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Knowledge Creation Laboratory by CRM(xRM)

Designing EMOROCO CRM Lite to increase student retention rates for music schools, dance schools, and cultural centers.

Hello, this is Matsubara, CRM Evangelist.

"A student who had been diligently attending classes until last month suddenly withdrew."

"He had been absent for a while, but we weren't able to follow up with him, and he just stopped coming altogether."

"I don't understand why people who came for a trial lesson didn't end up joining."

These problems, which are the biggest concerns for owners of music schools, dance studios, and cultural centers, all stem from the fact that they "fail to perceive changes in students' emotions."

Leaving extracurricular activities doesn't happen "suddenly." Signs of impending withdrawal—such as increased absences, decreased concentration during lessons, and a waning motivation for recitals or promotions—appear weeks or even months before the child actually leaves. Recognizing these signs early and offering warm support is the most effective way to increase retention rates.

This article explains how to use EMOROCO CRM Lite to "manage students' emotional state, proactively address signs of churn, and design a flow from trial to enrollment to long-term retention."


The "structure of retention rates" in extracurricular activities: Why do students quit?

There are three main reasons why people quit extracurricular activities.

[Three categories of reasons for quitting extracurricular activities]

① External reasons (difficult to control):
Moving, job transfer, further education, employment, family circumstances, financial reasons
→ These are difficult to prevent with CRM.
→ However, if you have a strong desire to continue attending this class
They'll come back when the situation changes.

② Internal reasons (preventable with early detection):
- Decreased motivation ("I don't feel like I'm improving.")
- Feeling of isolation ("I don't have any friends in the classroom, and I can't fit in.")
- Compatibility with the instructor (e.g., "The instructor's teaching style doesn't suit me")
- A feeling of stagnation in progress ("I feel like I haven't improved in months.")
→ These can be detected early as a "decrease in emotional temperature."
→ If it can be detected, intervention is possible.

③ Passive withdrawal due to lack of opportunity:
- After repeated absences, you start to feel like "you can't go back."
- The instructor didn't contact me, and the relationship just fizzled out.
→ This is the most common pattern.
→ This can be completely prevented with proper follow-up design.

EMOROCO's role:
The mechanisms of ② and ③ are used for early detection and intervention.
→ ② is detected by the emotional temperature field.
→ ③ can be prevented with an absence alert workflow.

Field design – Recording "student status" as a system.

Student Records

[Field design for student records]

■ Basic information

• Name (Student's name)
• Parent/guardian's name (if applicable to a child)
• Contact information (phone, LINE, email)
·date of birth
·Join Date
• Instructor

■ Course Information

• Courses/classes to take (selection):
Examples (music school): Piano for Beginners / Piano for Elementary Students / Piano for Intermediate Students /
Vocals / Guitar / Drums / etc.
Examples (dance classes): Kids HIPHOP / Jazz Dance /
Ballet fundamentals / Ballroom dancing / etc.
• Days and times of the course
• Course format (selectable): Individual / Group / Semi-private

■ Continuous status management (most important field group)

• Emotional temperature (multiple choice):
Hot (highly motivated, proactive, feeling a sense of growth) /
Warm (Continuing to be in good condition/Staying healthy)
Cool (increased absences, decreased motivation, less responsiveness) /
Cold (Possibly considering leaving the group / Currently absent for an extended period)

• Last attendance date ← The most important field for detecting dropouts.
• Number of attendances this month (numerical value)
• Number of absences this month (numerical value)

• Perceived growth (multiple choice):
High (The individual and their guardians feel they have grown) /
Normal (stable, but with a slight sense of stagnation) /
Low (not improving much / feeling stagnant) /
I don't know.

■ Motivation context (qualitative information in the style of CRM 4.0)

• Motivation and goals for starting the course (textbook):
Example: "I have a dream of being able to play Chopin."
Example: "My child started playing after being invited by a friend. Now they want to participate in a recital."
Example: "As a hobby for retirement. I'm not aiming for competitions. I just want to enjoy it."

