Our 10-Year Vision | Piano & More Strategic Plan (2026–2036)

Our Next Ten Year Vision

In 2026, Piano & More will celebrate its 10-year anniversary—a decade spent laying strong foundations. From refining our teaching philosophy and studio culture to building our brand, policies, and student community, our first chapter was about establishing who we are and what we stand for. We also learned how to navigate the nonprofit world, from grassroots outreach to writing our very first grants.

Now, we’re stepping into our next ten years with bold vision and clear purpose. Our 5-part strategic plan is designed to deepen impact, amplify our message, invest in our people, and ensure long-term sustainability. Guided by our core values--Fun, Quality, Efficiency, Connection, and Empower—we're ready to leave a dent in the world through the transformative power of music.

Programs

We are committed to delivering high-quality music education that supports the whole person—musically, emotionally, and socially.

Evaluate and improve programs
Expand Pay It Forward and in-home lesson programs
Integrate mental health tools into lessons
Track and share program impact

Piano & More excels at creating fun, personalized lessons that engage students of all ages and foster a lifelong love of learning. Moving forward, we aim to enhance our impact by expanding access, strengthening mental health support, and continuously improving how we teach and connect through music.

Music teacher rewarding children after recital --supportive, personalized music education in action.

Awareness

We are dedicated to elevating public understanding of how playing an instrument transforms lives—mentally, emotionally, and creatively.

Champion the value of learning an instrument
Produce white papers and original research
Create transformational, mission-driven content
Revive interest in lifelong musicianship

Awareness is the bridge between inspiration and action. At Piano & More, we aim to become a trusted voice in the conversation around brain benefits, mental wellness, and music by producing original research, developing meaningful content, and championing musicianship as a vital part of lifelong wellbeing. Through this work, we hope to spark curiosity and personal transformation.

Smiling teen playing music--sharing the emotional benefits of music with the world.

Community

We believe in the power of relationships to fuel creativity, confidence, and lasting impact.

Build excitement and momentum around shared musical experiences
Collaborate with studios, businesses, and arts organizations
Increase student participation in events
Strengthen our teaching community network

At it's heart, Piano & More is a collective of teachers who support one another, families who share in the joy of music, and partners who believe in what we do. By growing these connections and creating moments students genuinely look forward to, we’re building a culture of participation, collaboration, and belonging.

Group of students enjoying a student music event at the Kennedy Center in DC--community connection through shared musical experiences.

Team

We believe investing in our people is the most important step for true impact.

Recruit and retain exceptional educators
Implement teacher training on supporting students’ emotional wellbeing
Maintain a supportive workplace culture and strong value proposition
Continuing education resources for growth and development
Grow our board and team leadership
Activate board members as community ambassadors

Piano & More thrives when our team thrives. From teachers and admin staff to board members and volunteers, we’re committed to fostering a supportive work culture, providing meaningful opportunities for growth, and building a team that feels proud to represent our mission. As we grow, we aim to be known as one of the best places to work in the arts education space.

Piano & More teachers collab together during social events--building a supportive and empowered teaching team.

Sustainability

We’re building a future where Piano & More will thrive through any season so we can serve generations to come.

Grow enrollment and strengthen student interest
Build a reliable base of individual, local, and government support
Develop business and corporate partnerships across Northern Virginia
Diversify and stabilize revenue streams

That means making smart, long-term decisions such as diversifying income, growing our student base, and developing strong partnerships that bring lasting value. With a more adaptable model and deeper community investment, we’re creating stability that supports our mission today and protects it tomorrow.