Can You Actually Build a Music Teaching Business Without Social Media?

Can You Actually Build a Music Teaching Business Without Social Media?
Short answer?
Yes.

Long answer?
Absolutely—but you’ve gotta get strategic.

Let’s be real:

If you’ve ever considered deleting your Instagram account mid-scroll or felt a tiny bit resentful of having to dance, post, or film your life just to get students... you are not alone.

Social media has become the default marketing advice for freelancers, but for a lot of music teachers, it’s actually causing more stress than success.

And here’s the real kicker:
You don’t need to be everywhere online to build a thriving business.
You just need to be in the right places—doing the things that actually move the needle.

Why this myth is so loud in our industry

Most of us were never taught how to build a business.

We were trained to teach.

So when it’s time to “put ourselves out there,” we do what everyone else seems to be doing…
Social media
Hoping someone notices
Spinning our wheels trying to stay “visible”

But visibility without strategy?

It’s just noise.

You’re a teacher, not a TikTok creator. And your dream business shouldn’t depend on an algorithm.

So what does work if I’m not using social media?

Ohhh man, let me show you what I wish someone told me sooner:

✔️ Email marketing (yep!)

It’s the #1 way I connect with potential students, share offers, and serve my audience.

You don’t need a giant list—just the right people and a clear message.

✔️ Local SEO (Google-friendly content)

You’d be amazed how many parents search “voice teacher near me” or “piano lessons for adults in [city].” Are you showing up when they do?
Hint: A simple, clear sales-driven website and a Google Business profile go a long way.

✔️ Local connections + word of mouth

This old-school method? Still undefeated.
Coffee shop flyers, community boards, PTA connections, partnerships with local schools or homeschool co-ops… golden.

✔️ Free value-packed content

Blog posts, PDFs, video trainings—things that position you as the go-to guide.
Not to go “viral,” but to build trust.

And when those resources are paired with a smart CTA to join your email list? Boom. You’ve got a system.

You don’t need more followers—you need more focus.

More clarity.

More connection.

More courage to build your version of a sustainable business.

If social media lights you up? Awesome—use it with intention.

But if it makes you feel behind, anxious, or just plain burnt out?

Let’s release it. No need to run the rat race!

Your business can grow without being online 24/7.

You just need a marketing plan that fits your life, your family, and your energy.

And guess what?
I help music teachers build exactly that kind of business.
Strategic. Sustainable. Soulful.

Ready to find your local edge?

If your dream students are in your city but you’re not sure how to reach them, grab this freebie:
Local Market Analysis Report for Music Teachers

It’ll show you how to spot opportunity gaps, position your business in your community, and grow without posting on every platform.
You're not building just a studio.

You're building a business.

And you get to do it in a way that actually works for your life.

Let’s go!

The Pain You’re Not Talking About as a Music Teacher (But Should Be)

The Pain You’re Not Talking About as a Music Teacher (But Should Be)
If you're a music teacher, you already know: the job is more physically demanding than most people realize.

You’re constantly:
  • Talking (a lot)
  • Demonstrating (over and over again)
  • Conducting, singing, cueing, correcting
  • Trying to maintain posture, presence, and patience
  • …often while clenching your jaw and smiling through the stress
And at the end of the day, when the classroom is finally quiet and your kids are tucked into bed, your jaw hurts.
Maybe your head, too. Or your ears. Or your neck.

Sound familiar?
You're not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone.

Why Music Teachers Are Prone to TMJ Dysfunction

Most of us weren’t taught how to take care of our own bodies as musicians, let alone teachers.
We were trained to push through pain. To keep going. To “just rest it” and hope it’ll be better tomorrow.

But TMJ dysfunction doesn’t just go away with rest.

It’s a whole-body issue that shows up in your jaw—but starts deeper.

And when your job literally depends on your ability to speak, sing, and show up physically, ignoring it just isn’t an option.

My Story (In Case We Haven’t Met Yet)

I’m Andrea—a fellow music teacher, mom, and entrepreneur.

And I’ve been exactly where you are.

