Let me just say it up front:
Yes — I’m a composer.
Yes — I could have written my own podcast intro music.
And no — I didn’t.
But not because I didn’t care.
And not because I ran out of time.
And not because I ran out of time.
I chose not to — on purpose.
In fact, I picked a piece I absolutely adore: the Double Violin Concerto in D minor, 1st movement by J.S. Bach. 🎻
Why? Because I love Bach. I connect with it. It reflects my values — structure and flow, soul and discipline, beauty and order.
And that’s the point of this post.
🎶 I Could Have Composed It… But I Didn’t Need To
When I launched my podcast, I had this voice in the back of my head:
“You should write your own theme music. You’re a composer. It would be the perfect showcase.”
But if I’m being honest — I knew that road.
I knew it would lead to days tweaking melodies, second-guessing tone, wondering if it was “good enough,” and maybe even pushing back the launch while I tried to get it just right.
And that’s not what I needed.
What I needed was:
- To launch.
- To start connecting.
- To teach, to encourage, to serve.
I didn’t need to prove I could write music — I do that in other times and spaces.
I needed to choose wisely where to invest my time and energy.
So instead, I picked music that already lived in my bones. Something that resonated with me on a deeper level and said, “This is who I am,” without me needing to write a single note.
🧠 Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should
Here’s the bigger takeaway:
Whether you’re composing, teaching, or building a new business — there will always be opportunities to do more.
To prove your skill.
To check every box.
To make it all “custom.”
To check every box.
To make it all “custom.”
But what if your next level isn’t about doing more… it’s about choosing what actually matters?
When we stretch ourselves too thin doing all the things just because we can, we end up robbing ourselves of clarity, creativity, and momentum.
✨ What This Looks Like in Your Business
If you’re a freelance music teacher trying to build something sustainable — online lessons, digital courses, a hybrid studio — I want you to hear this loud and clear:
You don’t have to do everything to prove you're talented.
You don’t have to build it all from scratch to make it meaningful.
You don’t have to be the composer, performer, editor, marketer, admin, AND accountant.
You get to be strategic.
You get to use what already exists — and love it deeply.
You get to protect your energy so you can show up fully in the roles that matter most.
TL;DR (Because: real life)
I didn’t write my own podcast intro music.
I chose Bach — because it’s beautiful, it’s meaningful, and I didn’t need to start from scratch.
And in that choice, I gave myself space to launch, not delay.
To move forward, not spin in circles.
I hope this gives you permission to do the same — in your own way, in your own work.
🎯 If Marketing Is the Thing You Know You Need to Hand Off…
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to DIY your way through all of it.
If your to-do list is full of marketing tasks you secretly dread, I’m your person.
Let’s take it off your plate — so you can get back to creating, teaching, and building the life you actually want.
It’s a custom look at how your business is positioned in your local area — so you can stop guessing, start growing, and finally feel clear on where to go next.
You bring the heart. I’ll bring the strategy. 💛
Ever found yourself thinking…
There has got to be a better way to teach music.
If that thought has been circling your brain lately, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken.
You might still love teaching… but the system you’re in?
That’s another story.
If you’ve been daydreaming about setting your own schedule, choosing your students, building your own curriculum—or honestly, just being able to use the bathroom without asking for coverage—freelance teaching might be worth considering.
But is it really the right fit for you?
Let’s talk about it.
Signs freelance teaching might be your next step:
- You’re still passionate about teaching, but totally burned out by the system
- You want more flexibility for your family, your health, your sanity
- You’re craving more creativity, freedom, or income potential
- You’re drawn to the idea of building something that’s yours
Sound familiar?
But let’s be honest—it’s not all sunshine and schedule freedom.
There are fears (normal ones!), some mindset shifts, and a few red flags that might mean it’s not the right time just yet.
And that’s okay, too.
I talk through all of this in Episode 2 of the podcast, Out of the Music Room.
We cover who freelance teaching is perfect for, what fears are totally normal (but don’t have to stop you), and why this path doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.
🎧 Listen to Episode 2 here: Is Freelance Music Teaching Right for You?
Whether you’re ready to leap or just dipping a toe in, this is your safe place to explore the “what if.”
You’re not behind. You’re not crazy.
You’re right on time.
Let me guess...
You’ve been told (or felt that constant nudge) to “be more consistent” online.
“Post every day.”
“Show your face more.”
