On Music Teaching, Second Jobs, Balance and Diversifying

One question that occasionally comes up in a social or business networking setting is "Can you make a living teaching music?" After 12 years of self-employment, this has been a question I have been grappling with this year.

My answer: it depends. For music teacher Kristin Yost in the US, the answer is a resounding YES! She's the author of "How I Made $100,000 My First Year as a Piano Teacher". She has several factors in her favour off the bat though - she teaches in a highly affluent city in a highly affluent state. Combined with her sound business sense and voilà! A viable music studio.

However, what I am realizing, is that for many of my colleagues - myself included - the answer is NO. Secondary, even tertiary streams of supplementary income are needed to make it work.

"Why not," you ask? Private music teachers face limitations in terms of when they can teach. Most students come after school. Depending upon the business licensing by-laws in your area, they may be limited to only teaching part-time, which is hardly sustainable.

Music teachers also face limitations in terms of how much they can teach. Teaching is a wonderful, rewarding and exciting calling. However, it requires a lot of mental and emotional energy.

One colleague said, "By the time we calculate expenses and unpaid time for lesson prep, studio management, and all the extras we do for our students, we really teach for minimum wage." She went on to say, "Teaching piano is a wonderful career if you aren't the primary wage-earner in your family, but if you get sick, you can't teach and if you can't teach, you can't pay the bills."

Ivea Mark of said, "Piano teachers do it for the love of music and teaching and many struggle to make ends meet if they are the sole income earners."

At an event last month, I asked some of my colleagues how their year has been going. Like me, they are running under capacity this year. It's just the way the economy is.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I asked some of my colleagues in the Alberta Piano Teachers' Association what they found as far as teaching and getting a second job. This is a summary of my findings:

1. Many who only teach piano have a spouse who works full-time (not self-employed).

2. Several (like me) have picked up a summer job to pay the bills during the slow teaching months.

3. More teachers than I expected work full-time elsewhere and piano teaching IS their second job.

4. Some of those who mainly teach music have diversified their music services. Some of the things they have done to earn extra money include teaching other subjects, adjudicating, running workshops, performing at every gig they can get, accompanying and so on.

These are some of the jobs that some of my teaching colleagues have picked up to earn extra money:

• Support staff at their local school

• Barista at a local cafe

• Concession staff at the Calgary Stampede

• School teacher

• Administrative staff

• Childcare provider

To these colleagues, they feel that they have achieved a healthy balance. They like the variety of not doing only music.

One, who now is a school teacher full-time and a piano teacher part-time shared this: "Way back when I used to teach piano only, I found it a bit lonely just being at home all the time, and just a 1-on-1 teaching situation, so I decided to recycle my education again to be able to teach in a school classroom setting. No regrets, but having the school teaching job now makes me appreciate my piano teaching even more than ever."

Evangeline Mably has worked at a local cafe. "If you can find one in your area, you might even run into your students," she said. "My students were so excited when they saw me "at work." LOL."

I started walking the path towards diversification when I stopped office temping and spent more time on my freelance writing at Suite101.com and set up a store on Zazzle. However, I learned that online writing is just as volatile as teaching music. I don't want to give up writing, so now I'm just looking at other things to add.

Like my colleagues, I do not want to give up teaching. However, a more balanced and stable lifestyle is what is needed. A balanced mix of teaching, my passive income streams and something that will bring in some extra money now. Time to start checking out the job search sites and tweaking my non-music resume.

Post Script

This topic continues to bring up some thoughtful discussion on the APTA discussion boards. Collen Lindenbach of Music and Play, argues that yes, you can make a living teaching music full-time. Like Kristin Yost, she teaches in commercial space and has several teachers working with her (she is hiring, by the way).

They offer a variety of private and group classes, such as Music for Young Children. Colleen stresses the importance of doing your demographic research, especially ages and finances in your area.

One common thread regarding those who teach music on a part-time basis. They unanimously say that their reduced teaching load enables them to offer a higher level of instruction. They have also noticed less teacher burnout.