I used to think my jaw pain was just part of the job.

I tried the night guard. The stretching. The "just relax your face" advice (gee, thanks).

It wasn’t until I dug into the why behind TMJ pain that things started to shift.

I began to understand the connections between posture, muscle imbalances, stress, and breath—and how to create small, manageable routines that actually helped me heal.

What Helped Me (And What I Created to Help You)

That journey led me to create TMJ Strong, a self-paced, practical course designed specifically for busy women like us.

It’s not full of fluff or gimmicks. It’s clear, evidence-based, and easy to integrate into your already full life.

You’ll learn:
  • What’s really causing your jaw tension
  • Simple changes you can make in just a few minutes a day
  • How to break the cycle of pain so you can keep doing what you love
  • How to build strength and mobility that lasts (without overwhelm)
If you’ve been quietly dealing with jaw pain, I want you to know:

You don’t have to live with it.

And you definitely don’t have to figure it out alone.

You Deserve to Feel Good—In and Out of the Classroom

You’re pouring into your students every day.
Now it’s time to pour into you.
If you’re ready to stop the cycle of pain and start feeling strong, capable, and clear—

Check out TMJ Strong.

It might just be the thing your future self will thank you for.

Why Social Media Followers Aren’t Leads (And What To Do Instead)

Why Social Media Followers Aren’t Leads (And What To Do Instead)
Let me guess.

You’ve been showing up on Instagram. You’re posting about your lessons. You’re even trying those little trending audios where you point at text boxes and lip sync (major kudos if you actually enjoy those 😅).

But despite all the doing... your schedule still has more holes than a practice room on a Friday night.

And the little voice in your head is starting to whisper things like:
“Maybe I’m just not cut out for this…”
“What am I missing?”
“Why is this working for other teachers but not me?”
Friend, it’s not you. It’s the strategy.

The truth they don’t tell you about going freelance

Most classroom music teachers who dream of going freelance have a moment where it all feels possible—freedom, flexibility, and more time with your family.

And then?
Reality hits.

Bills. Doubts. The pressure to “build a brand.”

The fear of giving up a steady paycheck for something that might not work.

So what do we do? We dip a toe in.

We start posting online.

We try to “build an audience.”

We hope the students will come.

But here’s the thing...

❌ Followers are not the same as leads.

You can have 2,000 followers and still no income.

You can have a viral post and still no paid bookings.

Because visibility ≠ viability.

Social media is great for attention & visibility.

But email marketing is where real connection—and real business—happens.

Wait… do I really need email marketing?

If you’re serious about building more than just a lesson studio—
If you’re dreaming of digital offers, group programs, local partnerships, creative freedom and real income—then yes.

Because email isn’t just for big brands or “techy people.”

It’s your direct line to the people who care about what you offer—and are ready to go deeper.

Here’s why it works:
  • It’s personal. You’re showing up in their inbox, not buried in a feed.
  • It’s intentional. You can guide people through a journey—not just hope they happen to see your next post.
  • It converts. Like, way more than social. (Some stats say 6x higher. I believe it.)

So… what should I send?

Don’t overthink it. Start with value.

  • A weekly tip or encouragement
  • A behind-the-scenes story from your teaching or biz-building life
  • Student wins or testimonials
  • Updates on offers, workshops, new resources
  • Sneak peeks & early release offers
  • Free content with a clear CTA (even if that CTA is “come hang out with me!”)
Pro Tip: You don’t need to email daily. Just show up consistently—like a real person, not a brand billboard.

But what if I’m still not getting bites?

Then it’s time to zoom out.

If your emails, posts, or offers aren’t landing, it’s probably not a content problem—it’s a clarity problem.
Who exactly are you trying to help?
What do they actually need?
How do you solve that problem better than anyone else?
When you get super clear on your ideal student (aka dream client), your whole message shifts.

Suddenly, people start saying things like: “It’s like you’re inside my head.”

And that? That's the beginning of real traction.

💡 Inside this blog, I share how I help teachers build that clarity through a custom Ideal Student Blueprint—and what that process can unlock for your business.

