My Small Business Story: Part 2

by | Business Ownership

Rachels-Music-Therapy-Studio-Office-1024x768

Last week, I shared Part 1 of this series, in which I’m giving you the full scoop on how I went from having a full-time day job and a small private practice on the side (headquartered in my car) to now co-owning a thriving business with a facility of our own and a team of 7.

Part 1 was all about the side hustle: getting my name out there, starting a small private practice on the side, and then literally hustling from one client’s home to another every evening after a full day at work.

Part 2 begins in June 2009, when I opened the first version of my home studio. In the full post, I detail the evolution from “side hustle” to “two full-time jobs” — including my thoughts on home-based private practice, preparing to quit my day job, and making changes to become a full-fledged business owner.

You can read parts 1 and 2 of my story, along with key takeaways and action items, over on Listen & Learn Plus, where you’ll also find a vast collection of over 200 songs (mp3, lead sheet, and instrumental track), videos, tutorials, and visual aides, plus ALL new releases from Listen & Learn Music.

Listen & Learn Plus

Shake It, Baby!

by | Listen & Learn Music

Shake It Baby Album Cover

Last week during our music therapy intern’s supervision meeting, we asked her to make a list of songs that could be used with shakers. After she named a few, my business partner Katey and I couldn’t help but chime in with our own favorites. In just minutes, we had a super long list of both original and familiar songs perfect for shaking along.

One of my most frequently used shaker songs is an original that I wrote for one of my music classes a while back. It’s one of those easily adaptable, learn-in-5-minutes, back pocket tunes that works in a variety of settings.

This song also happens to be super popular amongst the 2-year-old crowd; my son and his friends are big fans and request it frequently. Parker now wants to sing every song “fast, slow, up high, and down low” and I think this song might be the reason why ;)

What shaker songs top YOUR list of favorites? If you need more shakin’ inspiration, consider joining Listen & Learn Plus! Members have instant access to tons of instrument songs right inside the Dropbox folder I share with them.

Learn more about Listen & Learn Plus

{Guitars & Granola Bars} Episode 37

by | Guitars & Granola Bars

GGB Episode 37: Megan Resig

I have to be honest with you: I can’t help but become a total fangirl when it comes to this week’s podcast guest. Megan Resig is one of my music therapy business owner heroes, and she’ll be yours too after you listen to her interview.

Megan was kind enough to share lots of insight when it comes to working with partners and managing a not-so-small business; both are topics in which I have a vested interest. I could have picked her brain for hours!

Megan talks about opening up a 6,000 square-foot facility with 12 employees while her daughter was just an infant, the role her husband played in helping make that possible, and how she’s setting an example for her daughter by doing work she loves in Episode 37 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast.

Be sure to check out the show notes page for more information about Megan, along with links to the resources she mentions in the episode.

This episode is sponsored by Music Teacher’s Helper, which is software for music teachers and therapists that helps manage your private music lesson studio and/or music therapy practice. I’ve used Music Teacher’s Helper every single day since 2011, and it is one of the best tools I have to keep my private practice running smoothly.

Sign up here for a 30-day no risk trial. If you choose to sign up after the trial using my link, you’ll save 20% off your first month!

iTunesClick here to subscribe on iTunes, or search “Guitars & Granola Bars” in the podcast app on your Apple device.

Subscribe on StitcherClick here to listen and subscribe on Stitcher, or download and search the app on your mobile device.

My Small Business Story: Part 1

by | Business Ownership

Music Therapy Business Owner in Springfield, IL

This week I was honored to be featured in the Springfield Business Journal, which was not only a great opportunity for my business but also a music therapy advocacy win. Even though I’ve been practicing here for 8+ years, I still find myself explaining my profession on a daily basis.

Reading the article and then later in the day having a conversation with a fellow music therapy business owner inspired me to dive deeper into my small business story, especially for new professionals who have aspirations of going into private practice.

I know that I personally LOVE hearing other peoples’ stories (a big reason I host a podcast where I get to do just that!), and I’ve learned a lot about business ownership thanks to colleagues who have been willing to share.

So over the next four weeks, I’ll be giving the full scoop on how I went from having a full-time day job and a small private practice on the side (headquartered in my car) to now co-owning a thriving business with a facility of our own and a team of 7.

You can read my story, along with key takeaways and action items, over on Listen & Learn Plus, where you’ll also find a vast collection of over 200 songs (mp3, lead sheet, and instrumental track), videos, tutorials, and visual aides, plus ALL new releases from Listen & Learn Music.

Listen & Learn Plus

{Guitars & Granola Bars} Episode 36

by | Guitars & Granola Bars

GGB Episode 36: Maggie MacArthur

I thought I had a lot going on during my pregnancy…until I interviewed this week’s podcast guest. Maggie MacArthur is an impressive lady, and quite the trooper for working 3 jobs (one of which was serving tables) while pregnant.

Luckily, Maggie’s professional life looks drastically different following the birth of her son Keegan, as you’ll hear in this episode.

Maggie talks about the many plates she was spinning during her pregnancy, her realization that she wasn’t meant to be a stay-at-home mom, and how her son’s orthopedic condition has helped her better relate to her clients’ families in Episode 36 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast.

Be sure to check out the show notes page for more information about Maggie, along with links to the resources she mentions in the episode.

This episode is sponsored by Music Teacher’s Helper, which is software for music teachers and therapists that helps manage your private music lesson studio and/or music therapy practice. I’ve used Music Teacher’s Helper every single day since 2011, and it is one of the best tools I have to keep my private practice running smoothly.

Sign up here for a 30-day no risk trial. If you choose to sign up after the trial using my link, you’ll save 20% off your first month!

iTunesClick here to subscribe on iTunes, or search “Guitars & Granola Bars” in the podcast app on your Apple device.
Subscribe on Stitcher
Click here to listen and subscribe on Stitcher, or download and search the app on your mobile device.