Special thanks to my colleagues for sharing their thoughts and experiences on self-employment and how to earn extra money.

On Student Music Reports

To give my students and I a break from music rudiments, I assign them music reports. They are a great way to give students a deeper understanding of the music they are working on and to let them explore areas of special interest. I used to just ask them to research the composers of the pieces they are working on. Now, I've been getting a bit more creative.

Below are some of the topics my students have been researching:

• the story behind a song that they like (this was particularly fun with Christmas songs)

• information about the style or form of the music they are studying

• composer reports

• album reviews

• concert reviews

• performer reports

• music instrument profiles

Some have created some lovely poster boards.

My latest twist has been to tie music to another activity. For instance, two of my students study Aikido. Last week, I asked them to research five points about the samurai Musashi and his concept of rhythm-timing. Another is plays competitive soccer. She's going to research some information about some of the World Cup songs.

I've got a few more ideas up my sleeve. I am thinking of asking them to research music careers, music genres and local musicians.

The Piano Guys Just Want to Have Fun

A fun post for today. With almost 700,000 views on their Youtube Channel, The Piano Guys are a bona fide Internet sensation.

Check out their new interview on their YT Channel about how they got started, how they have inspired each other and in turn, the rest of us, to just have fun with music. They each talk a bit about how music has impacted their lives.

By far, Cello Wars remains a favourite among my students:

Check out The Piano Guys' first album on Amazon:

Want more Piano Guys? Visit their website.

Wholesome Dog Treat Recipe

Granola, dried berries and yogurt form the core of Maestro's Fun Bits. This wholesome snack will have dogs on the go craving for more. Maestro's Fun Bits can be prepared in a food dehydrator or a conventional oven. This healthy treat for dogs and people is perfect for day trips and hikes.

Ingredients for Maestro's Fun Bits

2 cups of organic granola-type cereal (naturally sweetened or unsweetened)

1/2 cup of dried cranberries

1/2 cup of plain yogurt

2 tsp. Vanilla extract

2 tbsp. Maple syrup

Tools and Equipment

• Medium mixing bowl

• Measuring cup

• Measuring spoons

• Rubber spatula

• Food dehydrator

• Airtight food storage container

Preparing Maestro's Fun Bits

1. Thoroughly mix together all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Once all moist ingredients are evenly mixed in with the dry ingredients, spoon out dollops onto food dehydrator trays.

3. Dry at 145 degrees F until crunchy, checking at regular intervals. A rough approximate drying time is 5 hours in high altitude. However, individual drying times will vary depending upon altitude and the food dehydrator.

4. Remove Maestro's Fun Bits from the food dehydrator, place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry. When stored properly, homemade pet treats will keep for up to 30 days.

Alternatively, a conventional oven can be used to make this wholesome canine treat. According to Living Strong, it is recommended to "Set your oven's temperature control between 140 and 200 degrees F" to dehydrate food in a conventional oven.

More please!

Tips and Variations

Over-drying food is to be avoided. According to food dehydrator manufacturer Nesco, “Over-dried foods lose quality in texture, nutrition, and taste." To check for dryness, remove a piece of food and let it cool. Then test the degree of dryness with your fingers.

Dog owners can try any of these variations to Maestro's Fun Bits:

• Use puffed wheat or puffed rice instead of granola.

• Use another type of berry, such as raspberries, blueberries or strawberries.

• Add another type of fruit, such as chopped apples.

• Try apple or orange juice instead of maple syrup as a sweetener.