• Current biggest challenges/concerns (text):
Example: "My left and right hands aren't in sync. I've been stuck on this for the past two months."
Example: "I get nervous at presentations. I need to get used to performing in front of others."

Observation notes from the most recent lesson (text):
Example: "I was very focused today. My motivation for next month's presentation has increased."
Example: "I seemed a bit distracted today. Something might have happened at school."

• "Words that resonated with me / experiences that motivated me" (text):
Example: "The applause from the audience at last month's recital boosted his confidence."
Example: "I suddenly became much more motivated after being put in the same class as Person A."

■ Life Events/Special Notes

• Participation history in recitals and competitions (text)
• Records of promotions and advancements (text)
• Scheduled date for the next presentation/promotion exam
• Notes on changes in living situation (text):
Example: "I'll be starting junior high school next spring. I don't plan to take entrance exams."
"She says she wants to continue playing even after she goes to college."
Example: "My work has become so busy that the days I can come are limited."

■ Membership Cancellation Risk Management

• Membership cancellation risk level (multiple choice):
Low (expected to continue for the time being) /
Medium (Observing the situation / Possible hesitation)
Taka (possibility of withdrawal) /
Highest level (indicated intention to withdraw, or the state before withdrawal)

Reasons for potential withdrawal (text):
Example: "Absent for three consecutive weeks. No contact from parents."
Example: "The parents said they were considering having their child quit once they start higher education."

Records of trial lesson participants (prospective students who have not yet enrolled)

[Field design for trial lesson participant records]

Name, contact information, date of birth
• Date of trial lesson
• Courses taken and instructors
• Reactions and observations during the experience (text):
Example: "He seemed to be having a lot of fun. He kept playing even after it was over."
Example: "I was nervous at first, but I relaxed and smiled in the second half."
• Intention to join (multiple choice):
Taka (seems eager to join immediately) /
In progress (under consideration/positive outlook) /
Low (Difficult at the moment / Under comparison) /
Unknown
Concerns (text):
Example: "He seemed a little concerned about the cost."
Example: "The days and times might not work for us."
• Next follow-up appointment (date and content)

Workflow Design – A System That "Takes Action the Same Day It Detects Signs of Disengagement"

Absence/dropout prevention workflow

[Workflow to Prevent Absences and Dropouts (Most Important)]

"When three consecutive absences are recorded":
→ Task: "Mr./Ms. XX has been absent for several days - please send a kind message."
Content: "How was the lesson the other day?"
How are you? I missed you so much.
Such a warm LINE message.
Deliver it as genuine interest, not as a sales pitch or notification.
Rather than asking for the reason for absence
"We prioritize delivering experiences where people feel remembered."

"When three consecutive absences are recorded":
→ Task: "Mr./Ms. XX [Action Required] Absent for 3 consecutive weeks - Please contact them individually this week."
Content: "We will check the situation directly by phone or LINE."
"How have you been lately?"
If you have any circumstances,
Lesson rescheduling and temporary suspension of membership are also available.
"You can consult with us."
By presenting options,
"Preventing a situation where 'quitting is the only option'"

"When the emotional temperature changes to a cool one":
→ Task: "Potential decrease in motivation for [Name]"
"Please give special consideration in the next lesson."
Content: "Before the next lesson, the instructor will
"The most effective for [Name] right now"
Think about and prepare for the lesson content.
If you feel stuck, take lessons to develop your strengths.
I'll make it a day to incorporate my favorite songs and dances.
If you have even one experience that made you think "that was fun"
Emotional temperature often recovers."

"When the risk level of withdrawal changes to high or maximum":
→ Task: "[Urgent] XX is at high risk of leaving the group --"
We will arrange a meeting sometime this week.
Content: "Not only the assigned instructor, but also the classroom manager/owner"
Create opportunities for direct involvement.
"Is there anything we can do?"
Listen attentively with your posture.
Temporary suspension of membership, transfer system, change to a different course, etc.
We will carefully present alternatives to canceling your membership.

