Don Stinson
@donstinson.bsky.social
Music Educator & Copywriter for Music Brands | Helping Retailers Become the Obvious Choice for School Programs
Music teachers:
what’s a healthy habit you wish you’d started earlier?
For me - hanging.
22 years conducting wrecked my shoulder.
This helped more than anything else.
what’s a healthy habit you wish you’d started earlier?
For me - hanging.
22 years conducting wrecked my shoulder.
This helped more than anything else.
December 24, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Music teachers:
what’s a healthy habit you wish you’d started earlier?
For me - hanging.
22 years conducting wrecked my shoulder.
This helped more than anything else.
what’s a healthy habit you wish you’d started earlier?
For me - hanging.
22 years conducting wrecked my shoulder.
This helped more than anything else.
Most adults think music careers mean performer. But today's students are asking about recording, beats, sound, and composing.
Music rooms are becoming career-exploration spaces - whether schools are ready or not.
Music rooms are becoming career-exploration spaces - whether schools are ready or not.
December 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Most adults think music careers mean performer. But today's students are asking about recording, beats, sound, and composing.
Music rooms are becoming career-exploration spaces - whether schools are ready or not.
Music rooms are becoming career-exploration spaces - whether schools are ready or not.
They said “No Budget.” Here’s how they got the PO anyway.
If your class needed supplies and you didn’t bother asking for them, this one’s for you. I wrote this for music retailers - but honestly? It might help you ask without getting shut down.
Link in comments.
If your class needed supplies and you didn’t bother asking for them, this one’s for you. I wrote this for music retailers - but honestly? It might help you ask without getting shut down.
Link in comments.
December 22, 2025 at 1:05 PM
They said “No Budget.” Here’s how they got the PO anyway.
If your class needed supplies and you didn’t bother asking for them, this one’s for you. I wrote this for music retailers - but honestly? It might help you ask without getting shut down.
Link in comments.
If your class needed supplies and you didn’t bother asking for them, this one’s for you. I wrote this for music retailers - but honestly? It might help you ask without getting shut down.
Link in comments.
The bad news? Your ensemble is a direct reflection of their director.
The good news?
Your ensemble is a direct reflection of their director.
The good news?
Your ensemble is a direct reflection of their director.
December 21, 2025 at 1:09 PM
The bad news? Your ensemble is a direct reflection of their director.
The good news?
Your ensemble is a direct reflection of their director.
The good news?
Your ensemble is a direct reflection of their director.
If your students only play music at their current level, they never improve.
If you only program hard stuff, they get frustrated and sound terrible.
If it's too easy, they get bored and misbehave.
There's a middle ground. It's called At/Over/Under.
Here's how it works:
If you only program hard stuff, they get frustrated and sound terrible.
If it's too easy, they get bored and misbehave.
There's a middle ground. It's called At/Over/Under.
Here's how it works:
December 20, 2025 at 2:25 PM
If your students only play music at their current level, they never improve.
If you only program hard stuff, they get frustrated and sound terrible.
If it's too easy, they get bored and misbehave.
There's a middle ground. It's called At/Over/Under.
Here's how it works:
If you only program hard stuff, they get frustrated and sound terrible.
If it's too easy, they get bored and misbehave.
There's a middle ground. It's called At/Over/Under.
Here's how it works:
Your director isn't on pitch. But it's not because they're out of tune.
Music teachers can get more instruments by pitching better.
• "Can we have $550 for a trumpet?" NO.
• "We found a trumpet for $550. That's $36/year for 45 students over 15 years." YES
One gets rejected. One gets approved.
Music teachers can get more instruments by pitching better.
• "Can we have $550 for a trumpet?" NO.
• "We found a trumpet for $550. That's $36/year for 45 students over 15 years." YES
One gets rejected. One gets approved.
December 19, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Your director isn't on pitch. But it's not because they're out of tune.
Music teachers can get more instruments by pitching better.
• "Can we have $550 for a trumpet?" NO.
• "We found a trumpet for $550. That's $36/year for 45 students over 15 years." YES
One gets rejected. One gets approved.
Music teachers can get more instruments by pitching better.
• "Can we have $550 for a trumpet?" NO.