“Keep showing up — even if no one’s commenting.”
And while consistency can help… here’s the honest truth:
Posting more isn’t the same as posting with purpose.
The biggest myth I see among music teachers running their own studios is this:
“If I just post more, it’ll eventually start working.”
But friend… that strategy leads straight to burnout.
Let’s talk about what actually does work.
What Posting More Really Does (If There’s No Strategy)
If your content isn’t connected to a clear plan, then posting more just leads to:
- Wasted time
- Mental fatigue
- Feeling like social media is a second job
- Zero leads, despite all that effort
I see it all the time with brilliant, hard-working teachers who already have a full (or nearly full) studio… but want to grow with less hustle. Whether that means launching group programs, digital offers, or just bringing in more aligned students—more posts alone won’t get you there.
So... What Does Work?
If you want social media to work for you (instead of feeling like a chore), here’s where to start:
1. Define the Goal of Your Content
Every post should have a job. Are you trying to…
- Build trust with potential students (or their parents)?
- Get clicks to your lesson info page?
- Encourage people to join your email list?
- Kick up your algorithm with engagement?
No more “I haven’t posted today” panic posts. Every piece of content should serve your bigger picture.
2. Focus on Strategy Over Frequency
Posting three thoughtful posts a week will always outperform seven random ones.
You don’t need to chase trends or post daily to get results.
You need to speak clearly to the person you want to help, with content that connects.
You need to speak clearly to the person you want to help, with content that connects.
3. Plug Social Media Into a Bigger System
Social media is just one part of the puzzle—it shouldn’t be your entire marketing plan.
Your content should lead people to:
- Your website
- Your email list
- Your inquiry form or booking page
- A clear onboarding path
That’s how we turn followers into students—and visibility into income.
Real Talk for the Music Teacher Scrollin’ Instagram at 10 PM
You’re not failing at social media.
You’ve just been given the wrong tools.
You’ve just been given the wrong tools.
More posts ≠ more students.
More strategy = more results.
More strategy = more results.
You deserve a marketing plan that works for you—and gives you time back for the life you’re building.
Ready to Make Social Media Actually Work for Your Studio?
This isn’t another fluffy checklist. It’s a practical roadmap that shows you how to simplify your marketing, attract better-fit students, and stop wasting time on content that doesn’t convert.
It’s time to stop guessing—and start growing.
There was a season where I wore exhaustion like a badge of honor.
Teaching back-to-back classes by day. Private lessons after school.
Grading during lunch. Rehearsals at night.
Squeezing lesson planning, laundry, and marketing into whatever spare seconds I could find.
It looked like commitment on the outside.
But inside?
It felt like burnout.
And here’s the wild part: I actually believed that was what success was supposed to look like.
Maybe you’ve believed it too?
The Lie of “Hustle Culture” in Music Ed
We’ve been fed this idea that if we just work harder, say yes to more gigs, pick up extra students, volunteer for one more after-school program… then it’ll all finally click.
But here’s what I’ve learned (the hard way):
🎯 Hustle doesn’t guarantee results.
🎯 Working harder doesn’t always mean working smarter.
🎯 That “dream job” starts to feel like a trap when there’s no margin left for your own life.
🎯 Working harder doesn’t always mean working smarter.
🎯 That “dream job” starts to feel like a trap when there’s no margin left for your own life.
And if you’re exhausted, stretched thin, and quietly resenting the job you once loved… you are not alone.
So… What Does Build a Sustainable Music Biz?
If you’re done with survival mode and ready for something better, here’s what I want you to know:
1. You Don’t Need to Be Busy to Be Impactful
Some of my most profitable and peaceful weeks happened when I taught fewer students—because I had the right ones, in the right model, with the right systems.
When you know what actually moves the needle? You stop wasting time on what doesn’t.
2. Simplicity is Your Superpower
You don’t need 5 social platforms, 17 pricing tiers, or a jam-packed calendar to make this work.
You need one solid offer, one aligned audience, and a system that supports your life.
This is what I help other music teachers build every day—freedom-based teaching businesses that actually feel good to run.
3. Time Freedom Shouldn’t Be a Bonus—It Should Be the Blueprint
You didn’t start dreaming of freelancing so you could be more overwhelmed.
You want:
- Flexibility.
- Family time.
- The ability to nap on a Tuesday if your toddler was up all night. 😅
Let’s build your business with that in mind from the start.
