Local Business Spotlight | Allison Schweitzer
NAME
Allison Schweitzer
COMPANY
Studio AMS
POSITION
Musician & Teacher
WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
Families with Children in 1st - 12th Grades
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK?
I am a musician who has been playing piano and French horn on a freelance basis since I graduated from college in 2005. One of my first long-term gigs was as a contemporary church music director, playing keyboard at a church for a number of years. Families at the church enjoyed my music, and started asking whether I would consider teaching their children how to play piano. Although that wasn't my original intent, I've fallen in love with private teaching - on piano and horn. I also continue to play those instruments regularly.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE think THEY KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
Sometimes people think that as a private instructor of piano & horn, I'm "just a piano teacher." Or, "just a horn teacher." I personally put a ton of effort into my own performance opportunities, volunteering in the community (I've done a lot with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra), going to workshops, working with professional organizations, etc. I work hard so that I can be an extremely savvy and connected teacher for my students.
NAME ONE THING THAT YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
Teaching private music lessons is a big commitment - I save my evenings and weekends for students. I love it - but it does mean I have to miss a lot of other opportunities for networking, going out with friends, occasionally family functions. Be kind to your child's music teacher - they give up a lot to do what they do :-)
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Every student is so different; that forces me to think really creatively on how to teach to his or her individual potential.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Be sure to communicate your expectations to families up front - they don't always know what you need from them, unless you tell them!
WHAT IS THE ONE BOOK THAT YOU THINK I SHOULD READ RIGHT NOW?
David Cutler's The Savvy Musician. Although it's geared toward music business, there are many creative fields that could benefit from the read!
CONTACT ALLISON HERE:
WEBSITE:
EMAIL:
allison.m.schweitzer@gmail.com
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