide the best possible instruction to their students while nurturing a rich and balanced personal life. This world is better for students because it means that they get the best education from, and relationship with, their teacher as possible.

Feel free to steal this template -- I stole it from Jonathan Stark.

Music teacher mission and vision statements examples

Example 1

• Mission Statement: "To inspire passion and excellence in music through personalized instruction, fostering a lifelong love of music in students of all ages and skill levels."
• Vision Statement: "To be recognized as a pivotal force in the musical journey of students, cultivating a community of passionate, skilled musicians who contribute to and uphold the value of music in society."

Differences:

• The Mission focuses on the immediate actions of inspiring and fostering passion through personalized instruction.
• The Vision looks forward to the future impact—cultivating a community and being recognized as a pivotal force in music education.

Example 2

• Mission Statement: "To provide high-quality, customized music education that nurtures the musical potential in each student."
• Vision Statement: "To create a world where music education is accessible and valued as a fundamental aspect of personal development and cultural enrichment."

Differences:

• The Mission is centered on the present goal of providing high-quality, customized education.
• The Vision aims for a future where music education's value is universally recognized, emphasizing broader access and its role in personal and cultural development.

Example 3

• Mission Statement: "To empower students by providing them with a comprehensive music education grounded in theory, technique, and practical performance."
• Vision Statement: "To shape a future where music acts as a universal language of connection, empowering individuals to bridge cultural and personal divides."

Differences:

• The Mission emphasizes the current approach to empowering students through comprehensive education.
• The Vision envisions a future where music serves as a universal language, highlighting its potential to empower and connect across divides.