Final thoughts from someone who's been there...

You’re not “just” teaching lessons.

You’re building a business.

A business that creates time, income, and freedom.
A business that reflects who you are and how you love to serve.
A business that doesn’t rely on algorithms or burnout to grow.

So stop waiting to “feel ready.”

You’re already equipped!
Now let’s build it—on purpose.

Stop Hiding: Simple Ways to Get Seen in Your Local Area

Stop Hiding: Simple Ways to Get Seen in Your Local Area
If you’ve ever said, “I’m not getting enough inquiries,” or “No one in my area knows I exist,” this post is for you.

Because here’s the truth most freelance music teachers don’t hear:
You don’t need to go viral to grow a successful business.
You just need to show up where your people are already looking.
That’s where local SEO comes in.

So… what is local SEO?

It simply means making sure your business shows up when people search for things like:
  • “Voice teacher near me”
  • “Piano lessons in [your city]”
  • “Violin lessons for beginners [zip code]”
  • “Music classes for kids [town name]”
And spoiler: these people aren’t just browsing. They’re actively looking for what you offer.

They’re warm leads. They’re local.

And if your studio’s not showing up when they search… that’s a missed opportunity.

Why this matters especially for freelance teachers:

If you’re not part of a school, studio, or music academy… you are the business.

That means you have to be easy to find.

The good news? You don’t need a huge budget or a fancy website to get started. Just a few key things can help:
  • A clear, search-friendly homepage or website that actually converts
  • A Google Business profile with current info, photos, and reviews
  • A few blog posts or pages that use phrases people are actually typing into Google
It doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does need to be intentional.

Want help figuring out how you stack up locally?

Grab this custom freebie:
📍 The Local Market Analysis Report for Music Teachers

It’ll walk you through how to check what other teachers in your area are doing, where you might stand out, and how to show up more clearly for your dream students.

You don’t need more posts.

You need to be easier to find by the people who already want what you offer.

Let’s make sure your local visibility reflects the amazing work you’re doing.

What Happens When You Don’t Know Your Ideal Student (And How to Fix It)

What Happens When You Don’t Know Your Ideal Student (And How to Fix It)
Let’s talk about one of the sneakiest reasons your marketing might not be working the way you hoped.

You're showing up online.
You're posting to Instagram or Facebook.
You’re offering lessons, group classes, or courses…
But it feels like no one’s actually listening. (Cue crickets)

Here’s the truth that most music teachers aren’t told:

It’s not always about how often you're posting or which platform you’re on.
It might be that you’re not speaking clearly to the right person.

Why Knowing Your Ideal Student (or Parent!) Changes Everything

When you're not 100% sure who you're trying to reach, your marketing gets… well, kinda meh.
Your posts feel flat.
Your emails feel awkward.
And your audience? Confused.

Here’s what that usually looks like:

  • You're writing content that even you wouldn’t stop to read
  • You’re getting inquiries from people who don’t really fit your vibe (or budget)
  • You feel stuck every time you sit down to make content
  • Your offers don’t sell like you hoped
  • And you’re constantly second-guessing your messaging
Exhausting, right?

But when you do have clarity around your ideal student — or the parent who’s hiring you — everything shifts.
Your message lands.
Your offers click.
The right people start finding you (and saying YES).

Not Sure Who Your Ideal Client Is? Here’s How That Might Show Up:

  • You’re posting regularly… but engagement is low
  • You’re getting questions that don’t match what you actually offer
  • You struggle to explain what you do and who it's for
  • You're getting inquiries from people who aren’t ready, aren’t a fit, or just want a discount
  • You're tweaking your messaging over and over… and still feel like it's off
If that sounds familiar, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong.
You just need a bit of clarity. And I’ve got you. 💛

How to Fix It (Without a 47-Page Worksheet!)

Let’s keep this simple and actually useful. Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Who do I love teaching — and why?

Think about your favorite students (or their parents).
What were they like?
What did they care about?
Why did working with them light you up?