Experience → Membership Follow-up Workflow

[Post-Trial Lesson Follow-Up Workflow]

"The day after the trial lesson":
→ Task: "Follow up with [Name] the day after their experience - by the end of today."
Content: "The day after the experience is when the emotions are freshest."
Thank you for coming yesterday.
Did you enjoy it, [Student's Name]?
That was a heartwarming message.
It starts with genuine gratitude, not a request to join.
Observations made during the lesson
"The moment when [Name] seemed particularly happy"
"Being specific is the most effective approach."

"Five days after the trial lesson (if no response is received)":
→ Task: "Follow up with [Name] after their experience (second time) - by the end of this week"
Content: "What is the status of your considerations since then?"
If you have any questions,
The second trial lesson (free) is also available.
We have it ready for you.
"We propose the next step for low-hurdle games."

"Intention to join a trial membership: High × No contact × 10 days have passed"
→ Task: "Mr./Ms. XX [Needs Confirmation] High intention to join, but no contact received."
We will check the situation by the end of this week.

Presentation, promotion, and growth milestone workflow

[Proactive Design Workflow for Growth and Milestones]

"Two months before the next recital"
→ Task: "Confirm the list of students participating in the recital."
"A time to boost motivation"
Content: "Start managing motivation for the presentation."
Especially for students with an emotional temperature below "cool"
We will consider designing special lessons with the recital as the goal.
The two months leading up to the presentation have the highest risk of dropouts.
"The time to proactively reach out to people."

"The day after the recital/competition ends":
→ Task: "Write a message of appreciation to the students who participated in the presentation – by the end of today."
Content: "The 24 hours following the end of the presentation"
The period when word-of-mouth and social media posts are most likely to occur (the peak-end rule).
"Yesterday was absolutely wonderful!"
I was deeply moved by XX's performance (dance).
Each word ensures a moving experience.
Don't forget to include a thank-you message for the parents."

"When promotion to the next grade or level is decided":
→ Task: "Congratulations to [Name] on your promotion to the next grade - by the end of today"
Content: "A message celebrating growth together."
We convey our expectations and support for the next stage.
This is the perfect time to set the next goal together.
The most natural opportunity"

"6 months, 1 year, and 3 years since joining (previous month)":
→ Task: "○○-san, marking the milestone of continuing for ○ months—expressing gratitude and reflecting on the experience."
Content: "To express gratitude for their continued support."
"When you joined, you said you wanted to play '○○,' right?"
"I can play that song now,"
Let's look back on the story of growth together.
This experience becomes the strongest motivation to continue."

Dashboard Design – Know "which students need attention this week" every morning.

[Dashboard design for music and dance studios]

■ A 1-minute daily review (most important)

"Absence Alert":
List of students who have been absent two or more times in a row
→ You can instantly find out which students you should follow up with today and this week.

"Cancellation Risk Alert":
List of students with a high risk of withdrawal.
→ Students who definitely need individual attention this week

"Students who will be performing or promoted this week":
→ Students who use special encouraging words to boost their motivation

"List of people who have not completed the follow-up process after their trial membership":
Prospective students who have not yet decided to enroll after more than 10 days have passed since their trial lesson.

■ Weekly Review View (Monday, 10 minutes)

"Distribution of emotional temperature":
Number of students in Hot / Warm / Cool / Cold
→ If the number of students with a rating of "Cool" or lower increases, it's a sign that "something is happening throughout the classroom."

"Top 10 Absence Rates This Month"
List of students with the most absences this month
→ Develop a plan to prioritize contacting students who are frequently absent.

■ Monthly Review View (For business owners - 10 minutes at the beginning of the month)

"Trends in retention rates":
Number of cancellations, new registrations, and net increase (net decrease) this month
→ The most important indicator of the overall health of the classroom.

