The Struggles of Music Teachers: Unveiling the Urgency for Change
In the education world, music teachers find themselves facing urgent challenges that are pushing them to the brink. Recent sobering statistics reveal a concerning trend, shedding light on the fact that a significant number of music educators are seriously contemplating leaving the profession.
1. Overwhelmed and Underprepared:
The statistics indicate that a mere 19.8% of music teachers feel moderately well-prepared or very prepared for their job. This suggests a glaring gap in the training and support provided to these educators. Music is a complex art, and teachers require comprehensive preparation to navigate the intricacies of imparting musical knowledge pedagogically effectively.
2. Lack of Recognition and Value:
A staggering 44.7% of music teachers express feeling undervalued, with some stating that they are only perceived as a preparation time for other teachers. This lack of recognition not only undermines the dedication of these educators but also contributes to a demoralizing work environment. Appreciation and acknowledgment are essential elements in fostering a positive and thriving teaching community.
3. Unmanageable Workloads:
The workload of music teachers is revealed in the statistic that 41% of them teach between 301 to 500 students, and some teach as many as 700 students! Such a large number of students per teacher is undoubtedly overwhelming and can compromise the quality of education provided. It also raises questions about the feasibility of creating meaningful connections with each student, hindering the holistic development of aspiring musicians.
4. The Ominous Cloud of Burnout:
The cumulative effect of these challenges is reflected in the alarming statistic that 45.5% of music teachers have contemplated leaving the profession. The specter of burnout (or what some would call compassion fatigue) looms large over these educators, driven by a combination of inadequate preparation, lack of recognition, and unmanageable workloads on top of increased student needs and demands placed on teachers outside of their necessary duties.
The Call for Change:
In the face of these statistics, it is imperative for educational institutions, policymakers, and the community at large to heed the call for change. Investing in comprehensive training programs for music educators, fostering a culture of appreciation, and addressing unmanageable workloads are essential steps in ensuring the sustainability of the music education profession.
While as a society, we must recognize the invaluable role that music teachers play in shaping the next generation of musicians and nurturing a love for the arts, we do not see society taking any actual steps in a positive direction to address these issues, which means that music teachers need to make some potentially tough decisions.
Empowering Music Educators: A Call to Action
As we delve into the challenges music teachers face, it's crucial to recognize the resilience and potential within our dedicated community. While systemic changes are necessary and unlikely, there's also this opportunity for music educators to take charge of their own destinies, especially in a world where immediate societal shifts look to be lacking.
Being self-employed allows music teachers to play to their own strengths, avoid the downsides to public education, and specialize in niche areas, catering to specific interests or skill levels. Whether it's music theory, instrument-specific instruction, community ensembles, or composition, educators can carve out a unique space for themselves, attracting students seeking specialized expertise. This is a large part of what I do through my streamlined method as I work 1-1 with teachers to customize their business and create an exit strategy, much like I did for myself. This is key because it emphasizes the unique approach each teacher brings to their craft.
In our ever-changing world, continuous learning is key. Music educators can enhance their skills and stay relevant by exploring new techniques, staying updated on industry trends, and incorporating innovative teaching methods. Music teachers would also do well to take a business course, particularly one that is updated continually with the changing times and trends (I have a great one I can recommend – ask for more info!). This commitment to growth not only benefits educators but also enriches the learning experience for their students.
The path to freelance success for music teachers is a multifaceted journey that involves personal empowerment, collaboration, specialization, and a commitment to continuous learning while implementing strategies that work for building a business in our 21st century world. By seizing the opportunities offered by the digital era and actively participating in professional development, music educators can not only find fulfillment in their careers but also contribute to the transformation of the music education landscape for generations to come without dealing with the burnout of the system. It's time for music teachers to embrace their potential, both as independent professionals and as catalysts for positive change in the world of education!
Embarking on the self-employed journey is like setting sail in the vast sea of creativity. To navigate the waves, a resilient and growth-oriented mindset is your anchor. Here are some down-to-earth mindset tips for the creative souls embracing the unpredictable path of self-employment (like I did!) -- things I wish I knew sooner!
- Embrace Growth Mindset: Think of setbacks as plot twists in your creative story. Roll with the punches a bit—see challenges not as roadblocks but as detours leading to unexpected inspiration. Let the journey be just as important as the finished masterpiece.
- Sketch Your Goals: Self-employment can get messy, especially for creative people. Jot down clear, achievable goals. Break down your big ideas into actionable steps, infusing variety to keep things lively if that's your thing! Tailor your plan to fit your unique strengths, ensuring that your goals become a playground for your creativity rather than a mundane to-do list that you don't even feel like doing.
- Take Creative Breathers: Creativity thrives in a well-rested mind. Take breaks to recharge and let ideas percolate -- it's great to use a notebook or the notes app on your phone to keep track of these ideas! Balance work and life like a pro—your best work often emerges from a rested and rejuvenated mind. Remember, you can't force creativity; sometimes, stepping away allows it to flow back naturally.
- Bounce Back Like a Champ: Resilience is your secret weapon. Treat setbacks as mere hiccups. Bounce back, adapt, and let each challenge make you stronger. A resilient mindset is your greatest ally in the unpredictable world of self-employment. And if you feel like this is a struggle for you, Big Think transformed my mind around these ideas!
