Learn to Earn More Money and Make a Bigger Difference (scholarship opportunity!)

Sometimes I am jealous of other professions who are slightly more business minded than ours. For example, every year, my husband gets to attend and be a judge for “Startup Weekend” which features creative entrepreneurs getting together to pitch business ideas, brainstorm about how to market their ideas and obtain amazing amounts of energy for making a difference in their community. Along the way, participants get all kinds of ideas of how to polish, improve, and market their ideas, as well as get all kinds of business advice. I’ve often thought that would be a wonderful thing for musicians to do!

So I was elated to learn that such an opportunity is indeed out there for independent music teachers and it’s less than 2 months away! I’m also excited to tell you that one lucky ComposeCreate follower is going to be awarded a $175 scholarship to attend this event! So, read all about it below and then leave a comment to enter this scholarship opportunity! The drawing will occur this Saturday, April 12th. 

How can I Earn More Money and Make a Bigger Difference?

This is the question that The Savvy Musician in ACTION seeks to answer. I asked David Cutler (the author of The Savvy Musician, author of another book coming soon-see below, and one of the organizers of this event) some questions about this great opportunity:

The Savvy Musician in ACTION is quite different from any professional development workshop I’ve seen. Can you tell me about it?

The Savvy Musician in ACTION is an intensive, experiential four-day workshop designed to help musicians generate more income and impact. Participants pitch arts-based business ideas, vote on favorites, form teams, design a business from the ground up, and compete for awards.

Along the way, attendees experience a variety of learning opportunities including games, training sessions, peer-teaching, mentorship, an “expert expo,” field research, prototyping, and more.

This is not the kind of event where a handful of really smart people lecture on their really smart ideas while audience members passively listen but ultimately do little to change their life. Instead, participants learn by doing, getting their hands dirty while working collaborative to solve problems. The experience is interactive, content-rich, pro-active, and inspirational.

What kinds of musicians attend this event?

The more diverse, the better. Musicians often fall into the trap of congregating primarily with those who share our career profile and worldview. While there are benefits to this approach, it also limits the realm of experience, perspective, and possibility.

Part of the overwhelming success of our inaugural 2013 event was the amazing and diverse set of participants. With 57 attendees from 21 states and Canada (aged 20-65), there were performing musicians, music faculty, music students, independent music teachers, arts administrators, and more.

Everybody has something valuable to offer. Folks with lots of experience bring those aptitudes to teams. Novices learn in real time from colleagues and faculty who speak their language. Since every career/business concept presents new challenges and opportunities, diverse teams are the most likely path to discovering innovative solutions.

Why would an independent music teacher choose to participate in The Savvy Musician in ACTION?

This workshop is recommended for independent teachers who could benefit from earning more money while making a bigger difference. Many instructors spend years honing their pedagogy, yet never develop the skills to run a thriving business.

We can help you with this!

A variety of art forms (music, movement, visual art, media arts, drama) are used to teach valuable transferrable lessons. Beyond strengthening career models, this multi-disciplinary approach can be integrated into the instructional approach of teachers, increasing demand, differentiation, and impact of a studio.

Here is a link showing some of the incredible feedback we received from participants last year. It is a truly transformational experience.

I understand that your next book is geared specifically towards independents music teachers. Can you tell me about this title?

The Savvy Music Teacher (SMT), which will be available in about a year, unveils a blueprint for independent music teachers to generate $50,000-100,000 annually while increasing impact. In fact, it argues that these two elements are inextricably linked. If you do it right, both should go up hand in hand.

Other areas of emphasis include personal finance, the journey to financial independence, marketing strategies, logistical issues, staying inspired, and emphasizing learning objectives through curriculum.

Throughout the book, 165 vignettes of actual SMTs are featured, showcasing innovative solutions to a variety of issues. Among the many incredible teachers profiled is a great story about you, Wendy!

What lessons have you learned about Savvy Music Teachers through your research?

First, I was reminded that few people are just a little savvy. Though many individuals see few opportunities in work and life, SMTs seem to find potential in everything.

Second, I saw that savvy develops over time. Few SMTs begin with perfectly refined business or teaching models. Instead, they get bolder and better each year. I learned that anyone can develop these aptitudes by adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, getting educated, and taking action.

Third, savvy is a transferrable skill. Teachers with creative business models are likely to match them with creative teaching approaches, and vice versa. SMTs who generate substantial incomes are more likely to teach improvisation, for example, than those who don’t. That was a fascinating lesson.

Finally, I was inspired by how much incredible education is happening today. SMTs of all stripes do more than teach music well. They truly change the world in positive ways, big and small.

Back to the workshop, what are the details?

• Dates: June 5-8, 2014
• Location: Columbia, SC
• Full tuition: $525 (includes full participation and most meals)
• Early bird tuition: $450 (expires April 15, 2014)
• Lodging: We have lodging available starting at $35 per night. Participants are also welcome to arrange accommodations on their own.
• Website
• For more info: Email them

For any teachers interested in earning more while making a bigger difference, we’d love to have you join our community this summer! Don’t forget that if you think you can go and want to enter the drawing for a $175 scholarship, leave a comment below! The drawing will occur this Saturday, April 12th. 

If you aren’t getting the ComposeCreate email newsletter, you’ll want to sign up now! I always make sure newsletter subscribers get first dibs on these great scholarship offers and other special offers. So be sure you join the community of teachers getting creative ideas delivered straight to your email!

Dr. David Cutler is a pianist, composer, Director of Music Entrepreneurship at the University of South Carolina, and author of The Savvy Musician, which helps musicians build a career, earn a living, and make a difference. This summer, he directs the second Savvy Musician in ACTION professional development workshop.