2. What are they struggling with before they find me?

This is GOLD. Maybe they’re overwhelmed by online learning. Maybe their kid’s confidence is tanking. Maybe they want a better option than the after-school chaos.
Speak directly to that moment.
What do you teach/help them with -- specifically? (Don't just say "piano lessons.")

3. What outcome are they hoping for?

Don’t just list features (“8 lessons per month, 30 minutes each”).

Speak to the transformation:

More confidence
A love of music
An xyz philosophy of learning and its results
Better focus
A teacher who gets their child

When You Know Who You’re Talking To, Everything Gets Easier:

✅ Your content flows
✅ Your offers resonate
✅ Your students (and their parents) feel connected before they even hit "inquire"
✅ And best of all—you feel confident sharing your work

No more being everything to everyone.

You’ll start attracting students who are truly a great fit—and who are thrilled to pay for the transformation you provide.

Want Help Defining Your Ideal Student (Without Spinning Your Wheels)?

You don’t need another generic worksheet.

You need a plug-and-play guide that actually makes sense for music teachers building businesses on their terms.

That’s why I created the Ideal Student Blueprint

It’ll help you:
  • Get crystal-clear on who your perfect-fit student (or parent) really is
  • Understand what they’re looking for and how to speak their language
  • Create messaging that clicks—so your website, posts, and emails actually work
  • Build the foundation for marketing that feels focused, not frantic
Whether you’re going full-time freelance or just refining your current offers, this blueprint will help you dial in your message with confidence.


Because clarity isn’t just a nice-to-have.

It’s your first step to building a business that feels aligned, sustainable, and so much lighter.

Why WAVwatch is a Game-Changer for Teachers

Why WAVwatch is a Game-Changer for Teachers
As the school year begins, teachers face numerous challenges that can impact their well-being. WAVwatch, an innovative wearable device, offers a unique solution through sound frequency therapy, helping educators stay healthier and more focused. Here's why WAVwatch is an essential tool for teachers seeking to enhance their well-being and address issues proactively.

Staying Healthy at the Start of the School Year

The beginning of the academic year can be overwhelming for teachers. WAVwatch plays a crucial role in promoting well-being by helping educators reduce stress and anxiety. By utilizing its extensive range of frequencies, teachers can create a calming atmosphere that supports mental clarity and emotional balance. This proactive approach helps teachers tackle challenges before they escalate, ensuring they remain physically and mentally prepared for classroom demands.

Personalized Frequency Benefits for Educators

WAVwatch provides access to over 1,000 frequency options to address specific needs. This customization is particularly beneficial for teachers navigating diverse classroom dynamics while managing their own well-being. Some practical applications include:

  • Morning Energy Boost: Use the "System Boost" frequency before school to increase alertness and productivity.
  • Lunchtime Relaxation: Apply the "Relaxation" frequency during breaks to reset and recharge.
  • After-School Stress Relief: Utilize the "Stress" frequency to unwind after a long day of teaching.
  • Evening Wind-Down: Employ the "Better Sleep" frequency to improve sleep quality and prepare for the next day.

User-Friendly Design for Busy Teachers

WAVwatch's design makes it exceptionally easy to use in a school setting. The built-in speaker transmits frequencies directly through the user's arm, eliminating the need for headphones or additional equipment. Teachers can discreetly benefit from these frequencies while teaching, grading papers, or during planning periods.

Enhancing Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Teachers often face high levels of stress and emotional demands. WAVwatch can help alleviate these pressures by promoting mental clarity and reducing anxiety. Specific uses include:

  • Pre-Meeting Calm: Use the "Mental Clarity" frequency before parent-teacher conferences or staff meetings.
  • Emotional Balance: Apply the "Emotions" frequency when dealing with challenging student behaviors.
  • Focus Enhancement: Utilize the "Improved Focus" setting while creating lesson plans or grading assignments.

Cost-Effective Solution for Educators

WAVwatch offers a one-time payment option without monthly subscriptions or additional fees. This cost-effectiveness is particularly appealing for educators working within tight budgets who seek long-term benefits without ongoing financial commitments. Get $100 off too with code ANDREA100 -- even better deal!