- Learn as You Go: Think of your creative journey as an ongoing workshop. Stay curious, adapt to new trends, and keep learning. The more skills you add to your toolkit, the better equipped you'll be to paint your entrepreneurial canvas. I love that HBR (my business mentor's course) is constantly being updated and added to (which I have access to for life!) so that I can keep learning and growing and adapt to new things happening in the market, social media, and world.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity: Create a vibe that fuels your creativity. Build a network of fellow creatives and mentors who understand the self-employment world (join us music teacher moms over here doing just that if you'd like!). Positivity is contagious—let it be the background music to your creative process.
As a creative in the world of self-employment, simplicity and practicality are your best tools to allow the creativity to thrive while also getting done what's needed to make income. Sketch your goals with flair, adding variety to keep things exciting while tailoring plans to fit your strengths. Roll with the punches, take creative breathers without forcing creativity, bounce back with resilience, learn as you go, and surround yourself with positivity. Your creative journey is a work in progress—make it uniquely yours!
Starting a self-employed music business was the best decision I ever made for myself and my family! I desperately needed out of the 9-5 world. It is very rewarding but also a challenging endeavor that can have implications on mental health, especially when you're running the show on your own or "flying solo." You cannot treat your business the same way you did a 9-5 job.
Here are 5 tips I wish someone had given me before I went freelance, tips to help you be successful with your business and care for yourself mentally at the same time.
- Set Realistic but Big-Reaching Expectations: Acknowledge that starting and running a business is a gradual process, and success may not happen overnight. Set realistic and achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Celebrate small victories and understand that setbacks are a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey, but know that ultimately the sky is the limit! Taking Big Think was a HUGE help for me on this part of the journey, especially when I began doubting myself.
- Establish a Routine: Maintain a balanced routine that includes dedicated time for work, rest, and self-care. Establishing a consistent schedule can help create a sense of stability and predictability, reducing stress and anxiety associated with the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. Creating "must-dos" versus just a "to-do" list can really streamline this process.
- Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or fellow entrepreneurs (this is why I offer Music Leadership Coaching and the Freelance Music Teacher Moms group!). Sharing your challenges and successes with others can provide valuable perspectives and emotional support. Consider joining a business community or networking group locally to connect with like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and encouragement too.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a priority by incorporating activities that promote mental and physical well-being. This may include regular exercise, sufficient sleep, healthy eating habits, and mindfulness practices. The Jumpstart was super key for me in making this simple and attainable rather than overwhelming. Taking care of your physical health can positively impact your mental resilience and ability to navigate the demands of entrepreneurship.
- Learn to Delegate: Recognize that you can't do everything on your own. Delegate tasks that are outside your expertise or that can be handled by others, whether it's hiring employees, outsourcing certain functions, streamlining processes (I love to help people with how to do this!), or seeking support from business partners. This not only reduces your workload but also helps prevent burnout.
Remember that your mental health is crucial for your overall well-being and business success. Taking proactive steps to manage stress, maintain balance, and seek support when needed can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable entrepreneurial journey. I have dealt with some of these myself and can tell you -- starting off on the right foot can make a world of difference when beginning freelance work! And if you find that stress and anxiety are significantly impacting your mental health, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.
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.
When I first started teaching music outside of the public school system, I was so disorganized with how I kept track of student/client contact information and interested leads who hadn't yet signed up for classes but wanted more details sent to them in the future.
I had little slips of paper everywhere... or a page in a random notebook with email and phone contact info, but I misplaced these things frequently and was horrible at following through on sending people the info they'd asked for.
This was a huge part of what was holding me back from being successful -- just staying organized. Until I created a system for keeping track of these important pieces of data in a way that was duplicatable and that I could keep up with.
Win!
Here's my 3-Step System:
1) Collect contact information in a consistent way. Don't do it on paper one time and in a spreadsheet another time and your CRM system (here's what I use as my all-in-one system) a third time and your email contacts a fourth time! Be consistent so that you always know where to find the info you're looking for. Once I stopped changing it up all the time, I didn't spend wasted energy and time looking for someone's contact info.
2) Use tags to organize people's contact info. Chances are, you teach multiple types of classes or lessons. I utilize tags in my CRM to keep track of what people were giving me their contact info for so that I don't waste time or brain space trying to remember what they needed. I can also quickly shoot an email to my whole tagged list for a specific interest that way with just the click of a button. Win!
3) Use landing pages to seamlessly send collect people's contact info and send them the information they were interested in! If I'm participating in a fair of sorts or have a booth at a homeschool convention or somewhere, having a place for people to enter their info in exchange for me sending them the info they requested automatically (without me having to manually enter anything) saves SO much time and ensures that they receive the info they asked for without human error of my forgetfulness or busy-ness.
If you're not familiar with the idea or verbiage of a landing page, here's an example. I have created a list of self-employed music teacher budgeting tips that I wish I'd had when I was just starting out. If you'd like to have it, you can grab it here. The process of entering your info in exchange for the specific list I mentioned is what I'm describing above. If you don't have a way to seamlessly do this with your offerings, I encourage you to find a CRM/landing page/email campaign system that allows you to do this. It saves SO much time and energy on my end and frees me up to do the fun stuff -- making music! Here's what I use for mine if you need a recommendation.
How do you keep track of client/student contact info?
