CantoBase vs Fons
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CantoBase is the right choice when you want the whole studio in one tool: cancellation auto-enforcement, signed-link parent portal, practice assignments with Web Push, and per-session billing. Fons is the right choice if you mostly need scheduling + payments handled cleanly, you're already in the MTNA discount loop (Fons offers 50% off for 3 months to MTNA members), and you're comfortable layering other tools on top for the assignment/practice/parent side. Fons is owned by MakeMusic, the same parent as My Music Staff, and is more focused on automating the billing layer than running the studio.
Choose CantoBase if
- You want assignments + practice + portal in the same tool.
- You want cancellation policy auto-enforcement.
- You teach solo or small studio (1-3 teachers).
- You want per-session billing flexibility.
- You want signed-link parent UX (no account).
Choose Fons if
- You're an MTNA member and the 50%/3mo discount matters.
- You only need scheduling and payments.
- You're already using separate tools for assignments.
- You prefer MakeMusic's brand legacy.
How do CantoBase and Fons compare feature-by-feature?
| Feature | CantoBase | Fons |
|---|---|---|
| Parent portal | Yes Signed-link, no account. | Partial Family invoice access; no practice portal. |
| Make-up + cancellation policy auto-enforcement | Yes Late cancel triggers the charge automatically. Make-up requests honor your rules. | No |
| Web Push practice notifications | Yes Native browser push, no carrier cost, rich media. | No Email-based notifications. |
| Practice assignments + parent-visible log | Yes | No |
| Automated billing (Stripe-powered) | Yes | Yes Strong automation-first focus. |
| Per-session billing | Yes | Yes |
| Stripe Connect direct payout | Yes Teacher owns the Stripe account. No marketplace skim. | Partial Stripe integrated; payout model less direct. |
| Group lessons | No Private-lesson first. | Yes |
| MTNA partnership discount | No Not yet. Outreach in progress. | Yes 50% off for first 3 months for MTNA members. |
| Owner / parent company | Independent. | MakeMusic (same as My Music Staff). |
| 30-day free trial, no credit card | Yes | Yes 30-day trial. |
How does pricing compare?
| Tier | CantoBase | Fons |
|---|---|---|
| Free trial | 30 days, no CC | 30 days |
| Solo | $15/mo, up to 30 students | $25/mo flat |
| MTNA discount | Not yet available | 50% off for 3 months |
| Multi-teacher | $29/mo, unlimited students (+$5/seat for extra teachers) | $25/mo + per-teacher add |
See full CantoBase pricing. Fons pricing verified from fonsapp.com as of May 20, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, CantoBase or Fons?
CantoBase Starter is $15/mo (up to 30 students) vs Fons at $25/mo. CantoBase Studio is $29/mo for unlimited students. CantoBase is cheaper at every tier unless you take the Fons MTNA 50%/3mo discount, in which case Fons is $12.50/mo for the first 3 months only.
Does Fons have a parent portal?
Fons has family-facing invoice access but doesn't have a practice portal in the CantoBase sense: parents can pay, but they can't see what was assigned this week or log practice time. CantoBase's parent portal is the wedge here.
Does Fons enforce cancellation policy automatically?
No. Fons tracks make-ups but doesn't auto-charge late cancels or auto-gate make-up requests against your rules. That's the CantoBase wedge: rules in the system, rules enforced by the system.
Is Fons better because it's owned by MakeMusic?
That's a brand-trust argument, not a feature argument. MakeMusic owns both Fons and My Music Staff. CantoBase is independent, built specifically for solo and small studios, and ships features faster than either MakeMusic product.
Can I get MTNA discount on CantoBase?
Not yet. CantoBase is in outreach to MTNA national + state chapters; expect this in the next 90 days. Fons currently has a confirmed 50%/3mo offer for MTNA members; that's a real edge for the first quarter.
Can I migrate from Fons to CantoBase?
Yes. Export students + contacts from Fons as CSV, import into CantoBase. Stripe Connect setup is direct in CantoBase (you own the Stripe account); reconnect on the new side and start receiving payments.
Try CantoBase for 30 days
No credit card. Full access. If it's not the right fit, walk away with your data.
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