I can't believe it's already been one year.
Time sure flies when you're singing with incredible humans everyday, helping people on their journey as a musician, and being your own boss. :-) And when the dumpster fire that was 2020 came along, you'd think that would crush a beginning small business, but boy did she flourish amidst the chaos. I will be forever grateful that MTC Music Academy was a creative outlet for so many during such a scary time. And speaking of scary, when I set out to start MTC Music Academy, I was truly terrified. I had talked about starting my own vocal studio for a couple of years and just never gathered the courage to take the leap. What if I fail? What if I put all my heart and soul (and money) into this, quit all my other jobs, and bankrupt my family??
But for some reason, there was a fire ignited inside of me; that same fire that burned so brightly 7 years ago when I quit my job and moved to NYC to follow my dreams; that same fire that launched me back into school to get my Master's Degree; that same fire that told me "baby girl, you're good enough" when I decided to apply to an extremely intimidating training program in Paris. I've learned to listen to that burning in my soul when it says, "LEAP!", because it's never steered me wrong. So that's exactly what I did.
Now don't get me wrong, one of my greatest fears came true. There has been PLENTY of failure. I've thrown so much spaghetti on the wall in this first year of my business and most of it has ended up right in the trash can. But honestly, this is how we grow. This is how we learn. This is how we conquer. (Anyone else instantly imagine Xena Warrior Princess standing on a mountain top?) What I have learned from falling on my face a time or two has only made me a stronger lady boss, teacher, and person. God I LOVE failing! Pre-business owner Tegan might not have said that one year ago, but like I said....this is how we grow. :-)
Now of course, we've had our fair share of successes this year too! And now's the time I'm gonna brag on my little biz and my awesome teachers and students, because it's my business and I can do what I want! (Also...totes ok to brag on yourself friends. Be proud of your accomplishments and shout it from a damn mountain top with Xena Warrior Princess!) Here are a few of my favorite memories looking back over our first year.
- I began this business with 2 students. By our one year anniversary, MTC Music Academy has served 20 students with one on one lessons this year. And even more through our classes and women's choir!
- Speaking of our amazing women's choir...I knew I wanted to be able to expand into all sorts of musical adventures past just one on one lessons, hence our Women's Choir was born...and right when the global pandemic hit. These amazing women were such a gift to me during such a scary time in our world. I will always look back on this time and be so thankful for this sisterhood. ❤
- One of my OG students came to me a few years ago unable to match pitch at all. In walks this bass-y gentleman wanting to sing like Adam Levine. I promised him it would be a journey but we could get there. Fast forward a few years later to just a few months ago where this same gentleman not only matches pitch perfectly now, he sings over 3 octaves, healthily expanding through all of his registers. He's never let anything get him down and even with a full time job as a lawyer, always finds time to practice. He is a true testament to how hard work, perseverance, and consistency pays off!
- Another student came to me for help with her Grad School Advanced Theory class. We met every week and analyzed the crap out of some Chopin. By the end of her lessons, she not only felt like she understood higher level theory for the first time ever, she got an A in her class. ;-) So proud of her!
- Another one of my younger OG students began piano lessons with me 4 years ago. She is a literal sponge that soaks up every single musical thing she can. Her joyful curiosity plus her incredibly bright brain (and another consistent practicer!) has now led her to compose her own songs, sing and play piano, AND she just picked up guitar. She's going to rule the world one day! Mark my words!
- One of our other students auditioned for an elite performing arts school in NYC. Out of 700 students she got a callback and put on the waiting list. She's working hard to audition again this year. We're so proud of her hard work!
- We have a few students who do multiple things in their lessons, (another characteristic of our students that I love), such as voice and piano or ear training and piano. And many adults have JUST started playing piano and because of their other training and hard work, they are progressing so fast! It's never too late to do something you've always wanted to do friends!
- Our first recital was very different as far as recitals go, but we all came together during a very uncertain and terrifying time and made it happen. I was so proud of my students for putting themselves out there on top of everything else we were all dealing with. Now we're about to have our second virtual recital and I can't wait!
- After our first Pop Star Class taught by our awesome teacher, Lynda DeFuria, I got a text message from one of the mothers of one of the students that said, "Omg. What did she do? He doesn't talk to me. He went to practice. WOW!" I'm so proud of hiring the best teachers for my academy and seeing how they inspire our students.
- During our two week break in August, after much rest, relaxation, and wine...I took the last week of our break to completely revamp our model to a membership model. And one of the perks of being an MTC Music Academy member is free masterclasses! Our first couple of masterclasses have been just a joy. Students get to perform and receive valuable feedback, but my ultimate favorite part is when they are meeting each other for the first time and becoming insta-best friends. I think this is one of the things I am most proud of from this year; I'm proud of this incredible community of humans we've brought together. :-)
On a personal note...To be honest, I never thought I'd be able to do something like this. I never considered myself a "business minded" person. I am such a Type A wannabe and math always made me cry. But I look back over this first year and I can't help but be so freaking proud of myself. Look at what I did. I did the damn thing and it was not only successful, it has changed my life for the better. I've always been on a journey of my own to find my strength, my power, my voice, my purpose in this world, and MTC Music Academy, you've shown me just what I'm capable of.
And I'm just getting started. :-)
Thank you to everyone who believed in me and supported me through this adventure! I am forever grateful for your support!!
