Forte Music Lessons: Meet The Founders Mark Murtagh and Hunter McGranahan
As music teachers, we’re always looking for ways to improve our online lessons and connect with more students. One platform that's been gaining a lot of attention lately is Forte—a video calling tool created specifically for music educators. I recently had the chance to chat with the founders of Forte, Mark Murtagh and Hunter McGranahan, about how their platform is helping music teachers streamline their lessons and grow their studios.
I’m excited to share the highlights of our conversation and show you how Forte can transform the way you teach online. Whether you're battling tech issues or looking to reach more students, Forte might just be the solution you've been searching for. Let’s dive in!
How Forte Began: Solving Problems for Music Teachers
Mark and Hunter started Forte because they noticed a big gap in the tools available for online music lessons—especially during the pandemic. Zoom, while great for meetings, just wasn’t cutting it for music lessons.
Mark shared, “We saw that music teachers were really struggling with online lessons during the pandemic. They couldn’t hear their students properly, and it just wasn’t designed for music education.”
That’s when they decided to build Forte, a platform specifically designed for music teachers. What began as a solution to technical challenges quickly evolved into something much bigger—a mission to make high-quality music education accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.
Hunter added, “We wanted to create a platform that not only solves tech problems but also opens up more opportunities for teachers to connect with students all over the world.”
Expanding Access to Music Education
One of the things that really impressed me was Forte’s vision to make music education more accessible. They don’t just want to fix tech problems—they want to connect teachers and students across the globe.
Mark shared an inspiring story about a violin teacher from Singapore who had a student in Nairobi. When the pandemic hit, they transitioned to online lessons and continued working together, even though they were halfway across the world.
“That’s what gets us excited,” Mark said. “The ability to help teachers and students stay connected, no matter where they are.”
As someone who’s been teaching online for years, I know how powerful it is to keep those relationships going with students, even if life circumstances change. Forte makes it easier than ever.
What Makes Forte Stand Out?
You might be wondering, what sets Forte apart from platforms like Zoom or FaceTime? The answer is simple: Forte was designed for music teachers.
One of the standout features is the option to have two camera angles. This is particularly useful for piano teachers who need to show both their face and hands on the keys. But guitar teachers love this feature too—it’s perfect for demonstrating hand placement on the fretboard.
Hunter shared, “We built it for piano teachers, but guitar teachers started using it to show fretboard hand positioning. That’s been a pleasant surprise!”
Another game-changing feature is the high-quality audio. Unlike Zoom, where the sound can cut out when students play, Forte allows both the teacher and student to hear each other clearly, even while playing music.
Mark added, “We heard from so many teachers that they were losing their voices trying to shout over Zoom. With Forte, they don’t have that problem anymore.”
Plus, you can easily record lessons, allowing students to rewatch and practice throughout the week. It’s all about making the teaching experience smoother and more effective.
The Future of Forte: Big Plans Ahead
Mark and Hunter shared some exciting future plans for Forte. They’re not just stopping at being a top-notch video platform—they want Forte to be a one-stop shop for music teachers.
Mark explained that soon, teachers will be able to list their profiles publicly on Forte, making it easier for students worldwide to find them. This means you can expand your reach and grow your studio with students from anywhere!
They’re also working on offering discounted gear bundles—like headphones and microphones—and providing professional development resources to support teachers.
“We see Forte as more than just a video tool,” Hunter said. “We want it to be a place where teachers can get everything they need to run a successful music studio.”
How Forte Can Help You Attract More Private Students
One of the most exciting things I learned is how Forte can help you grow your student base. Soon, they’ll introduce a feature where teachers can publicly list their profiles, making it easy for students from all over the world to discover your studio.
For now, Forte is already helping teachers stand out with its higher-quality lesson experience. When students and parents see the difference in your lessons, they’re more likely to spread the word and refer you to others—leading to more inquiries and new students!
“The better your lesson experience, the more likely you are to attract new students,” I reminded listeners during the podcast. “And Forte really helps you deliver that.”
Real Stories from Teachers Who Love Forte
During our chat, Mark and Hunter shared some great stories from teachers who have had success using Forte. One that stood out was a piano and flute teacher in California who had been struggling with Zoom. She had to shout over her students’ playing, which strained her vocal cords. After switching to Forte, she didn’t have to shout anymore, and it saved her voice—and her teaching!
“Her vocal therapist even told her to use one of those old hotel bells to get her students’ attention!” Mark laughed. “Now with Forte, she doesn’t need that bell anymore.”
These kinds of stories really show how Forte is making a difference for music teachers everywhere.
Ready to Try Forte?
If you’re ready to upgrade your online teaching and attract more students, it’s time to give Forte a try. The platform is free to use, designed specifically for music teachers, and with their free tech upgrade offer this month, now is the perfect time to see how Forte can transform your studio.
Head over to fortelessons.com to create your free profile. You’ll get a personalized link to share with your students, and after just three lessons, you’ll qualify for that awesome tech upgrade!
Forte is changing the way music teachers run their online studios, helping you offer better lessons and connect with more students. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to try it for free and take your studio to the next level. Happy teaching!