Hustle Isn’t the Goal. Harmony Is.
You can hold high standards and healthy boundaries.
You can build a business you love without burning out.
You can grow your income and your joy at the same time.
If that’s what you want? You’re not lazy.
You’re wise.
And you're exactly who I created my programs, resources, and this community for. 💛
Ready to Build a Music Business That Doesn't Require Burnout?
Start here 👇
✅ Free Quick Start Marketing Guide for Music Teachers
It’s your first step toward building a business that grows—without grinding yourself into the ground.
You're not behind. You're just getting started. And I’m cheering wildly for you. 💛
As a freelance music teacher, you may have encountered various misconceptions about the profession. In this blog post, I will debunk some of the most common myths surrounding freelance music teaching and reveal the truths behind them. Let’s dive in!
Myth #1: You Have to Work Evenings if You're a Freelance Teacher
Truth: This is a prevalent myth that many aspiring music teachers believe. While it’s true that some freelance music teachers choose to work evenings to accommodate students' schedules, it is not a requirement. One of the greatest advantages of being a freelance teacher is the flexibility it offers. You can set your own hours and create a schedule that best suits you and your family.Personally, I have structured my teaching hours to avoid evening work altogether. There are plenty of opportunities to teach during the day, especially with homeschooled students, retirees, or adult learners who have flexible schedules. Remember, as a freelance music teacher, you are in control of your time!
Myth #2: You Can't Make a Living Teaching Freelance Music Unless You Work Crazy Long Hours
Truth: This myth often discourages talented musicians from pursuing a career in teaching. The reality is that you can absolutely make a comfortable living as a freelance music teacher without working excessively long hours.The key is to structure your offerings effectively. By diversifying your services, setting appropriate rates, and managing your time wisely, you can create a sustainable income while working reasonable hours. In my case, I maintain a thriving teaching practice with only 15-20 hours of work per week. Of course, there are exceptions—like concert weeks when everyone in the music world tends to put in extra hours—but that’s part of the excitement!
Myth #3: Freelance Teaching Only Works if Your Spouse Holds the Insurance
Truth: While having a spouse with employer-provided insurance can be beneficial, it is not essential for successful freelance teaching. Many self-employed individuals can secure health coverage through various options. In my family’s case, both my husband and I are self-employed, and we utilize health sharing programs (currently this specific one but we have used others in the past and saved a lot!) as an affordable alternative to traditional insurance. It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of different health coverage options based on your family's specific needs.
Being a freelance music teacher allows you to create a career that fits your life rather than conforming to traditional job structures. By debunking these myths, I hope to encourage more talented musicians to explore the rewarding path of freelance teaching. Join us in the Freelance Music Teachers group on FB and stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll tackle more myths and share additional insights into this fulfilling career!
There are a lot of myths about teaching music freelance that I've heard from my coaching clients and others that I am going to debunk in a new blog series, so here it goes. :)
Myths about Teaching Freelance Debunked, Part 1
#1 If I want to teach freelance, I have to teach private lessons.
Nope! I do teach a couple private lessons (currently I only have 4 private students), but that is not the bulk of what I do. Mostly, I teach choirs (3 different groups) and elementary music classes during the day!
#2 If I want to teach private lessons, I have to give up my evenings and weekends.
Also no! All of the lessons I've taught from my home as a self-employed individual have been during the day. Occasionally I'll offer makeup lessons on a Saturday or an evening, but all of my lessons (at one point I had 13 private lesson students) have been during the day. How do I find students to fit this need? Homeschoolers, retired folks, and online students in other time zones are the three easiest ways, in my experience.
#3 Self-employed people pay double taxes.
While I am no tax expert (so don't take my comments as advice, just my own experience!), I have never paid double in taxes because I am self-employed. There are SO MANY things we can deduct by being self-employed that my taxes are no worse than someone who is an employee, and I have free control of my schedule, work part-time with full-time pay, and don't have nearly the amount unnecessary paperwork or meetings as employed people do. To me, the perks are worth it!
If you'd like more budgeting 101 for self-employed music teacher tips, you can grab that here. I'm all about saving you time where I had to learn the long way through living it. :)
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If this was helpful for you and you'd like to stay tuned for part 2, you can join my free group where we talk about this kind of thing all the time. I post the blogs, informative videos, and discount codes to my coaching & courses here.
