Many people ask about starting a business, in particular, how to teach music. In January, I met a girl who was building her business and I thought we’d cheer each other on as buddies, because my first rule to excelling in some area is finding a friend in the same space. I shared my favourite tools and strategies with her. “Friends share their best stuff,” I thought. But every time…read more
A buddy of mine is a Master at meditation. I’ve never seen her do it, but I sensed dedication when she said, at the end of our design coaching session: “I got more than I expected from you, but I wish we met somewhere suitable for meditation.” When it comes to making important decisions, we all have ways to get in touch with our inner selves. Maybe it’s sprinting…read more
There’s the idea that musicians– and creative people– are solitary creatures. We practice alone, perform alone, win alone. But really, the best thing musicians can do for themselves is build a strong team of support. You are the average of the five people around you. I suspect that if my friends in high school were more interested in music competition, then I would’ve studied less…read more
A good website is powerful– it can attract students, 24/7. Working with design clients, this question always catches me off-guard: How did you learn all this… design? “I learned it myself,” I say. But I didn’t describe the thousands of hours sketching and nudging graphics and training my eye for design. Since many Artiden readers are music teachers, here are 3 non-sketchy ways to gain students using your website.…read more
It might sound counter-intuitive, but I encourage people to practice less and then stop practicing— because it helps. Maybe you’ve tried and gradually faded off practicing your music. Family, friends, things get in the way. I spent 8 hours practicing the way to park a car perfectly (yes, you read that right– I don’t have a license yet), and fully realized something that many people, including…read more
We should find ways to colour our lives in positive tones. You probably remember a friend who cannot stop whining about their “sucky” situation; don’t get me wrong– I catch myself whining once in a while– but it won’t do to get carried away. If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts or spreading negative messages, don’t forget to take a deep pause. Is this negativity…read more
Have you ever wanted to play great piece of music, but don’t seem to be able to start? Wanted to apply for a job but keep hesitating? Had a project that was too tedious to finish? Or even new equipment for your music studio that you’ve wanted to order? What happened afterwards? Sometimes, it’s insanely hard to do the best things in life, because we get the…read more
If you’re like me, then you have a mile-long to-do list. All the time. Though sometimes I am scolding myself for trying to shorten it given that this list is basically my life laid out. In any case, to-do lists can get stressful. Here are 3 ways to increase your productivity and feel free. 1. Convince yourself first When the US government wanted citizens to consume animal organs (like liver), because most conventional meat…read more
People say things like, “I don’t have these extra university degrees [or qualifications], so I won’t get hired to teach here.” Enter the self-fulfilling prophecy. If you don’t believe it, then it’s probably not going to happen because you’ve given up already. Getting the job you want isn’t about coveting qualifications you don’t have, but presenting what you have, in the best light. Here are…read more
Driving lessons is therapy for someone who’s sat in the front row of a major car accident. But then, everyone struggles to recover from their own traffic wreck situation. There’s a little voice perched beside my shoulder who ensures I don’t think too much: “Keep the car moving and don’t overreact. Look at the world around you.” He never yells, but I know something is wrong when he stage-whispers, agitatedly. I know I’ve done…read more