"Conversion rate from trial to membership":
Number of trial participants vs. number of new members this month (calculation of conversion rate)
→ "How many people tried the trial and how many became members" is the evaluation metric for customer acquisition strategies.

"Emotional temperature distribution by course and instructor":
"There are a lot of cool students in this class and in this instructor's class."
Discover this pattern
→ This will lead to improvements in lesson content and class design.

"Distribution of reasons for withdrawal":
Moving / Low motivation / Incompatible schedules /
Economic reasons / Instructor issues / Other
→ Identify what can be changed based on the most common reasons for canceling membership.

"Designing the day after the presentation"—not missing the moment when social media buzz is most likely to be generated.

The "peak experience" in extracurricular activities is the recital. This is the moment when emotions are at their peak, and when the desire to "post it on social media" or "introduce it to friends" is strongest.

[Presentation Event x Social Media Word-of-Mouth Design]

Preparations before the presentation (Emotional intensity x SNS communication skills: Checking out proactive students):
"Do you think this student/parent will post something after the presentation?"
Check beforehand and record it in EMOROCO.
A "photo/video shooting and social media posting OK zone" will be set up on the day of the presentation.

Workflow for the day after the presentation (most important):
The task is to send individual messages to all participating students and their guardians.
It is automatically generated.
The message said, "Your [Name]'s [activity] yesterday was wonderful."
Include one specific observation.
→ This creates an experience that people want to share.

Inducing word-of-mouth marketing after the presentation:
"If you like, please leave a review on social media or Google."
We would be happy if you could post your thoughts.
The name of the classroom is '○○'.
If you add the hashtag #○○classroom
"You can connect with other students."
Send a natural-sounding message via LINE.

Managing relationships with parents – Special design for children's schools

In most cases of music, ballet, and dance classes for children, the decision to withdraw is made by the parents, not the students.

[Designing Parent-Teacher Relationship Management]

Adding a field:
• Parental interest level (multiple choice):
Proactive (enthusiastically supports practice, often seeks advice) /
Good (We provide regular transportation and support) /
Normal (leaving it mostly up to them) /
Passive (not very interested, dissatisfied with the cost)

- Notes (text) on the emotional state of parents:
Example: "The mother is very happy about her daughter's growth."
She said she had watched the recording of the recital many times.
They are sensitive to cost-related matters, so a thorough explanation is necessary when raising prices."

Workflow for parents:
"The day after the presentation":
→ A message of gratitude to parents (thanks for transportation, costume preparation, and practice support).
"When students show growth":
→ "Today, [Name] was able to play [Song/Song] for the first time!"
Send a growth update message.
This is why I'm glad I continued attending this class.
The most powerful experience for building parental confidence

Principles for managing parental emotional temperature:
Regardless of the students' emotional state,
Manage the emotional state of the parents.
"The students are warm, but the parents are cool."
Discrepancies are the biggest risk of withdrawal.

"The formula for retention rates" - Designing a long-term retention structure with EMOROCO

[Three factors that determine the retention rate of extracurricular activities]

Element ①: A sense of growth (Progress)
The feeling of improvement is the biggest motivation for continuing.
Design at EMOROCO:
Regular updates to the "Growth Sensation Field".
When the score is "low" → Special approach task for the assigned instructor.

Element ②: Connection with peers (Community)
"I have friends here," "I like this class."
A sense of belonging to the community supports its continuation.
Design at EMOROCO:
In the "Words that resonated with me / Experiences that motivated me" field...
"I started looking forward to coming to class after I was put in the same class as [Name of classmate]."
Record changes in interpersonal relationships, such as those mentioned above.

Element 3: Expectations for the goal (Purpose)
"Next recital," "Promotion," "I want to be able to play this song."
Do you have a specific goal?
Design at EMOROCO:
The field for "Scheduled date of the next presentation/promotion exam" is
This helps to visualize specific goals.
Use alerts to manage the timing of presentations and promotions.