Practical Integration into Teaching Routines

Teachers can seamlessly incorporate WAVwatch into their daily routines:
  • Classroom Management: Use the "Balance" frequency to maintain composure during hectic classroom moments.
  • Professional Development: Apply the "Mental Clarity" setting during workshops or training sessions to enhance learning and retention.
  • Collaborative Planning: Utilize the "Improved Focus" frequency during team meetings to boost productivity and creativity.
  • Self-Care Breaks: Employ the "Relaxation" or "Detox" frequencies during short breaks between classes to rejuvenate quickly.

Supporting Physical Health

Beyond mental and emotional benefits, WAVwatch can also address physical concerns common among teachers:
  • Voice Strain Relief: Use the device's frequencies to support vocal cord recovery after long periods of speaking.
  • Posture Improvement: Apply specific frequencies to alleviate discomfort from prolonged standing or sitting.
  • Immune System Support: Utilize the "System Boost" frequency to help maintain overall health during cold and flu season.
WAVwatch is a powerful personal tool for teachers, offering personalized frequency benefits that enhance well-being and help address issues before they arise. Its user-friendly design, mental health benefits, and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for educators looking to maintain their health and effectiveness throughout the school year. By integrating WAVwatch into their daily routines, teachers can improve their overall well-being, remain resilient in the face of classroom challenges, and create a more positive learning environment for their students.


The Role of Community: Building a Support System for Music Educator Moms

The Role of Community: Building a Support System for Music Educator Moms

The Role of Community: Building a Support System for Music Educator Moms

Being a music educator mom comes with its unique set of challenges. Balancing the demands of a teaching career, nurturing a family, and pursuing personal passions can be overwhelming. Let's explore the indispensable role of community in the life of a music educator mom and how building a strong support system can be a game-changer.

1. Connect with Fellow Music Educator Moms:

Reach out to other music educator moms in your local community or online. Sharing experiences, tips, and challenges with those who understand the intricacies of both music education and motherhood can be immensely comforting. Attend local events, join online forums, and foster connections that go beyond professional networking.

2. Create a Collaborative Learning Environment:

Establish a collaborative learning environment where music educator moms can exchange teaching strategies, resources, and creative ideas. This not only enriches your teaching methods but also creates a space for mutual growth and inspiration and is especially important for freelance teachers!

3. Organize Supportive Playgroups for Children:

Coordinate playgroups or activities where music educator moms can bring their children. This not only provides an opportunity for your kids to interact and play but also allows you to bond with other teacher moms. Building these connections can lead to shared childcare responsibilities, easing the load for everyone involved! 

4. Attend Professional Development Workshops Together:

Explore professional development opportunities tailored for music educators. Attend workshops or conferences together to enhance your teaching skills and stay updated on industry trends. Sharing these experiences with other music educator moms can foster a sense of professional camaraderie while also allowing our shared knowledge and experience to bolster one another. We're better together!

5. Establish a Virtual Support Network:

In today's digital age, geographical distances should not hinder connections. Create a virtual support network through social media groups or messaging apps, or join Freelance Music Teacher Moms already set up! This platform can serve as a quick resource for advice, encouragement, and a virtual shoulder to lean on during challenging times.
Navigating the intersection of music education and motherhood is undoubtedly a complex journey. By actively building a community of like-minded individuals, you not only enrich your professional life but also create a valuable support system that understands and celebrates the unique challenges and triumphs of being a music educator mom. Together, we can combine professional and personal life, creating a space for both support and encouragement.


How to Set Boundaries and Avoid Burnout in Your Freelance Teaching Journey

How to Set Boundaries and Avoid Burnout in Your Freelance Teaching Journey

How to Set Boundaries and Avoid Burnout in Your Freelance Teaching Journey

Embarking on a freelance teaching journey can be an exhilarating yet challenging transition, especially when balancing the demands of a career, motherhood, and attempting time for self-care. If you find yourself in a whirlwind of exhaustion and uncertainty, you're not alone. If you're a music teacher mom who dreams of breaking free from the hamster wheel of a 9-5, pursuing her passion for music, and creating a thriving freelance business, keep reading. Let's delve into practical strategies for setting boundaries and steering clear of burnout in this exciting new chapter that I wish I knew sooner!