• "We found a trumpet for $550. That's $36/year for 45 students over 15 years." YES
One gets rejected. One gets approved.
I thought I had a really good group of kids.
Turns out, they were just "ghetto."
Turns out, they were just "ghetto."
December 18, 2025 at 12:42 PM
I thought I had a really good group of kids.
Turns out, they were just "ghetto."
Turns out, they were just "ghetto."
School music outperforms youth sports as a long-term revenue market.
70% of kids quit sports by age 13. Music students often stay through high school.
That’s 4–6 more years of family spending.
Retention beats hype.
70% of kids quit sports by age 13. Music students often stay through high school.
That’s 4–6 more years of family spending.
Retention beats hype.
December 17, 2025 at 12:42 PM
School music outperforms youth sports as a long-term revenue market.
70% of kids quit sports by age 13. Music students often stay through high school.
That’s 4–6 more years of family spending.
Retention beats hype.
70% of kids quit sports by age 13. Music students often stay through high school.
That’s 4–6 more years of family spending.
Retention beats hype.
Music pros: attending Midwest?
Two tips for your time in Chicago.
Finish your conversation with one person
before looking at the name tag of another.
When you get back, teach the kids in front of you,
not the kids you "wish" you had.
Two tips for your time in Chicago.
Finish your conversation with one person
before looking at the name tag of another.
When you get back, teach the kids in front of you,
not the kids you "wish" you had.
December 15, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Music pros: attending Midwest?
Two tips for your time in Chicago.
Finish your conversation with one person
before looking at the name tag of another.
When you get back, teach the kids in front of you,
not the kids you "wish" you had.
Two tips for your time in Chicago.
Finish your conversation with one person
before looking at the name tag of another.
When you get back, teach the kids in front of you,
not the kids you "wish" you had.
Show me you were alive in the 80s.
I'll start: my mom put a Walkman on layaway at Service Merchandise.
I'll start: my mom put a Walkman on layaway at Service Merchandise.
December 13, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Show me you were alive in the 80s.
I'll start: my mom put a Walkman on layaway at Service Merchandise.
I'll start: my mom put a Walkman on layaway at Service Merchandise.
Low-income schools rely on Title I funds to buy instruments and music materials that support learning. Title I still exists, but future funding is uncertain and cuts are being debated, and the move from the Education Department to the Labor Department may change how funds are managed.
December 11, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Low-income schools rely on Title I funds to buy instruments and music materials that support learning. Title I still exists, but future funding is uncertain and cuts are being debated, and the move from the Education Department to the Labor Department may change how funds are managed.
Most adults still think music careers mean “performer.”
Teenagers know better.
Band rooms are becoming career-exploration spaces — recording, live sound, DJ work, composing.
When retailers help teachers show these paths ( with simple tools or connections), they become real partners, not just stores.
Teenagers know better.
Band rooms are becoming career-exploration spaces — recording, live sound, DJ work, composing.
When retailers help teachers show these paths ( with simple tools or connections), they become real partners, not just stores.
December 9, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Most adults still think music careers mean “performer.”
Teenagers know better.
Band rooms are becoming career-exploration spaces — recording, live sound, DJ work, composing.
When retailers help teachers show these paths ( with simple tools or connections), they become real partners, not just stores.
Teenagers know better.
Band rooms are becoming career-exploration spaces — recording, live sound, DJ work, composing.
When retailers help teachers show these paths ( with simple tools or connections), they become real partners, not just stores.
Hail to the Queens Who Love Their Kings
Published in a 1936 issue of The School Musician Magazine
Great headline.
Testimonials.
Symmetry.
And bucking trends.
1936 - school and pro bands were still boys' clubs.
So King goes all out with a full page featuring pro female trumpeters.
Published in a 1936 issue of The School Musician Magazine
Great headline.
Testimonials.
Symmetry.
And bucking trends.
1936 - school and pro bands were still boys' clubs.
So King goes all out with a full page featuring pro female trumpeters.
December 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Hail to the Queens Who Love Their Kings
Published in a 1936 issue of The School Musician Magazine
Great headline.
Testimonials.
Symmetry.
And bucking trends.
1936 - school and pro bands were still boys' clubs.
