After finishing grad school in my late-20s, I worked as an adjunct and independent contractor at local music stores. My income had one thing that was consistent: it’s inconsistency. I felt frustrated being unable to do things that I thought would be easy: car repairs, vacations, retirement, and student loans.

I knew that something had to change, and that’s when I realized I was being called to “go solo.”

And as a soprano, ya know… I was ALL about that. 😉 

Starting my own studio was a big decision. It meant letting go of jobs that I’d had for years and walking away from 8 years of graduate school training and adjunct teaching. My parents and in-laws thought I was nuts, but I did it anyway.

I opened my studio and started spreading the news that I was there.

One of the biggest lessons I learned early on was that comparison is the thief of joy. My stomach used to get tied in knots when I thought about the well-established teachers in my area, or when I’d discover someone else’s tuition rate was higher (or lower) than mine.

BUT… when I finally started leaning into what made me unique as a teacher and a studio, I began to enjoy running my own business.

And I started getting a lot more clients.

Fast forward a dozen years, five-hundred music blog posts, ten online courses, and a grand piano later… and I found myself teaching other teachers how to build their own unique studios.

The reason I do my work today is because I believe what we offer as piano teachers, voice teachers, and ukulele teachers is not only important, but exceptionally valuable in today’s world. And the most powerful way I can help bring music into the lives of others is by helping music teaching experts to become the best dang business owners they can be.

Maybe you’re not walking away from a job to start a studio, but somewhere deep inside you know that you’re ready to make a larger impact in your community, and you’re ready to feel valued as an music expert and a business owner.

Business shifts, big or small, require brave and strategic moves, and those shifts can feel scary.

We’ll make excuses that “this isn’t the right moment,” or “maybe next year.” But really? There is no perfect moment and next year might not be any different… unless you make the decision to make a difference.

And when you do? You’ll be amazed at what can happen.