1. Define Your Priorities:

Begin by identifying your core priorities. As a mom, your family's well-being is probably at the top of the list. Allocate time for your children, partner, and yourself. Recognize that it's okay to prioritize your needs alongside your professional pursuits, even if some of your professional pursuits do line up at times with something you need to prioritize for yourself. I know I am a much better mom because I work 2 days/week!

2. Establish Clear Work Hours:

Freelancing often blurs the lines between work and personal life. Set specific work hours to create a clear boundary between your professional and family life. Communicate these hours with your clients and stick to them as closely as possible. Dedicate uninterrupted time to your family when you're having family time rather than getting pulled away by work emails or other obligations. Utilizing tech tools like a scheduler have REALLY helped me with this!

3. Delegate and Seek Support:

Recognize that you can't do everything alone! This was a hard one for me at first but has made a world of a difference. Delegate tasks both at home and in your business. Whether it's hiring a virtual assistant, seeking help with household chores, or involving your partner in childcare responsibilities... building a support system for your family and your business to run efficiently and effectively is crucial.

4. Prioritize Self-Care:

Fulfilling your role as a music teacher, mom, and freelancer requires a healthy and energized you. Schedule regular self-care activities, whether it's a short walk, meditation, or indulging in a hobby (my current one is homemade yogurt with this starter and sourdough! Haha) Taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. If you're noticing you're dealing with more fatigue, sleep issues, irritability, or sluggishness than normal, perhaps consider trying out the 11 Day Jumpstart to lower chronic inflammation. It helped me SO much!

5. Set Up Systems for Success:

Freelancing can be unpredictable, but setting realistic and achievable goals as well as creating efficient systems to accomplish those goals is key to maintaining balance. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, allowing you to celebrate victories along the way. If you need help with organization of your personal life and business while still living in the unpredictability of family life and creativity (I found after becoming a mom, I really needed someone to guide me in this aspect), I have an amazing friend named Danelle Fowler who is available for 1-1s to drill down on this with you. You can reserve a time on her schedule here!


Which of these practical strategies for setting boundaries and steering clear of burnout do you think you most need to implement for yourself? Come chat about it in Freelance Music Teacher Moms as we figure out this delicate balance of creative work and family life!

Can I teach music without a degree?

Can I teach music without a degree?
Can I teach music without a degree?

This is a great question! The very short answer is YES.

The long answer requires asking some more questions, such as...

  • Are you referring to having no music degree or to having any undergraduate degree?
  • What setting are you wanting to teach in?
  • What kind of music are you wanting to teach?
  • What time of day are you wanting to teach?
  • What type of students are you wanting to teach?
  • What background knowledge to do already have as credentials?
These are some of the first questions you'd need to answer in order to answer the initial question. For example, I teach a few homeschool choirs (which are bursting at the seams, I almost need to start another one to keep up with the demand!). I have a music education degree, but would not need to have a degree in order to conduct these choirs. I do have some experience and great classroom management techniques as well in order to be successful at managing large groups of elementary through high school age singers in a choral context. So depending on your background knowledge and experience, that may be more important than the degree itself in being able to do the work successfully.

What time of day and type of students are you wanting to teach? If you want to teach private lessons and do that full-time, you will likely need to have evening and weekend availability, something that I myself did not want for my family and work rhythms. I only teach a handful of private lessons for this reason, and currently most of my private students are homeschooled so that they are available during the daytime hours for their lessons.

____________________________________

Hopefully considering a few of these factors helps in answering the question, "Can I teach music without a degree?" for you. If this was valuable and you'd like more guidance in considering these options as you want to start a music business, I offer coaching for those wanting to begin in either a part-time or full-time capacity (my own business is part-time hours but the income is full-time level due to how I've structured it). And we have a support group with resources for those interested which you can find here too!