Finally, there are several things that dog owners should keep in mind when making dog food and homemade dog treats:

1. Make gradual dietary changes to avoid indigestion, stomach upset and diarrhea.

2. Owners should observe their dog carefully in case of an allergic reaction.

3. Variety ensures that a dog's nutritional needs are balanced.

Originally published on Suite101.com on September 17, 2011. All rights are reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Album Review - My Road - Songs from Guin Saga

When it was first announced that Satelight would be animating Guin Saga, the fantasy novel series by the late Kaoru Kurimoto, anime discussion forums on sites such as Animesuki and the Final Fantasy Shrine buzzed with excitement over two names involved with the project: director Atsushi Wakabayashi (Ghost in the Shell, Naruto) and composer Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger). After the first episode of Guin Saga aired, otaku were singing the praises of Kanon's This is My Road, comparing her voice to Enya and Sarah Brightman.

My Road - Songs from Guin SagaAlbum Details

• Artist: Kanon

• Supervisor: Nobuo Uematsu

• Recording Producers: Masa Sakuma & Kensuke Matsushita

• Label: Sony Music Japan International Inc.

• Released: August 26, 2009

My Road - Songs from Guin Saga Tracks

Kanon's affinity for classical music is evident in the opening chords of This is My Road. The opening sounds rather similar to George Fredrick Handel's haunting Sarabande & Variations in d minor. This is hardly surprising considering that Handel is one of her favourite composers

Kanon incorporates some Gregorian Chant ("Benedictus") to her musical quote of Handel before launching into the bridge by the piano. The drums and strings swell gently, leading up to Kanon's sweeping melodic line of the main theme.

Marius' Song is a haunting track with a Medieval/early Renaissance flavor. The juxtaposition of the lute against gentle modern percussion, choir and strings may seem strange; but it works. The weaving vocal lines near the end are stunning. Throughout, Kanon's tone remains clear and pure.

Track 3 is a music box instrumental version of This is My Road.

Where-er you go - Cavalleria Rusticana, shows off Kanon's classical training. The form is very much like a operatic aria. The song showcases Kanon's wide vocal range. The tempo is slow, testing her breath control.

Moonlight (or "Unfulfilled Wish - Moonlight) opens with a melancholic melody sung by Kanon, underscored by soft chords in the organ. Then it switches to a contemporary ballad with acoustic piano (performed by Kanon herself) and electronica accompaniment. The piano bridge and comping nod to jazz harmonies and comping style.

The sixth track is an instrumental music box version of Where-er you go - Cavalleria Rusticana.

Rounding out the CD is an English version of This is My Road.

My Road - Songs from Guin Saga

Kanon

Kanon - A Classical Contemporary Artist Making Waves in Japan's New Age Music Scene

Kanon was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1980. Her musical studies took her abroad, which greatly influence her compositional style and musical tastes. She made her debut in 2002, shortly after graduating from the College of Music in Queensland, Australia. In her 2004 album release, Hymn of Grace, Kanon's compositions were featured for the first time.

In 2004, Sony Music Japan International signed her onto the Sony Music label. In 2006, Kanon was asked to perform at the FIFA World Cup Germany-Asia event and Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale 2007 (MIDEM) as Japan's elite musical ambassador.

Kanon caught the attention of gamers with her music in the Tales of Legendia series.

With her Western influenced music, Kanon is considered a New Age artist in Japan although she staunchly defines style as "classical contemporary".

About Guin Saga

The anime adaptation ofGuin Saga focuses on Rinda and Remus, the "twin pearls" of the kingdom of Parros. Their parents, the king and queen, were slain when the Mongaul army invaded their country. The twins escape via an ancient device and are tranported into enemy territory. They meet Guin, a man with superhuman strength and amnesia. Guin wears a leopard mask that cannot be removed. Guin, Rinda and Remus meet allies and fight Monguls in their journey to Parros and their quest to recover Guin's memories.

A Beautiful Voice But Album Lacks Variety

My Road - Songs from Guin Saga contains beautiful, lilting and haunting melodies that showcase Kanon's angelic tone and technique. However, the songs all sound similar in style, melodies, form and tempo.

For more information about Kanon, visit the Channel-Ai Community Blog and Kanon's Official Website.

Originally published December 21, 2009 on Suite101.com . All rights are reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.