Gmail for music students

Being a musician and a teacher I get emails from both worlds that need immediate responses.I have many contacts that can easily be organized. Labeling and grouping emails helps keep my life efficient. For my private students I use gmail to remind them of assignments, festival requirements and just give encouragement. Having parents CC'd on the emails also keeps them informed of their child's progress or issues.
 I think this will also work in the classroom when I am teaching in the public schools for reminders about concerts, festivals and assignments.