5 Music Teacher Tools that Will Blow Your Mind

5 Music Teacher Tools that Will Blow Your Mind
Here are 5 tools I use weekly as a Music Teacher that will blow your mind!


1) Hoberman Sphere! A fun toy that I use to work on deep breathing for singing (and works well to have a calm moment with a rowdy class if needed too!). I like to have students takes turns leading the group in how fast or slow we will take those breaths and pick someone breathing silently to go next.

2) A microphone! I like felt ones personally but have also used this sparkly one that my students love as well. Great for turn taking, a talking piece for classes that interrupt one another a lot, or solo moments. I use the Feierabend First Steps in Music with my younger classes, so there are lots of opportunities for solo singing!

3) Claves or another instrument that you can use to keep a steady beat. A great alternative to your voice, a metronome, or clapping! My middle schoolers love playing a game called Pass the Beat Around the Room while I keep the beat with the claves.

4) A new song resource, like this global music resource, for teaching new songs! I have SO many favorites -- should I do a blog post just of those?

5) Pitch Pipe! Very useful for anywhere you don't have a piano, to get a pitch quickly and accurately. My students think it sounds funny, but function over funny is my motto with this one. ;)


There you have it! I have so many toys and tools that I use all the time, should I do another post of more? What tools do you use all the time in your teaching? I'd love to hear!



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Feel like you could use some direction in how to set up classes, how to price classes for your area and market them, or what to teach when? These topics and so much more we cover in 1-1 music leadership coaching! You can learn more about that here.

3 Summertime Income Streams for Music Teachers (That are NOT Teaching Lessons)

3 Summertime Income Streams for Music Teachers (That are NOT Teaching Lessons)
I know, I know...

Every music teacher out there asks, 'How can I make extra income during the summer and/or during the school year?' We don't get paid enough, or maybe we're even bored during the summer not making any music (is this possible?!?). Or we just want to make some extra spending money to do fun things with the kids (raises hand -- I just went strawberry picking with my 8mo and it was a blast!).

But maybe you don't like teaching lessons or you don't want to deal with the schedules around vacations and hassle of that, etc...

So, here are 3 income streams (you can start today!) that are NOT teaching private lessons:

#1 Affiliate Marketing -- you can share about stuff that you like and use (teaching related or not!) with your friends and make income from it. Your friends aren't charged more for it; the companies who use affiliate marketing are spending their marketing budget on this instead of on billboards and ads because it WORKS. I learned how to do it well without feeling salesy from my business mentor, you can check out her course all about it here! And it doesn't take much time, you can work it around naptime or other busy schedules of life.

#2 Baby Music Classes! There are SO many moms out there who are looking for cheap & fun things to do with their littles, especially first time moms (haha, that was/is me!) who are looking to meet people. Find a park and teach a baby music class for moms and their littles! Need help with marketing? Happy to help, I've coached people through this process so they get more turn-out for their classes without having to go through community education and plan WAY in advance or charge a LOT because they have fees. Tip? As long as your parks don't have rules around renting space in the summer, you can just find a local park to teach your class and have a rain date if needed!

#3 Coaching/Consulting -- are you an expert in a certain topic (could be music or otherwise) that you could help people with? Maybe you have a hobby that you'd love to teach people how to do. You can walk them through that step by step with a coaching program (live or evergreen or a combo)! This is just a tiny sliver, tip-of-the-iceberg tip from the massive signature program that is HBR (Home Based Revolution), the multiple income stream course & coaching program by my own business mentor. Check it out here (& reach out for a massive discount code if you're interested!).

Hope these 3 options get your creative juices flowing and get you rolling making some cash for summertime fun (or even more)! I could make $1500 in 4 hrs once I structured things correctly. If you'd like help structuring something like this to fit your needs, check out coaching here.

Considering becoming self-employed but you're a planner and want to look at how budgeting and the money side of things might look? I made a tips list that was stuff I wish I'd known before diving into the self-employed world, things I learned myself work best. Check it out here!

Myths About Teaching Freelance Debunked, Part 1

Myths About Teaching Freelance Debunked, Part 1
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.

 
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