So King goes all out with a full page featuring pro female trumpeters.
Published in a 1936 issue of The School Musician Magazine
Great headline.
Testimonials.
Symmetry.
And bucking trends.
1936 - school and pro bands were still boys' clubs.
So King goes all out with a full page featuring pro female trumpeters.
You have two seconds to get a music teacher’s attention.
Here’s how to write a headline that works:
Make it true, visible, and only something you can say.
Most retailers miss that last part.
Been around 75 years?
"Three Generations Trust Our Repair Bench. Here's Why."
True, visible, unique
Here’s how to write a headline that works:
Make it true, visible, and only something you can say.
Most retailers miss that last part.
Been around 75 years?
"Three Generations Trust Our Repair Bench. Here's Why."
True, visible, unique
December 4, 2025 at 6:28 PM
You have two seconds to get a music teacher’s attention.
Here’s how to write a headline that works:
Make it true, visible, and only something you can say.
Most retailers miss that last part.
Been around 75 years?
"Three Generations Trust Our Repair Bench. Here's Why."
True, visible, unique
Here’s how to write a headline that works:
Make it true, visible, and only something you can say.
Most retailers miss that last part.
Been around 75 years?
"Three Generations Trust Our Repair Bench. Here's Why."
True, visible, unique
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.
After 80+ Yamaha articles, the top topics are the same:
• health
• time
• stress
• discipline
Not instruments or product specs.
They read what helps them survive the day.
Solve a problem first. Trust follows.
After 80+ Yamaha articles, the top topics are the same:
• health
• time
• stress
• discipline
Not instruments or product specs.
They read what helps them survive the day.
Solve a problem first. Trust follows.
December 3, 2025 at 12:46 PM
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.
After 80+ Yamaha articles, the top topics are the same:
• health
• time
• stress
• discipline
Not instruments or product specs.
They read what helps them survive the day.
Solve a problem first. Trust follows.
After 80+ Yamaha articles, the top topics are the same:
• health
• time
• stress
• discipline
Not instruments or product specs.
They read what helps them survive the day.
Solve a problem first. Trust follows.
A dad picks up extra shifts to buy a trumpet.
Three months later it breaks.
Now he’s the villain.
Families aren't choosing cheap.
They’re choosing what they can reach.
Parents already give up hours so their kids can play.
You can make sure those hours actually matter.
Three months later it breaks.
Now he’s the villain.
Families aren't choosing cheap.
They’re choosing what they can reach.
Parents already give up hours so their kids can play.
You can make sure those hours actually matter.
December 2, 2025 at 12:04 PM
A dad picks up extra shifts to buy a trumpet.
Three months later it breaks.
Now he’s the villain.
Families aren't choosing cheap.
They’re choosing what they can reach.
Parents already give up hours so their kids can play.
You can make sure those hours actually matter.
Three months later it breaks.
Now he’s the villain.
Families aren't choosing cheap.
They’re choosing what they can reach.
Parents already give up hours so their kids can play.
You can make sure those hours actually matter.
In 17 days, music educators will be at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.
But not all of them.
Here’s why music retailers should focus on the ones staying home.
Read more: donstinson83.substack.com/p/most-direc...
But not all of them.
Here’s why music retailers should focus on the ones staying home.
Read more: donstinson83.substack.com/p/most-direc...
Most Directors Aren’t at Midwest — and They’re the Ones Who Shape Your Business
Every December, the music world turns toward the Midwest Clinic.
donstinson83.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:10 PM
In 17 days, music educators will be at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.
But not all of them.
Here’s why music retailers should focus on the ones staying home.
Read more: donstinson83.substack.com/p/most-direc...
But not all of them.
Here’s why music retailers should focus on the ones staying home.
Read more: donstinson83.substack.com/p/most-direc...
The real nightmare for music teachers? ISOs — cheap lookalike instruments that hold kids back. Retailers can fix this with one clear parent guide. Want a free one-pager to use? Reply and I’ll send it.
November 25, 2025 at 12:20 PM
The real nightmare for music teachers? ISOs — cheap lookalike instruments that hold kids back. Retailers can fix this with one clear parent guide. Want a free one-pager to use? Reply and I’ll send it.
Five times the effort. Half the flavor.
