More to Start, Fewer to Quit (February 2026)

This month's More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips come from Marcia Neel, President of Music Education Consultants Inc., Senior Director of Education, Yamaha and Education Advisor to the Music Achievement Council.

RECRUITMENT: Be Visible (and Keep Showing Up!)

By this time of year, prospective students should already know who you are—and have a general sense that being in your music program is fun, meaningful, and worth their time. That said, it’s never too late to recruit. In fact, February is critical, as registration for the next school year is often just around the corner.

Start by checking in with your school counselor to confirm registration deadlines so your recruitment efforts align with key decision points.

Next, connect with classroom and general music teachers to help identify students who may be a great fit for your program. Update your recruitment materials so they clearly tell YOUR program’s story, the who, what, when, where, and why. Be sure to include action photos of your students and short testimonials from students, parents, staff, or community members.

You don’t have to create everything from scratch. The music products industry offers a variety of ready-to-use recruitment resources. Your local music dealer can help you select materials such as videos, posters, surveys, and parent brochures.

It’s important to remember that the time you invest in recruitment directly impacts enrollment. Expecting students to simply appear in your program next fall is a setup for disappointment. Instead, actively engage the music teachers at the schools your prospective students currently attend. Invite those educators to conduct a piece on one of your upcoming concerts, and offer to do the same in return. Provide clinics for one another’s students and create activities where current students demonstrate and intentionally communicate that moving from one program to the next is a natural, seamless transition, and something that new students can genuinely look forward to. One example might be to create branded invitations or postcards to send to prospective students from current students with congratulatory and encouraging messages such as, “Congratulations on your concert performance. Can’t wait to see you in band/orchestra/choir next year!”

RETENTION: Recognition Matters More Than You Think

Everyone appreciates being noticed. Hearing one’s name in a positive way creates a sense of validation, connection, and belonging. That feeling is especially important at transition points—when students are deciding whether to continue in music as they move from one year to the next. February is also a key moment for retention. As students consider new opportunities and experiences, intentional recognition can make a meaningful difference.

Maya Angelou captured this perfectly when she said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” When students feel seen, valued, and appreciated, they are far more likely to stay connected to your program.

Involve students in creating recognition efforts. Giving them a voice in how achievements are celebrated strengthens ownership, pride, and commitment.

SUCCESS TIP: Give Students Agency

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Form a Marketing and Communications Committee and place them in charge of creating promotional materials such as advertisements, flyers, videos, and regular social media content, including “Sign Up for Band” posters featuring photos of current students and a brief message explaining why their participation matters to them. (Keep in mind that student agency transforms students from passive recipients of information into increased ownership in the program and this in itself increases retention.)

Share these materials broadly across multiple platforms, including:

• District and individual school websites
• Music department webpages
• Social media channels
• School assemblies and events
• School and local newspapers (including free weekly papers)
• School announcements and newsletters (e.g., a “Music Corner” with regular updates)
• PTA communications
• Concert programs at all feeder schools

Marcia Neel
Music Education Consultants, Inc., President
Yamaha, Senior Director of Education
Music Achievement Council, Education Advisor