→ Students who possess all three of these qualities are less likely to quit.
If even one element is missing, the risk of dropout increases.
EMOROCO's emotional temperature, absence alert, and growth perception field are
It functions as a sensor that detects a decline in these three elements at an early stage.

Summary — EMOROCO Design Checklist for Music Schools, Dance Schools, and Cultural Schools

Field design:
□ Is the emotional temperature (hot/warm/cool/cold) set?
□ Is the "Last Attendance Date" field set?
□ Is the growth perception field set?
□ Is the withdrawal risk level field set?
□ Do you have a motivation or target field for starting the course?
□ Is there a field where you can share "words that resonated with you or experiences that motivated you"?
□ Is there a scheduled date for the next presentation/promotion exam?
□ Is there a field that appeals to parents/guardians? (If it's for children)

Workflow design:
□ Will a follow-up task be automatically generated for two consecutive absences?
□ Will an individual contact task be automatically generated for three consecutive absences?
□ Will a shift in emotional temperature towards "cool" generate tasks for instructors?
□ Will follow-up tasks be automatically generated the day after the trial lesson?
□ Will a task to send a thank-you message the day after the presentation be automatically generated?
□ Will review tasks be automatically generated at membership milestones (6 months and 1 year)?

Dashboard design:
□ Can you check the "consecutive absence alert" every morning?
□ Is the list of "High or High Risk of Account Cancellation" displayed?
□ Can the "distribution of emotional temperature" be confirmed on a weekly basis?
□ Can the "conversion rate from trial to membership" be tracked on a monthly basis?
□ Is it possible to check the "distribution of reasons for withdrawal" on a monthly basis?

The retention rate of extracurricular activities doesn't increase simply because "there's a good teacher."

A system that allows us to notice two consecutive absences the next day and warmly contact the student. A system that sends individual messages to all students the day after a recital. A system that provides special consideration in the next lesson when a student's emotional state is low—these "systematic forms of support" cultivate the conviction in students that they want to continue attending this classroom.

With EMOROCO CRM Lite, start designing a system to detect signs of churn today.

Starting from ¥1,500 per user per month. First, set up the emotional temperature field for your assigned students and start by sending follow-up messages to students who are absent this week.
EMOROCO CRM Lite Product Page


Related article: [CRM design to reduce churn rates - Emotional temperature monitoring to prevent customers from leaving without realizing it]

Related article: [How to design customer relationships and social media word-of-mouth marketing for restaurants (individual/single-store) using EMOROCO CRM Lite]

Related article: [How to design pet health management and long-term relationships with pet owners using EMOROCO CRM Lite for veterinary hospitals and pet salons]

 

Person who wrote this article
Shinsuke Matsubara

Arcus Japan Representative Director / CRM Consultant
Click here for detailed profile
He has worked as a system engineer, architect, and consultant at Accenture and other companies, an evangelist at Infragistics (Microsoft MVP for Dynamics CRM (now Microsoft MVP for Business Solutions)), and a solutions specialist at Microsoft (in charge of Dynamics CRM products).He currently leads a service team specializing in CRM, supporting CRM implementation and business launches for companies of all sizes.At the same time, he works as a CRM evangelist, spreading the idea of "true" CRM through events and article contributions.
Having learned CRM at Accenture, and having advocated and globally popularized CRM 2.0 (platform-based CRM) at Microsoft, he is a legitimate successor to CRM and the longest-serving active CRM expert (CRM consultant/CRM doctor), having received an award at Worldwide.
Since then, as a leading expert in CRM who advocates CRM 3.0 (Personalized CRM) and CRM 4.0 (Creative CRM), he has been interviewed and received numerous awards both domestically and internationally from publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, TIME, WORLDCOM, Mainichi Shimbun (Weekly Economist), and Nippon Cultural Broadcasting. He has also been selected as a representative company of the Kansai business community by "Keizaikai" for four consecutive years.
book:Versatylist - How to become a "1 in 1" talent by age 35

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