That’s how I feel about Thanksgiving turkey.
open.substack.com/pub/donstins...
That’s how I feel about Thanksgiving turkey.
open.substack.com/pub/donstins...
Turkey Kind of Sucks
When you spend five times the effort to be half as good as a chicken thigh, maybe you need to rethink your choices.
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Five times the effort. Half the flavor.
That’s how I feel about Thanksgiving turkey.
open.substack.com/pub/donstins...
That’s how I feel about Thanksgiving turkey.
open.substack.com/pub/donstins...
Here's why Yamaha sells more instruments than any other company. substack.com/@donstinson8...
Don Stinson (@donstinson83)
You want to sell instruments? Start her.
I write for the largest instrument manufacturer in the world. After more than 75 articles with Yamaha’s education division, the reading patterns are consisten...
substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Here's why Yamaha sells more instruments than any other company. substack.com/@donstinson8...
Fundraising is like building a relationship—you wouldn’t propose on the first date.
A big ask right away can scare donors off. Instead:
✅ Start with a small ask
✅ Show impact before pushing for more
✅ Warm them up with stories/engagement
Long-term support > one-time big gifts. Build trust first!
A big ask right away can scare donors off. Instead:
✅ Start with a small ask
✅ Show impact before pushing for more
✅ Warm them up with stories/engagement
Long-term support > one-time big gifts. Build trust first!
February 1, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Fundraising is like building a relationship—you wouldn’t propose on the first date.
A big ask right away can scare donors off. Instead:
✅ Start with a small ask
✅ Show impact before pushing for more
✅ Warm them up with stories/engagement
Long-term support > one-time big gifts. Build trust first!
A big ask right away can scare donors off. Instead:
✅ Start with a small ask
✅ Show impact before pushing for more
✅ Warm them up with stories/engagement
Long-term support > one-time big gifts. Build trust first!
Your organization should work from the inside out, not the outside in.
If your inner circle won’t support your mission, it will be nearly impossible to get supporters outside of your organization.
Always make sure you are working with people on your team.
If your inner circle won’t support your mission, it will be nearly impossible to get supporters outside of your organization.
Always make sure you are working with people on your team.
January 25, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Your organization should work from the inside out, not the outside in.
If your inner circle won’t support your mission, it will be nearly impossible to get supporters outside of your organization.
Always make sure you are working with people on your team.
If your inner circle won’t support your mission, it will be nearly impossible to get supporters outside of your organization.
Always make sure you are working with people on your team.
Donor gave $100 last year?
Ask them to consider a gift of $120 this year.
Donor gave $25?
Encourage them to level up to $50!
These small, strategic asks can have a BIG impact on your group's success.
You are asking your supporters annually, right?
Ask them to consider a gift of $120 this year.
Donor gave $25?
Encourage them to level up to $50!
These small, strategic asks can have a BIG impact on your group's success.
You are asking your supporters annually, right?
January 24, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Donor gave $100 last year?
Ask them to consider a gift of $120 this year.
Donor gave $25?
Encourage them to level up to $50!
These small, strategic asks can have a BIG impact on your group's success.
You are asking your supporters annually, right?
Ask them to consider a gift of $120 this year.
Donor gave $25?
Encourage them to level up to $50!
These small, strategic asks can have a BIG impact on your group's success.
You are asking your supporters annually, right?
Ever get the "ick"? No one likes being sold to. Here's a simple script that helped me exceed our fundraising goal:
"Thanks for liking/commenting! If you know anyone who might support us, could you share this link?"
It’s easy, no direct ask, just a share. Have you tried a non-icky ask?
"Thanks for liking/commenting! If you know anyone who might support us, could you share this link?"
It’s easy, no direct ask, just a share. Have you tried a non-icky ask?
January 22, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Ever get the "ick"? No one likes being sold to. Here's a simple script that helped me exceed our fundraising goal:
"Thanks for liking/commenting! If you know anyone who might support us, could you share this link?"
It’s easy, no direct ask, just a share. Have you tried a non-icky ask?
"Thanks for liking/commenting! If you know anyone who might support us, could you share this link?"
It’s easy, no direct ask, just a share. Have you tried a non-icky ask?